Classic Editor vs PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls…
20K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Classic Editor has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 1,225 reviews) and leads in active installations (9.0M+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Editor has accumulated 85M+ total downloads while PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… has 1.8M+. PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… has a higher support resolution rate (100% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Classic Editor | PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1,225 | ◄ | 202 |
| Active Installs | 9.0M+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 85M+ | ◄ | 1.8M+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | ► | 100% |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ► | 3 months ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2017 | |
| Age | 9 years | 9 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.9+ | 5.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.2.4+ | 7.2.5+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.7 | 3.6.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Classic Editor
PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls…
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Classic Editor averaged approximately 12,420 daily downloads while PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… averaged 98.
Recent Reviews
Classic Editor Reviews
Back to Simple
Really helpful if u don’t like the block editor. Feels familiar n easy to work with. Not fancy, but it makes editing way more comfortable for me.
perfect for users who prefer the old WordPress
The Classic Editor plugin is perfect for users who prefer the old WordPress editing experience. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and works flawlessly without any setup. Highly recommended for a simple a
Keeps It Simple
Installed this cz I prefer the old editor. Works exactly as expected, no issues so far. Makes writing posts much easier for me. Would be nicer if it had few more options, but still solid. tnkz devs.
PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… Reviews
Basic functions blocked behind a paywall.
Downloaded the plugin to do one thing. Auto inject a block a couple paragraphs into posts. Blocked behind a paywall. Limited plugin. Block things that enhanced styling help etc not simple functions be
Vey usefull plug-in
Works good for many years.
Great addition to my site.
Awesome, and way easier to use than I thought it would be. No notes.
More Block Editor Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Classic Editor and PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls…
The growing library of 300+ ready-to-use templates that work with all WordPress themes including Astra, Hello, OceanWP, GeneratePress and more
Extends and enhances the block editor (Gutenberg) and the classic editor (TinyMCE).
Disable Gutenberg Block Editor and restore the Classic Editor and original Edit Post screen (TinyMCE, meta boxes, etc.).
Gutenberg block editor with AI. 70+ Gutenberg blocks, patterns, WooCommerce blocks, post grid, gallery, menu with Gutenberg block library.
Blocks Animation allows you to add CSS Animations to all of your Gutenberg blocks in the most elegant way.
GutenKit – Ultimate no-code Gutenberg blocks to design stunning web pages and visually stunning posts in WordPress block editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Classic Editor or PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… more popular?
Which has better ratings — Classic Editor or PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls…?
Are Classic Editor and PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls… free?
Which plugin has better support — Classic Editor or PublishPress Blocks – Block Controls…?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.