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Classic Widgets vs User Role Editor (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

Classic Widgets

Classic Widgets

4.9(263)

2.0M+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 months ago
View Classic Widgets
VS
User Role Editor

User Role Editor

4.5(287)

700K+ active installs

Free

Updated 4 months ago
View User Role Editor

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 700K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Widgets has accumulated 7.3M+ total downloads while User Role Editor has 21M+. Classic Widgets has a higher support resolution rate (25% vs 0%).

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.9/5Classic Widgets
◄
User Role Editor4.5/5
Total Reviews
263Classic Widgets
►
User Role Editor287
Active Installs
2.0M+Classic Widgets
◄
User Role Editor700K+
Total Downloads
7.3M+Classic Widgets
►
User Role Editor21M+
Support Resolution
25%Classic Widgets
◄
User Role Editor0%
Last Updated
3 months agoClassic Widgets
◄
User Role Editor4 months ago
First Released
2021Classic Widgets
User Role Editor2010
Age
5 yearsClassic Widgets
User Role Editor16 years
WP Requires
4.9+Classic Widgets
User Role Editor4.4+
PHP Requires
5.6+Classic Widgets
User Role Editor7.3+
Business Model
FreeClassic Widgets
User Role EditorFree
Latest Version
0.3Classic Widgets
User Role Editor4.64.6

Rating Breakdown

Classic Widgets

4.9/5(263 reviews)
5
96%
4
1%
3
1%
2
0%
1
2%

User Role Editor

4.5/5(287 reviews)
5
85%
4
3%
3
2%
2
1%
1
8%

Recent Reviews

Classic Widgets Reviews

by kinseykinsey

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 👍

by Tavian Hayes

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!

by jrulcova

Great and very helpful plugin

Great widget plugin. The widgets are flexible, easy to style, and they do not slow down the site.

User Role Editor Reviews

by Pk Gibson

Simple and works nicely

This plugin is working well. Thank you for the developer who put lot of time into it. Very nice, lightest and most simple.

by indivisible

Worked great for my site

I’m a DIY self learner, and had a great experience with URE. It has vast capabilities and is organized to make it easy to navigate and apply so many customizations. Very intuitive. On the one occasion

by jen000

Wont save capabilities for custom role

I hate giving bad reviews as I know how much work goes into these plugins, often by one person. But we have wasted so much time and lost orders because of a known bug. I can see that others have rep

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Classic Widgets or User Role Editor more popular?
Classic Widgets has 2.0M+ active installations while User Role Editor has 700K+. Classic Widgets is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Classic Widgets or User Role Editor?
Classic Widgets has a 4.9/5 rating from 263 reviews, while User Role Editor has a 4.5/5 rating from 287 reviews.
Are Classic Widgets and User Role Editor free?
Classic Widgets is free and User Role Editor is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Classic Widgets or User Role Editor?
As of April 2026, Classic Widgets has a 25% support resolution rate while User Role Editor has a 0% rate.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Classic Widgets was last updated 3 months ago and User Role Editor was last updated 4 months ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.