PluginSift

OptionTree vs Custom Global Variables (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

OptionTree

OptionTree

4.7(105)

50K+ active installs

Free

Updated 6 years ago
View OptionTree
VS
Custom Global Variables

Custom Global Variables

5(10)

5.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 years ago
View Custom Global Variables

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Custom Global Variables has a higher user rating (5/5 from 10 reviews) while OptionTree leads in active installations (50K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. OptionTree has accumulated 1.3M+ total downloads while Custom Global Variables has 20K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.7/5OptionTree
►
Custom Global Variables5/5
Total Reviews
105OptionTree
◄
Custom Global Variables10
Active Installs
50K+OptionTree
◄
Custom Global Variables5.0K+
Total Downloads
1.3M+OptionTree
◄
Custom Global Variables20K+
Support Resolution
N/AOptionTree
Custom Global VariablesN/A
Last Updated
6 years agoOptionTree
►
Custom Global Variables3 years ago
First Released
2010OptionTree
Custom Global Variables2016
Age
16 yearsOptionTree
Custom Global Variables10 years
WP Requires
3.8+OptionTree
Custom Global Variables3.0.1+
PHP Requires
5.3.0+OptionTree
Custom Global Variables5.6+
Business Model
FreeOptionTree
Custom Global VariablesFree
Latest Version
2.7.3OptionTree
Custom Global Variables1.1.2

Rating Breakdown

OptionTree

4.7/5(105 reviews)
5
90%
4
2%
3
1%
2
0%
1
8%

Custom Global Variables

5/5(10 reviews)
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Recent Reviews

OptionTree Reviews

by saeed.mzi

easy plugin

Hello, This is a useful plugin, do you have any plan for updating it???

by Edgard_Roul

Genera un aviso de error en modo depuración

Muy buenas. Es muy bueno el plugin. Pero genera un aviso de error cuando tengo activado el modo DEPURACIÓN del WordPress. El mensaje es el siguiente: Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of

by pouyadaraee

will this plugin gonna update?

Hello, This is a useful plugin, do you have any plan for updating it?

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.

by Seb Fontan

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

by Leona

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OptionTree or Custom Global Variables more popular?
OptionTree has 50K+ active installations while Custom Global Variables has 5.0K+. OptionTree is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — OptionTree or Custom Global Variables?
OptionTree has a 4.7/5 rating from 105 reviews, while Custom Global Variables has a 5/5 rating from 10 reviews.
Are OptionTree and Custom Global Variables free?
OptionTree is free and Custom Global Variables is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — OptionTree or Custom Global Variables?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
OptionTree was last updated 6 years ago and Custom Global Variables was last updated 3 years ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.