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Options Framework vs Custom Global Variables (2026)

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

Options Framework

Options Framework

4.8(27)

10K+ active installs

Free

Updated 8 years ago
View Options Framework
VS
Custom Global Variables

Custom Global Variables

5(10)

5.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 years ago
View Custom Global Variables

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Custom Global Variables has a higher user rating (5/5 from 10 reviews) while Options Framework leads in active installations (10K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Options Framework has accumulated 1.5M+ total downloads while Custom Global Variables has 20K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.8/5Options Framework
►
Custom Global Variables5/5
Total Reviews
27Options Framework
◄
Custom Global Variables10
Active Installs
10K+Options Framework
◄
Custom Global Variables5.0K+
Total Downloads
1.5M+Options Framework
◄
Custom Global Variables20K+
Support Resolution
N/AOptions Framework
Custom Global VariablesN/A
Last Updated
8 years agoOptions Framework
►
Custom Global Variables3 years ago
First Released
2011Options Framework
Custom Global Variables2016
Age
15 yearsOptions Framework
Custom Global Variables10 years
WP Requires
3.6+Options Framework
Custom Global Variables3.0.1+
PHP Requires
false+Options Framework
Custom Global Variables5.6+
Business Model
FreeOptions Framework
Custom Global VariablesFree
Latest Version
1.8.5Options Framework
Custom Global Variables1.1.2

Rating Breakdown

Options Framework

4.8/5(27 reviews)
5
93%
4
4%
3
0%
2
0%
1
4%

Custom Global Variables

5/5(10 reviews)
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Recent Reviews

Options Framework Reviews

by masterbip

EL MEJOR DEL MUNDO MUNDIAL / The best of the hole world!!!!

Lo vengo usando en su version template desde hace años, lo sigo, he donado porque se lo merecen. Realmente es el mejor del mundo mundial. Ahora comenzare con el Plugin para tener una version actualiza

by Saiful Islam

Best Theme Option plugin for WordPress

Options Framework is one of best WordPress theme. I like it very much.

by Ishko

Time saver

Great plugin. Follow the video from the dev and you’re good.

Custom Global Variables Reviews

Thanks For This GREAT Plugin!!!

I am not one to leave reviews. But have to let you all know what a Godsend this plugin has been to me and my team!! So simple, yet so effective. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

by Seb Fontan

The best custom shortcode plugin for agencies!

I’ve been using CGV for a few years now. At our agency, it’s become one of our go-to plugins and is installed on virtually all of our sites. No other plugin allows you to create and manage custom vari

by Leona

Exactly what I was looking for.

I needed a way of presenting some data in multiple locations, being a web developer I knew I could use variables but didn’t want to edit the core app or theme, so this fitted my requirements like a gl

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Options Framework or Custom Global Variables more popular?
Options Framework has 10K+ active installations while Custom Global Variables has 5.0K+. Options Framework is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Options Framework or Custom Global Variables?
Options Framework has a 4.8/5 rating from 27 reviews, while Custom Global Variables has a 5/5 rating from 10 reviews.
Are Options Framework and Custom Global Variables free?
Options Framework is free and Custom Global Variables is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Options Framework or Custom Global Variables?
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?
Options Framework was last updated 8 years ago and Custom Global Variables was last updated 3 years ago.

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