HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter vs Urvanov Syntax Highlighter (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter
50K+ active installs
Free
Urvanov Syntax Highlighter
3.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Urvanov Syntax Highlighter has a higher user rating (4.5/5 from 19 reviews) while HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter leads in active installations (50K+ vs 3.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter has accumulated 590K+ total downloads while Urvanov Syntax Highlighter has 64K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter | Urvanov Syntax Highlighter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 4.5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 110 | ◄ | 19 |
| Active Installs | 50K+ | ◄ | 3.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 590K+ | ◄ | 64K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 2 years ago | ► | 9 months ago |
| First Released | 2012 | 2019 | |
| Age | 14 years | 7 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 6.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.4.4 | 2.9.0 |
Rating Breakdown
HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter
Urvanov Syntax Highlighter
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter averaged approximately 45 daily downloads while Urvanov Syntax Highlighter averaged 26.
Recent Reviews
HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter Reviews
如何在前端文章页面也展示高亮代码效果
这个代码高亮插件是我测试过效果最好的一个，但是只能在后台实现，如何在前端文章页面也使用高亮效果呢
It does its job very well
In the era of Gutenberg and visual builders, as a good old programmer of the past, I need to edit HTML code in the showcase pages of the WordPress sites I create. This plugin is therefore a must-have
The fantastically useful plugin
The fantastical plugin that converts faceless TinyMCE to the powerful tool. The only suggestion is to mark dark/light themes, please
Urvanov Syntax Highlighter Reviews
useless for classic editor users
How about the other half of WordPress users? We stink or what?
Very usefull plugin
Im using it in wordpress 6.4.3. But there is one important thing: it doesnt work with default editor. I installed plugin Classic Editor, now it’s working great!
Wonderfull
I like it a lot. It works great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter or Urvanov Syntax Highlighter more popular?
Which has better ratings — HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter or Urvanov Syntax Highlighter?
Are HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter and Urvanov Syntax Highlighter free?
Which plugin has better support — HTML Editor Syntax Highlighter or Urvanov Syntax Highlighter?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.