Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin vs The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin
50K+ active installs
Free
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block
20K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 97 reviews) while Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin leads in active installations (50K+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin has accumulated 3.6M+ total downloads while The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has 767K+. The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has a higher support resolution rate (100% vs 67%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin | The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 395 | ◄ | 97 |
| Active Installs | 50K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.6M+ | ◄ | 767K+ |
| Support Resolution | 67% | ► | 100% |
| Last Updated | 2 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2014 | |
| Age | 16 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.2+ | 6.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 8.1+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.6.2 | 3.1.3 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin averaged approximately 196 daily downloads while The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block averaged 125.
Recent Reviews
Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin Reviews
Awesome plugin
Plugin worked as required with straight forward setup. I’m really pleased with how it is working. I did have a question for their support but they were quick to replay.
Great Plug-in & Support
This a great plug-in, comprehensive yet simple interface. Support staff such as John Gachari has been super responsive and helpful in fixing display errors caused by integrations with the Oxygen Build
Love This Plugin
had a minor issue, support answered almost immediately! Helped me fix my issue right away.
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block Reviews
Easy to Use!
The plugin is easy to use and was exactly what we were looking for.
Absolutely Stunning!
Truly a professional, perfect solution! Keep it up, this fits themes and gives me the flexibility to place beautiful event listings where I need them. Excellent code, never any issues. Thank you, Bria
Useful and valuable!
This plugin add value to events calendar plugin! Go on…
More Events Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin and The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block
The Events Calendar: #1 calendar plugin for WordPress. Create/manage events (virtual too!) on your site with the free plugin.
Optimize your appointment scheduling with our plugin. Sync calendars, automate reminders, and keep your bookings organized.
Events calendar with bookings, scheduling, appointments, event registration, tickets, recurring events, and venue management.
The all in one Events Manager for WordPress: create and manage events, sell event tickets online easily. No Coding Required.
Create and maintain events, including complex reoccurring patterns, venue management (with Google Maps or OpenStreetMap), calendars and customisable e …
Lightweight, scalable and full-featured event listings & management plugin for managing events & tickets from the Frontend and Backend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin or The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin or The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block?
Are Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin and The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Calendar – Google Calendar Plugin or The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.