Simple Lightbox vs Custom Preloader (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Simple Lightbox has a higher user rating (4.3/5 from 236 reviews) and leads in active installations (100K+ vs 90). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Lightbox has accumulated 3.0M+ total downloads while Custom Preloader has 15K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Lightbox | Custom Preloader | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ◄ | 3.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 236 | ◄ | 7 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 90 |
| Total Downloads | 3.0M+ | ◄ | 15K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2014 | |
| Age | 16 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 4.x+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.20+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.5 | 2.0 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Lightbox
Custom Preloader
Download Trends
Recent Reviews
Simple Lightbox Reviews
Does not do anything
Just does not work. This topic was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by Benjamin Stocker.
Worked straight out of the box!
Couldn’t be simpler. Downloaded, installed, activated and now all my post images open in a lightbox. Brilliant!
Simple Yet Awesome
I like the simplicity of the plugin and it works with WP native image block. The ability to automatically group single images on a page or post and browse through them in the model box is great.
Custom Preloader Reviews
No reviews yet
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Simple Lightbox and Custom Preloader
Formerly Easy Fancybox. The most popular WordPress lightbox plugin. Simple, fast, and responsive. Opens images, videos, PDFs, and custom popups.
A simple image widget that uses the native WordPress media manager to add image widgets to your site.
The most popular lightbox plugin and responsive gallery builder for WordPress.
reSmush.it is the FREE image compressor and optimizer plugin - use it to optimize your images and improve the SEO and performance of your website.
Adds an image or icon in the menu items. You can choose the position of the image (after, before, above, below) or even hide the menu item title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Lightbox or Custom Preloader more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Lightbox or Custom Preloader?
Are Simple Lightbox and Custom Preloader free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Lightbox or Custom Preloader?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.