Search & Filter vs Custom Recent Posts Widget (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Custom Recent Posts Widget
1.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Custom Recent Posts Widget has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 9 reviews) while Search & Filter leads in active installations (50K+ vs 1.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Filter has accumulated 950K+ total downloads while Custom Recent Posts Widget has 51K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Filter | Custom Recent Posts Widget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ► | 4.9/5 |
| Total Reviews | 174 | ◄ | 9 |
| Active Installs | 50K+ | ◄ | 1.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 950K+ | ◄ | 51K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2012 | |
| Age | 13 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.5+ | 3.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.2.18 | 2.1.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Filter
Custom Recent Posts Widget
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Filter averaged approximately 182 daily downloads while Custom Recent Posts Widget averaged 3.
Recent Reviews
Search & Filter Reviews
The instructions on how to change the settings to version 3.X are insufficient a
We were using version 2.X.The instructions on how to change the settings to version 3.X are insufficient and unclear. In addition, when upgrading from 2.X to 3.X, a database error occurs (in secret
Could be developed.
I tried to test the starter (free) version of the plugin with Kadence theme. It is great that is supports filtering via custom taxonomies. The UI of the plugin is outdated. The only way to define filt
The Support is Excellent!
I had an odd problem, which was certain posts and pages appearing in results despite not containing the search term. I submitted a support ticket and got a quick response. Their support was extremely
Custom Recent Posts Widget Reviews
Exactly what I was looking for
very simple to use and can be re-used in multiple areas on the site. Love it!
Exactly what I needed
So simple and functional. Thank you!
Lovely
Easy to use and does everything I need it to without fuss!
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Filter and Custom Recent Posts Widget
Tags, Categories and WordPress terms are easy with TaxoPress. Add a Tag or Category to Pages, manage your WooCommerce Categories and Tags and more.
Adds a widget that shows the most recent posts from a single category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Filter or Custom Recent Posts Widget more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Filter or Custom Recent Posts Widget?
Are Search & Filter and Custom Recent Posts Widget free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Filter or Custom Recent Posts Widget?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.