Column Shortcodes vs Columns (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Column Shortcodes has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 134 reviews) and leads in active installations (60K+ vs 3.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Column Shortcodes has accumulated 894K+ total downloads while Columns has 91K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Column Shortcodes | Columns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 | ◄ | 4.1/5 |
| Total Reviews | 134 | ◄ | 22 |
| Active Installs | 60K+ | ◄ | 3.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 894K+ | ◄ | 91K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 years ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2012 | 2013 | |
| Age | 14 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.8+ | 4.4+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.0.1 | 0.7.3 |
Rating Breakdown
Column Shortcodes
Columns
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Column Shortcodes averaged approximately 37 daily downloads while Columns averaged 3.
Recent Reviews
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.
Columns Reviews
Efficient and simple to use, thank you!
It does not compare with other columns plugins, as it is the simplest I have been able to use. It is perfect when using Disable Gutenberg or such.
Simple and effective
I really like these kind of lean plugins. Maybe it’s not for everyone but it doesn’t add any bloat and I like that. To the people who say this plugin is not responsive. Responsive settings are based
Works nicely but is not responsive
Installed great but on a phone gives two really skinny columns instead of stacking them up.
More Columns Worth Comparing
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Enable Columns, Filters, Quick Edit and Bulk Edit for ACF Fields in WordPress List Tables
Easily add desktop, tablet and mobile friendly columns to your content using an easy to use shortcode.
Adds shortcodes to easily create up to 42 different columned layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Column Shortcodes or Columns more popular?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.