Search & Replace vs WP Import Export Lite (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 & Replace has a higher user rating (4.3/5 from 282 reviews) and leads in active installations (100K+ vs 50K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while WP Import Export Lite has 915K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | WP Import Export Lite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ◄ | 4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 113 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 50K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 915K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 100% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 8 months ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2019 | |
| Age | 19 years | 7 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 4.4+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 3.9.30 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
WP Import Export Lite
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while WP Import Export Lite averaged 150.
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
WP Import Export Lite Reviews
Awesome
A very simple, but extremely functional and working application. Thank you very much, I quickly solved the problems of synchronizing two inconsistent databases. Everything is very convenient.
Worst plugin
Time wasting
Contacted support via website and they solved my issue
I was having trouble with a custom function on my export, and they took care of it in short order and fixed it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or WP Import Export Lite more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or WP Import Export Lite?
Are Search & Replace and WP Import Export Lite free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or WP Import Export Lite?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.