Search & Replace vs Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter
80K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 262 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 80K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter has 2.1M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 262 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 80K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 2.1M+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 67% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2012 | |
| Age | 19 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 3.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 4.13.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter averaged 523.
Recent Reviews
Search & Replace Reviews
It still works great
I changed my url, 12 tables with 58 entries . While not a big site, but it was nice. it says not tested in the last 3 versions of WP. Welp, it works in php8.2x and WP 6.8.2
Works fine when changing the domain
I have used this plugin several times for different webpages. Especially when the webpage was moved to other domain. It works fine. Before replace, it’s possible to test and check the results. H
Bulk edits to the database
[Update 12/26/24] I tried using the bulk “CSV Format Search/Replace” feature, but it seems only the latest replacement string is applied. I’ll now try another method, such as using the WP-CLI.—This pl
Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter Reviews
Works as advertised & thanks for support!
Already got thanks from a couple of our website users for the “new, fast search”. Special thanks to Ernest for quick support in our a bit peculiar fine-tuning case.
Long time happy user
This plugin does so much, but more importantly, Ernest and the team provide stellar support, which makes this such a worthy purchase. Have used for 5+ years on various projects.
Fantastic Plugin and Support!
Ajax Search Pro does exactly what I needed it to do: search a complex database of 23,000 rows with simple user controls. I had a very specific situation and Ernest at Ajax support unfailingly and pati
More Search Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Replace and Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter
Relevanssi replaces the default search with a partial-match search that sorts results by relevance. It also indexes comments and shortcode content.
Search Regex adds a powerful set of search and replace functions to WordPress posts, pages, custom post types, and other data.
Advanced WordPress custom search plugin. Provides Search Form Customizer, WooCommerce Search, AJAX Search & Live Search support!
Set up find and replace rules that are executed AFTER a page is generated by WordPress, but BEFORE it is sent to a user's browser.
Advanced WooCommerce product search plugin. Search inside any product field. Support for both AJAX search and search results page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter?
Are Search & Replace and Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or Ajax Search Lite – Live Search & Filter?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.