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Root Relative URLs vs Smart User Slug Hider (2026)

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

Root Relative URLs

Root Relative URLs

2.9(20)

6.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 8 years ago
View Root Relative URLs
VS
Smart User Slug Hider

Smart User Slug Hider

4.9(55)

3.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 1 year ago
View Smart User Slug Hider

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Smart User Slug Hider has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 55 reviews) while Root Relative URLs leads in active installations (6.0K+ vs 3.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Root Relative URLs has accumulated 77K+ total downloads while Smart User Slug Hider has 53K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
2.9/5Root Relative URLs
►
Smart User Slug Hider4.9/5
Total Reviews
20Root Relative URLs
►
Smart User Slug Hider55
Active Installs
6.0K+Root Relative URLs
◄
Smart User Slug Hider3.0K+
Total Downloads
77K+Root Relative URLs
◄
Smart User Slug Hider53K+
Support Resolution
N/ARoot Relative URLs
Smart User Slug HiderN/A
Last Updated
8 years agoRoot Relative URLs
►
Smart User Slug Hider1 year ago
First Released
2011Root Relative URLs
Smart User Slug Hider2014
Age
15 yearsRoot Relative URLs
Smart User Slug Hider12 years
WP Requires
3.2.1+Root Relative URLs
Smart User Slug Hider4.0+
PHP Requires
false+Root Relative URLs
Smart User Slug Hider5.4+
Business Model
FreeRoot Relative URLs
Smart User Slug HiderFree
Latest Version
2.3Root Relative URLs
Smart User Slug Hider4.0.6

Rating Breakdown

Root Relative URLs

2.9/5(20 reviews)
5
40%
4
0%
3
10%
2
10%
1
40%

Smart User Slug Hider

4.9/5(55 reviews)
5
96%
4
0%
3
2%
2
0%
1
2%

Recent Reviews

Root Relative URLs Reviews

by casper

Love the idea BUT

Unfortunately this is incompatible with Ninja Forms’ recaptcha; it breaks the Ajax call. I would personally love to see WordPress adopt a root-relative philosophy because I think absolute URLs are st

by Nurgiel

This is wrong…

You shouldn’t use this plugin, it will break everything. Enjoy the hell.

by nickkeenan

This is not a good strategy for site deployment

This is just not a good idea for the long term health of a site’s database. There’s a number of great database migration tools – including hosting tools – that should be used when transitioning a sit

Smart User Slug Hider Reviews

by briannie

Sad Loss

What a pity that the author is retiring and feels he can no longer support this plugin because it really did do the job and very well indeed. I do hope someone will pick up the coding and get it work

by Terrettgnome

Does exactly as required!

Does exactly what it says and minimal set up required. Just what I needed, thanks! I had an idea inspired by a kids’ educational app that self-generates memorable passwords that might be good for a

by burneplasmafire

Good plugin

I used a different user slug hider in the past and when it stopped being updated I switched to this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Root Relative URLs or Smart User Slug Hider more popular?
Root Relative URLs has 6.0K+ active installations while Smart User Slug Hider has 3.0K+. Root Relative URLs is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Root Relative URLs or Smart User Slug Hider?
Root Relative URLs has a 2.9/5 rating from 20 reviews, while Smart User Slug Hider has a 4.9/5 rating from 55 reviews.
Are Root Relative URLs and Smart User Slug Hider free?
Root Relative URLs is free and Smart User Slug Hider is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Root Relative URLs or Smart User Slug Hider?
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?
Root Relative URLs was last updated 8 years ago and Smart User Slug Hider was last updated 1 year ago.

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