Enhanced Text Widget vs Custom Shortcodes (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) while Enhanced Text Widget leads in active installations (30K+ vs 6.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Enhanced Text Widget has accumulated 849K+ total downloads while Custom Shortcodes has 5.7K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Enhanced Text Widget | Custom Shortcodes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 50 | ◄ | 1 |
| Active Installs | 30K+ | ◄ | 6.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 849K+ | ◄ | 5.7K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ◄ | 17 years ago |
| First Released | 2011 | 2009 | |
| Age | 15 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.6+ | 2.0.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.7 | 1.0 |
Rating Breakdown
Enhanced Text Widget
Custom Shortcodes
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Enhanced Text Widget averaged approximately 38 daily downloads while Custom Shortcodes averaged 4.
Recent Reviews
Enhanced Text Widget Reviews
Very Helpful, Great Support
Been using this plugin for years, and we are 100% satisfied. Works as promised, with very little fuss. Amazing support from a free plugin. Many thanks to the developers.
I’ve used and loved this plugin for years!
This is the best plugin to add PHP via a widget.
Fast and appropriate support…
<!– wp:paragraph –> <p class=””>Recent support really good, changing to 5 stars…</p> <!– /wp:paragraph –> This topic was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by crzyhrse.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enhanced Text Widget or Custom Shortcodes more popular?
Which has better ratings — Enhanced Text Widget or Custom Shortcodes?
Are Enhanced Text Widget and Custom Shortcodes free?
Which plugin has better support — Enhanced Text Widget or Custom Shortcodes?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.