Classic Editor vs Advanced Classic Editor (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Advanced Classic Editor
2.0K+ 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 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Editor has accumulated 85M+ total downloads while Advanced Classic Editor has 41K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Classic Editor | Advanced Classic Editor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4.3/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1,225 | ◄ | 9 |
| Active Installs | 9.0M+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 85M+ | ◄ | 41K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2017 | |
| Age | 9 years | 9 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.9+ | 6.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.2.4+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.7 | 3.1.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Classic Editor
Advanced Classic Editor
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Classic Editor averaged approximately 12,737 daily downloads while Advanced Classic Editor averaged 19.
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.
Advanced Classic Editor Reviews
Pretty Much Needed This Plugin
I disliked what the editor was before I installed this plugin. Thank you for the plugin! This topic was modified 11 months ago by kiyasu.
Best TinyMCE addon
This plugin has only 1 competitor: “Advanced editor tools” by Automattic. I mention it because I tested both. Atomattic’s only adds the table and top menu capabilities, while Advanced Classic Editor a
WARNING!!! Terrible, sneaky and shady!
I download this app because it stated it was compatible with my WordPress. However, as soon as I did I received a warning error message on the banner area of my website that stated, “Warning: Illegal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Classic Editor or Advanced Classic Editor more popular?
Which has better ratings — Classic Editor or Advanced Classic Editor?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.