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Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) vs Smart Syntax (2026)

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

Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)

Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)

3.3(84)

1.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 months ago
View Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
VS
Smart Syntax

Smart Syntax

5(3)

10 active installs

Free

Updated 9 years ago
View Smart Syntax

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Smart Syntax has a higher user rating (5/5 from 3 reviews) while Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) leads in active installations (1.0K+ vs 10). Both are free WordPress plugins. Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) has accumulated 116K+ total downloads while Smart Syntax has 4.6K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
3.3/5Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
►
Smart Syntax5/5
Total Reviews
84Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
◄
Smart Syntax3
Active Installs
1.0K+Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
◄
Smart Syntax10
Total Downloads
116K+Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
◄
Smart Syntax4.6K+
Support Resolution
N/AMarkdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart SyntaxN/A
Last Updated
3 months agoMarkdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
◄
Smart Syntax9 years ago
First Released
2017Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart Syntax2014
Age
9 yearsMarkdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart Syntax12 years
WP Requires
6.2+Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart Syntax3.8+
PHP Requires
7.4+Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart Syntaxfalse+
Business Model
FreeMarkdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart SyntaxFree
Latest Version
4.2.1Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Smart Syntax1.0.2

Rating Breakdown

Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)

3.3/5(84 reviews)
5
52%
4
4%
3
4%
2
2%
1
38%

Smart Syntax

5/5(3 reviews)
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Recent Reviews

Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) Reviews

by leanderlindahl

No markdown

I would have to agree with the other reviews/comments. No markdown.

by dramsuko

can’t use markdown editor!!

can’t use markdown editor!!

by jakeparis

Plugin doesn’t deliver markdown

I believe this plugin is in violation of the WordPress terms. You can’t access its main feature “markdown editor” without paying. The free version only has a dark mode/light mode toggle.

Smart Syntax Reviews

No reviews yet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) or Smart Syntax more popular?
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) has 1.0K+ active installations while Smart Syntax has 10. Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) or Smart Syntax?
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) has a 3.3/5 rating from 84 reviews, while Smart Syntax has a 5/5 rating from 3 reviews.
Are Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) and Smart Syntax free?
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) is free and Smart Syntax is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) or Smart Syntax?
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?
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) was last updated 3 months ago and Smart Syntax was last updated 9 years ago.

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