Custom Shortcodes vs Special Text Boxes (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Custom Shortcodes has a higher user rating (5/5 from 1 reviews) and leads in active installations (6.0K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Custom Shortcodes has accumulated 5.7K+ total downloads while Special Text Boxes has 254K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Custom Shortcodes | Special Text Boxes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | ◄ | 3.2/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1 | ► | 21 |
| Active Installs | 6.0K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 5.7K+ | ► | 254K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 17 years ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2009 | |
| Age | 17 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 2.0.2+ | 5.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.0 | 6.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Custom Shortcodes
Special Text Boxes
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Custom Shortcodes averaged approximately 4 daily downloads while Special Text Boxes averaged 24.
Recent Reviews
Custom Shortcodes Reviews
Still works on WP 4.2.2! Really easy to use, love it.
I stumbled upon this seemingly underrated plugin recently and it’s been great, it just works (and STILL works on WP v 4.2.2, even though it hasn’t been updated in many many years). Nothing to configu
Special Text Boxes Reviews
Was Working Well, Until it Didn’t
I’ve been using this plugin for many years and it did exactly what I wanted it to, until recently. After a few updates to WordPress and the improves with PHP, I can no longer type into the “Content” b
old-fasioned
It looks as if the plugin was developed 10 years ago and has not been updated This topic was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by Nikita.
Did not work for me
Gave error message. Don’t know why.
More Text Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Custom Shortcodes and Special Text Boxes
An enhanced version of the text widget that supports Text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flash, Shortcodes and PHP with linkable widget title.
Texty is a lightweight SMS notification plugin for WordPress.
Replace text with other text. Handy for creating shortcuts to common, lengthy, or frequently changing text/HTML, or for smilies.
Change Case adds buttons to change text case in the WordPress visual editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Custom Shortcodes or Special Text Boxes more popular?
Which has better ratings — Custom Shortcodes or Special Text Boxes?
Are Custom Shortcodes and Special Text Boxes free?
Which plugin has better support — Custom Shortcodes or Special Text Boxes?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.