Classic Text Widget vs Special Text Boxes (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 Text Widget has a higher user rating (5/5 from 15 reviews) and leads in active installations (2.0K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Text Widget has accumulated 20K+ total downloads while Special Text Boxes has 254K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Classic Text Widget | Special Text Boxes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | ◄ | 3.2/5 |
| Total Reviews | 15 | ► | 21 |
| Active Installs | 2.0K+ | 2.0K+ | |
| Total Downloads | 20K+ | ► | 254K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 6 years ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2009 | |
| Age | 9 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.8+ | 5.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.0.1 | 6.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Classic Text Widget
Special Text Boxes
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Classic Text Widget averaged approximately 5 daily downloads while Special Text Boxes averaged 24.
Recent Reviews
Classic Text Widget Reviews
Lifesaver
The default text widget broke my shortcodes. Thanks for providing an easily solution!
Great For HTML
I was about to make this exact plugin. Thank you for putting this together. Works perfectly!
Wish I Found This Sooner
A week shot, but at least we’re back to pre-update functionality. Thanks a M I L L I O N !!!
Special Text Boxes Reviews
Was Working Well, Until it Didn’t
I’ve been using this plugin for many years and it did exactly what I wanted it to, until recently. After a few updates to WordPress and the improves with PHP, I can no longer type into the “Content” b
old-fasioned
It looks as if the plugin was developed 10 years ago and has not been updated This topic was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by Nikita.
Did not work for me
Gave error message. Don’t know why.
More Text Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Classic Text Widget and Special Text Boxes
An enhanced version of the text widget that supports Text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flash, Shortcodes and PHP with linkable widget title.
Texty is a lightweight SMS notification plugin for WordPress.
Manage custom fields using the insert shortcodes or HTML comment in text of post.
Replace text with other text. Handy for creating shortcuts to common, lengthy, or frequently changing text/HTML, or for smilies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Classic Text Widget or Special Text Boxes more popular?
Which has better ratings — Classic Text Widget or Special Text Boxes?
Are Classic Text Widget and Special Text Boxes free?
Which plugin has better support — Classic Text Widget or Special Text Boxes?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.