CMB2 vs Custom Global Variables (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Custom Global Variables
5.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, CMB2 has a higher user rating (5/5 from 91 reviews) and leads in active installations (300K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. CMB2 has accumulated 5.0M+ total downloads while Custom Global Variables has 20K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | CMB2 | Custom Global Variables | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 | |
| Total Reviews | 91 | ◄ | 10 |
| Active Installs | 300K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 5.0M+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 2 years ago | ◄ | 3 years ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2016 | |
| Age | 12 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.8.0+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.11.0 | 1.1.2 |
Rating Breakdown
CMB2
Custom Global Variables
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, CMB2 averaged approximately 561 daily downloads while Custom Global Variables averaged 6.
Recent Reviews
CMB2 Reviews
Super useful!
Thank you for your hard work!One of the best plugin for developers. Simple and effective.
Simple and free and much better than advance custom fields
Simple and free and much better than advance custom fields
Powerfull
Powerfull, Simple and Clean
Custom Global Variables Reviews
Thanks For This GREAT Plugin!!!
I am not one to leave reviews. But have to let you all know what a Godsend this plugin has been to me and my team!! So simple, yet so effective. Thanks again and keep up the great work.
The best custom shortcode plugin for agencies!
I’ve been using CGV for a few years now. At our agency, it’s become one of our go-to plugins and is installed on virtually all of our sites. No other plugin allows you to create and manage custom vari
Exactly what I was looking for.
I needed a way of presenting some data in multiple locations, being a web developer I knew I could use variables but didn’t want to edit the core app or theme, so this fitted my requirements like a gl
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMB2 or Custom Global Variables more popular?
Which has better ratings — CMB2 or Custom Global Variables?
Are CMB2 and Custom Global Variables free?
Which plugin has better support — CMB2 or Custom Global Variables?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.