Search & Replace vs Add From Server (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Add From Server has a higher user rating (4.6/5 from 239 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 60K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while Add From Server has 1.3M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | Add From Server | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.6/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 239 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 60K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 1.3M+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ◄ | 5 years ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Age | 19 years | 18 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 5.4+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 3.4.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
Add From Server
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while Add From Server averaged 42.
Recent Reviews
Search & Replace Reviews
It still works great
I changed my url, 12 tables with 58 entries . While not a big site, but it was nice. it says not tested in the last 3 versions of WP. Welp, it works in php8.2x and WP 6.8.2
Works fine when changing the domain
I have used this plugin several times for different webpages. Especially when the webpage was moved to other domain. It works fine. Before replace, it’s possible to test and check the results. H
Bulk edits to the database
[Update 12/26/24] I tried using the bulk “CSV Format Search/Replace” feature, but it seems only the latest replacement string is applied. I’ll now try another method, such as using the WP-CLI.—This pl
Add From Server Reviews
Still working
That “outdated 11 year old plugin that over 100k people still insist on using” (description from Github) still works perfectly fine and I haven’t found a good alternative. I would love to see a ver
What an amazing Plugin
Well, first of all, that plugin is amazing. Saved me for sure from unwanted hassle while importing/updating every day WooCommerce products.Daily about 1500-2000 products adding or updating, with av
Does not import Folder Structure to Media Library
What’s the use of importing files from the server if you can’t import the folder structure they are in for organization? I expected the plugin to import files and auto-create a virtual folder in the l
More Import Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Replace and Add From Server
Import your demo content, widgets and theme settings with one click. Theme authors! Enable simple theme demo import for your users.
Easily export or import your WordPress customizer settings!
Import and export users and customers including user meta, roles, and other. Compatible with many plugins. Do it from the front end or using cron.
Astra theme customizer offers several settings for header/footer layout, sidebar and blog designs, colors, backgrounds, typography and much more.
Complete Import & Export solution for Posts, Pages, Custom Post, Users, Taxonomies, Comments etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or Add From Server more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or Add From Server?
Are Search & Replace and Add From Server free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or Add From Server?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.