PluginSift

Smart Slider 3 vs MaxSlider (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

Smart Slider 3

Smart Slider 3

4.9(1,119)

800K+ active installs

Free + Premium

Updated 1 week ago
View Smart Slider 3
VS
MaxSlider

MaxSlider

4.7(12)

7.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 11 months ago
View MaxSlider

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Smart Slider 3 has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 1,119 reviews) and leads in active installations (800K+ vs 7.0K+). Both are free + premium WordPress plugins. Smart Slider 3 has accumulated 23M+ total downloads while MaxSlider has 92K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.9/5Smart Slider 3
◄
MaxSlider4.7/5
Total Reviews
1,119Smart Slider 3
◄
MaxSlider12
Active Installs
800K+Smart Slider 3
◄
MaxSlider7.0K+
Total Downloads
23M+Smart Slider 3
◄
MaxSlider92K+
Support Resolution
67%Smart Slider 3
MaxSliderN/A
Last Updated
1 week agoSmart Slider 3
◄
MaxSlider11 months ago
First Released
2015Smart Slider 3
MaxSlider2016
Age
11 yearsSmart Slider 3
MaxSlider10 years
WP Requires
5.0+Smart Slider 3
MaxSlider5.0+
PHP Requires
7.0+Smart Slider 3
MaxSliderfalse+
Business Model
Free + PremiumSmart Slider 3
MaxSliderFree
Latest Version
3.5.1.34Smart Slider 3
MaxSlider1.2.4

Rating Breakdown

Smart Slider 3

4.9/5(1,119 reviews)
5
95%
4
2%
3
0%
2
1%
1
2%

MaxSlider

4.7/5(12 reviews)
5
92%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
8%

Recent Reviews

Smart Slider 3 Reviews

by denisrcekg

Хорош!!

Данный слайдер используется на нашем сайте2 разных слайдера размещены в разных локацияхНемного придётся изучить плагин, чтобы привыкнуть и адаптировать каждый слайд к определённому типу устройств. Даж

by manos555

Stunning visuals without the complexity!

I used Smart Slider 3 for my project and the results are amazing. I’m not a web designer, but this plugin allowed me to create beautiful, professional-looking sliders in no time.What I appreciate most

by vinnyrajput

ONE OF THE BEST SLIDER

I HAVE BEEN USING THIS PLUGIN FOR MULIPLE WEBSITES IT IS BEST.

MaxSlider Reviews

by iacx

Great Slider Plugin

This plugin is simple and complete! Great!

by skylabb

Best slider plugin

This is a great slider what works with Gutenberg editor. Although the settings are not done within the editor, I like the fact that they are managed under a separate space under the admin left column

by omega.gr

Great and clean plugin

I’m very happy with this easy going and clear coding lightweight plugin. Making slides with information in a short time and without any previous knowledge makes this plugin one of my favorites. Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smart Slider 3 or MaxSlider more popular?
Smart Slider 3 has 800K+ active installations while MaxSlider has 7.0K+. Smart Slider 3 is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Smart Slider 3 or MaxSlider?
Smart Slider 3 has a 4.9/5 rating from 1,119 reviews, while MaxSlider has a 4.7/5 rating from 12 reviews.
Are Smart Slider 3 and MaxSlider free?
Smart Slider 3 is free + premium and MaxSlider is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Smart Slider 3 or MaxSlider?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Smart Slider 3 was last updated 1 week ago and MaxSlider was last updated 11 months ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.