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Classic Widgets vs Custom Templates (2026)

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

Classic Widgets

Classic Widgets

4.9(263)

2.0M+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 months ago
View Classic Widgets
VS
Custom Templates

Custom Templates

0(0)

40 active installs

Free

Updated 9 years ago
View Custom Templates

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Classic Widgets has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 263 reviews) and leads in active installations (2.0M+ vs 40). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Widgets has accumulated 7.3M+ total downloads while Custom Templates has 2.9K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.9/5Classic Widgets
◄
Custom TemplatesN/A
Total Reviews
263Classic Widgets
◄
Custom Templates0
Active Installs
2.0M+Classic Widgets
◄
Custom Templates40
Total Downloads
7.3M+Classic Widgets
◄
Custom Templates2.9K+
Support Resolution
25%Classic Widgets
Custom TemplatesN/A
Last Updated
3 months agoClassic Widgets
◄
Custom Templates9 years ago
First Released
2021Classic Widgets
Custom Templates2016
Age
5 yearsClassic Widgets
Custom Templates10 years
WP Requires
4.9+Classic Widgets
Custom Templates4.4+
PHP Requires
5.6+Classic Widgets
Custom Templatesfalse+
Business Model
FreeClassic Widgets
Custom TemplatesFree
Latest Version
0.3Classic Widgets
Custom Templates1.2.1

Rating Breakdown

Classic Widgets

4.9/5(263 reviews)
5
96%
4
1%
3
1%
2
0%
1
2%

Custom Templates

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

Recent Reviews

Classic Widgets Reviews

by kinseykinsey

Works Like Before

Does exactly what I needed. Brought back the old widget system without any issues. Super easy to use, no extra setup needed. tnx to devs, saved my time 👍

by Tavian Hayes

Old Widgets Back

Installed Classic Widgets cz I prefer the old widget screen. Works exactly like before and keeps things simple. No confusion with block widgets anymore. Really glad this exists. Tnkz devs!

by jrulcova

Great and very helpful plugin

Great widget plugin. The widgets are flexible, easy to style, and they do not slow down the site.

Custom Templates Reviews

No reviews yet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Classic Widgets or Custom Templates more popular?
Classic Widgets has 2.0M+ active installations while Custom Templates has 40. Classic Widgets is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Classic Widgets or Custom Templates?
Classic Widgets has a 4.9/5 rating from 263 reviews, while Custom Templates has a 0/5 rating from 0 reviews.
Are Classic Widgets and Custom Templates free?
Classic Widgets is free and Custom Templates is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Classic Widgets or Custom Templates?
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?
Classic Widgets was last updated 3 months ago and Custom Templates was last updated 9 years ago.

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