Columns vs Grid 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, Grid Shortcodes has a higher user rating (5/5 from 10 reviews) while Columns leads in active installations (3.0K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Columns has accumulated 91K+ total downloads while Grid Shortcodes has 24K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columns | Grid Shortcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 22 | ◄ | 10 |
| Active Installs | 3.0K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 91K+ | ◄ | 24K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 100% | |
| Last Updated | 8 years ago | ► | 2 months ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2015 | |
| Age | 13 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.4+ | 3.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 0.7.3 | 1.1.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Columns
Grid Shortcodes
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Columns averaged approximately 3 daily downloads while Grid Shortcodes averaged 6.
Recent Reviews
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.
Grid Shortcodes Reviews
Nice Plugin
Easy to use an very simple to configure.
Excelente
Trabaja con los bloques de Gutenberg y acepta html. Fantastico
Great idea!
Finally someone has developed this simple and very useful plugin. Thank you so much, dev!
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Adds shortcodes to easily create up to 42 different columned layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columns or Grid Shortcodes more popular?
Which has better ratings — Columns or Grid Shortcodes?
Are Columns and Grid Shortcodes free?
Which plugin has better support — Columns or Grid Shortcodes?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.