Search & Replace vs Search Regex (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Search Regex has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 97 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 100K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while Search Regex has 2.4M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | Search Regex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 97 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | 100K+ | |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 2.4M+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2007 | |
| Age | 19 years | 19 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 6.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 3.4.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
Search Regex
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while Search Regex averaged 886.
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
Search Regex Reviews
Handy for search-and-replace, but “Delete Matches” is dangerous
This plugin does a great job when you just want to find and replace text across your site. The interface is clear, the regex support works well, and the preview feature is very useful. However, the
Amazing
Dear John, you are so GODLEY!! thank you for this wonderful super helpful plugin! May I buy you a ticket to Disneyland?? 😉
Incredibly powerful!
Incredibly powerful search tool for your dashboard, especially useful if, for example, you’ve moved to a new server (or a new site structure), or someone’s changed their name, or any other reason you
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or Search Regex more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or Search Regex?
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Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or Search Regex?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.