Classic Widgets vs Classic Editor + (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 Widgets has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 263 reviews) and leads in active installations (2.0M+ vs 50K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Widgets has accumulated 7.3M+ total downloads while Classic Editor + has 642K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Classic Widgets | Classic Editor + | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | |
| Total Reviews | 263 | ◄ | 31 |
| Active Installs | 2.0M+ | ◄ | 50K+ |
| Total Downloads | 7.3M+ | ◄ | 642K+ |
| Support Resolution | 25% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ► | 2 months ago |
| First Released | 2021 | 2018 | |
| Age | 5 years | 8 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.9+ | 4.9+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 0.3 | 4.4.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Classic Widgets
Classic Editor +
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Classic Widgets averaged approximately 2,179 daily downloads while Classic Editor + averaged 118.
Recent Reviews
Classic Widgets Reviews
Works Like Before
Does exactly what I needed. Brought back the old widget system without any issues. Super easy to use, no extra setup needed. tnx to devs, saved my time 👍
Old Widgets Back
Installed Classic Widgets cz I prefer the old widget screen. Works exactly like before and keeps things simple. No confusion with block widgets anymore. Really glad this exists. Tnkz devs!
Great and very helpful plugin
Great widget plugin. The widgets are flexible, easy to style, and they do not slow down the site.
Classic Editor + Reviews
WP 6.8.2 breaks ability to chnage the font colour.
Thank you for this plugin that I’ve used for years without a glitch. However, the latest WP update stops this plugin from offering to change the font colour. No colour palatte appears in Visual
Perfect!
Does it’s thing and does it well. Kicks butt!
Pineapple is delicious indeed
Everything that kill Gutenberg is my friend.
More Classic Widgets Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Classic Widgets and Classic Editor +
Flexible sidebars for custom classic widget configurations on any page or post. Create custom sidebars with ease!
Widget Options gives you control over widgets and Gutenberg blocks across pages, posts, and custom post types to manage content visibility.
Display new sidebars on any post, page, category etc. Works with Classic Widgets, Block Widgets, and all themes!
Disables Gutenberg editor totally everywhere and enables Classic Editor and Classic Widgets.
Restore the classic widgets screen as a new menu item without replacing new block-based widgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.