WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… vs Columns (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes…
400K+ active installs
Free + Premium
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 5,919 reviews) and leads in active installations (400K+ vs 3.0K+). Both are free + premium WordPress plugins. WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… has accumulated 24M+ total downloads while Columns has 91K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… | Columns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4.1/5 |
| Total Reviews | 5,919 | ◄ | 22 |
| Active Installs | 400K+ | ◄ | 3.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 24M+ | ◄ | 91K+ |
| Support Resolution | 75% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2011 | 2013 | |
| Age | 15 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.0+ | 4.4+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free + Premium | Free | |
| Latest Version | 7.5.0 | 0.7.3 |
Rating Breakdown
WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes…
Columns
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… averaged approximately 6,502 daily downloads while Columns averaged 3.
Recent Reviews
WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… Reviews
Great Plugin
Very convenient and helpful Plugin
No Support
The plugin is good as long as it works, but it does not always, and then you need help. Which, unfortunately, you will not get from this company. All the money you have spent is then gone. This month,
Easy and very helpful
The Shortcodes Ultimate plug-in adds a lot of functionality to my websites. I’ve been using it for years now and stil very happy. Thanks! This topic was modified 3 weeks, 2 days ago by kimvl.
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
Top alternatives in the same category as WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… and Columns
Take control of your WordPress admin list tables. Add, remove, and reorder columns for posts, users, media, and more - no coding needed.
Enable Columns, Filters, Quick Edit and Bulk Edit for ACF Fields in WordPress List Tables
Adds shortcodes to easily create up to 42 different columned layouts.
Easily add desktop, tablet and mobile friendly columns to your content using an easy to use shortcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… or Columns more popular?
Which has better ratings — WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… or Columns?
Are WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… and Columns free?
Which plugin has better support — WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes… or Columns?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.