Classic Editor vs Visual Shortcodes (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
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 100). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Editor has accumulated 85M+ total downloads while Visual Shortcodes has 3.5K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Classic Editor | Visual Shortcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 2.5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1,225 | ◄ | 2 |
| Active Installs | 9.0M+ | ◄ | 100 |
| Total Downloads | 85M+ | ◄ | 3.5K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 13 years ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2011 | |
| Age | 9 years | 15 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.9+ | 3.2.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.2.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.7 | 0.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Classic Editor
Visual Shortcodes
Download Trends
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.
Visual Shortcodes Reviews
No reviews yet
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Classic Editor or Visual Shortcodes more popular?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.