Search & Replace vs Media Sync (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Media Sync has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 82 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 40K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while Media Sync has 532K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | Media Sync | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 82 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 40K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 532K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 50% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 4 months ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2018 | |
| Age | 19 years | 8 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 5.3+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.1+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 1.4.9 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
Media Sync
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while Media Sync averaged 240.
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
Media Sync Reviews
Great Timesaver!
I backed up a site then brought the staging site live, only to find out they’d ‘forgotten’ several important documents that had been on the old site but not the new one. I was able to restore the file
So useful!
The ideal tool for adding media files via FTP to the media library.Thanks a lot to the developer!
Completly hang the admin
The page simply hangs the server, Javascript crash, when it finally works counts are completly off. I’m not trusting this quality of code with my database.
More Import Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Replace and Media Sync
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.
Add From Server is designed to help ease the pain of bad web hosts, allowing you to upload files via FTP or SSH and later import them into WordPress.
Astra theme customizer offers several settings for header/footer layout, sidebar and blog designs, colors, backgrounds, typography and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or Media Sync more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or Media Sync?
Are Search & Replace and Media Sync free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or Media Sync?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.