Custom PHP Settings 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, Custom Global Variables has a higher user rating (5/5 from 10 reviews) while Custom PHP Settings leads in active installations (10K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Custom PHP Settings has accumulated 408K+ total downloads while Custom Global Variables has 20K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Custom PHP Settings | Custom Global Variables | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 15 | ◄ | 10 |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 408K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 4 months ago | ◄ | 3 years ago |
| First Released | 2019 | 2016 | |
| Age | 7 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.1.0+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.4.1 | 1.1.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Custom PHP Settings
Custom Global Variables
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Custom PHP Settings averaged approximately 54 daily downloads while Custom Global Variables averaged 6.
Recent Reviews
Custom PHP Settings Reviews
very bad
THE worst
Bad got worse
The plugin is badly coded… could be handy but since last updates it has decided you needed a premium to set vars like post_max_size This topic was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by cantoute
Amazing so Simple
This is an awesome plugin, works like a charm. Thank you. This topic was modified 3 years, 4 months ago by deffectrix.
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
More Settings Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Custom PHP Settings and Custom Global Variables
Import your demo content, widgets and theme settings with one click. Theme authors! Enable simple theme demo import for your users.
Astra theme customizer offers several settings for header/footer layout, sidebar and blog designs, colors, backgrounds, typography and much more.
Theme Options UI Builder for WordPress. A simple way to create & save Theme Options and Meta Boxes for free or premium themes.
Catch Themes Demo Import is a simple and easy-to-use demo importer WordPress plugin that allows you to import the theme demo data Based on One Click D …
This plugin provides a very flexible way to show posts anywhere on a site using a shortcode. It works with any theme. Weaver Show Posts is by far the …
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Custom PHP Settings or Custom Global Variables more popular?
Which has better ratings — Custom PHP Settings or Custom Global Variables?
Are Custom PHP Settings and Custom Global Variables free?
Which plugin has better support — Custom PHP Settings or Custom Global Variables?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.