Essential Widgets vs HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode)
10K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) has a higher user rating (4.3/5 from 22 reviews) while Essential Widgets leads in active installations (10K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Essential Widgets has accumulated 489K+ total downloads while HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) has 391K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Essential Widgets | HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | ► | 4.3/5 |
| Total Reviews | 2 | ► | 22 |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | 10K+ | |
| Total Downloads | 489K+ | ◄ | 391K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 2 months ago | ► | 5 days ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2009 | |
| Age | 9 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.9+ | 3.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 5.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.0.1 | 2.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Essential Widgets
HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode)
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Essential Widgets averaged approximately 66 daily downloads while HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) averaged 468.
Recent Reviews
Essential Widgets Reviews
alot of useful widgets but in the paid version
A lot of useful widgets but in the paid version. The free one is limited. This topic was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by KJA4U.
Excellent
Excellent
HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) Reviews
Clean and functional sitemaps
In my experience, the HTML Page Sitemap– plug-in does exactly what it says. It lets one create a clean looking and functional html-sitemap, which has proved very useful to me. Cudos to the developer.
works as expected
thanks
My GO-TO for working on the site
I have had this Plug-in installed on every site I own or manage (currently 46 sites) for years, and it is invaluable to me to see the hierarchy tree and get to the page I want. I never have the
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Essential Widgets or HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) more popular?
Which has better ratings — Essential Widgets or HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode)?
Are Essential Widgets and HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode) free?
Which plugin has better support — Essential Widgets or HTML Page Sitemap (Block and Shortcode)?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.