Admin Columns vs Column 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, Admin Columns has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 1,650 reviews) and leads in active installations (100K+ vs 60K+). Both are free + premium WordPress plugins. Admin Columns has accumulated 3.1M+ total downloads while Column Shortcodes has 894K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Admin Columns | Column Shortcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1,650 | ◄ | 134 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 60K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.1M+ | ◄ | 894K+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 4 days ago | ◄ | 3 years ago |
| First Released | 2011 | 2012 | |
| Age | 15 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.9+ | 4.8+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free + Premium | Free | |
| Latest Version | 7.0.14 | 1.0.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Admin Columns
Column Shortcodes
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Admin Columns averaged approximately 2,066 daily downloads while Column Shortcodes averaged 37.
Recent Reviews
Admin Columns Reviews
Great plugin
Simply great!
Nice to see what you want to see
I’m not sure why this isn’t something available by default without the need for a plugin. But since it isn’t, it is nice to be able to add it back in where it belongs.
Top
Très bon plugin
Column Shortcodes Reviews
Basic column shortcode, I’m sure there are better ones out there.
I only use this because it’s what my client already had installed and they’ve been using it for years. When I asked why I can’t align content vertically within a column I was simply told, “it can’t do
Perfect
Perfect plugin! Thanks a lot.
Easy to use
Simple and easy to use, that is the reason I like it.
More Column Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Admin Columns and Column Shortcodes
Make entire columns, sections and containers clickable in Elementor — improve navigation and user experience with just one link.
Easily equalize the height of columns or any collection of elements.
With the ACF Columns plugin it is possible to arrange ACF fields in column groups in the post editor.
Turbo charge your posts admin for any custom post type with sortable filters and columns, and auto-registration of metaboxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Admin Columns or Column Shortcodes more popular?
Which has better ratings — Admin Columns or Column Shortcodes?
Are Admin Columns and Column Shortcodes free?
Which plugin has better support — Admin Columns or Column Shortcodes?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.