Classic Editor vs DirectEdit (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Classic Editor has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 1,225 reviews) and leads in active installations (9.0M+ vs 10). Both are free WordPress plugins. Classic Editor has accumulated 85M+ total downloads while DirectEdit has 5.2K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Classic Editor | DirectEdit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1,225 | ◄ | 7 |
| Active Installs | 9.0M+ | ◄ | 10 |
| Total Downloads | 85M+ | ◄ | 5.2K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 11 years ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2013 | |
| Age | 9 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.9+ | 3.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.2.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.7 | 1.0.4 |
Rating Breakdown
Classic Editor
DirectEdit
Download Trends
Recent Reviews
Classic Editor Reviews
Back to Simple
Really helpful if u don’t like the block editor. Feels familiar n easy to work with. Not fancy, but it makes editing way more comfortable for me.
perfect for users who prefer the old WordPress
The Classic Editor plugin is perfect for users who prefer the old WordPress editing experience. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and works flawlessly without any setup. Highly recommended for a simple a
Keeps It Simple
Installed this cz I prefer the old editor. Works exactly as expected, no issues so far. Makes writing posts much easier for me. Would be nicer if it had few more options, but still solid. tnkz devs.
DirectEdit Reviews
No reviews yet
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Classic Editor and DirectEdit
The Elementor Website Builder has it all: drag and drop page builder, Atomic Editor, pixel perfect design, global and reusable style systems, mobile r …
Enables the previous "classic" widgets settings screens in Appearance - Widgets and the Customizer. Disables the block editor from managing widgets.
Extends and enhances the block editor (Gutenberg) and the classic editor (TinyMCE).
Power-up Gutenberg with advanced blocks for faster website creation. Build your WordPress website effortlessly using powerful building blocks!
User Role Editor WordPress plugin makes user roles and capabilities changing easy. Edit/add/delete WordPress user roles and capabilities.
20+ AI-powered Gutenberg Blocks with endless options, enabling top-notch efficiency for high-performance dynamic website creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Classic Editor or DirectEdit more popular?
Which has better ratings — Classic Editor or DirectEdit?
Are Classic Editor and DirectEdit free?
Which plugin has better support — Classic Editor or DirectEdit?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.