Link Library vs Custom Meta Widget (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 Meta Widget has a higher user rating (5/5 from 23 reviews) while Link Library leads in active installations (10K+ vs 8.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Link Library has accumulated 2.4M+ total downloads while Custom Meta Widget has 218K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Link Library | Custom Meta Widget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 97 | ◄ | 23 |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | ◄ | 8.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 2.4M+ | ◄ | 218K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 6 days ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2005 | 2011 | |
| Age | 21 years | 15 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.4+ | 2.8+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 7.8.8 | 1.5.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Link Library
Custom Meta Widget
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Link Library averaged approximately 248 daily downloads while Custom Meta Widget averaged 4.
Recent Reviews
Link Library Reviews
Simple. Powerful. Useful.
One of the most useful plugins on all of WordPress. It has been, and remains, a classic.
Needs a little TLC
Nice plugin but throws 4 ‘Function wp_enqueue_style was called incorrectly’ PHP Notices. Would be nice to have the option to turn off the various scripts and styles it adds, as due to the above, yo
5⭐ Simple to get started, with lots of advanced options
Simple to get started, with lots of advanced options. It’s easy to dive right in and start adding your links – very intuitive. Only later do you start to realise just how many advanced options ther
Custom Meta Widget Reviews
good……
but only one custom link can be added 🙁
Semplice e essenziale
Un plugin semplice e leggero, ma utilissimo e essenziale per un sito. Grazie!
Great convenience!
I didn’t need to do anything else other than activating the plugin. The meta menu with Feeds and WordPress.org link where gone. Thank you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.