Search & Replace vs Search Exclude (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 Exclude has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 215 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 50K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while Search Exclude has 2.0M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | Search Exclude | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 215 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 50K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 2.0M+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 50% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 2 days ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2012 | |
| Age | 19 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 4.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 2.6.4 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
Search Exclude
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while Search Exclude averaged 1,318.
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 Exclude Reviews
I didn’t know how desperately I needed this plugin
It took me literally years to find out that (for instance) the download pages of my freebies could and would come up in every search result on my page. Thanks to this plugin they don’t anymore and it
Did exactly what was needed
Very helpful plugin
Very Useful & Powerfull
This plugin is THE key to helping our website visitors and customers find what they are looking for. (By blocking all the less important pages that happen to contain popular keywords.)
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Replace and Search Exclude
Relevanssi replaces the default search with a partial-match search that sorts results by relevance. It also indexes comments and shortcode content.
Search Regex adds a powerful set of search and replace functions to WordPress posts, pages, custom post types, and other data.
Advanced WordPress custom search plugin. Provides Search Form Customizer, WooCommerce Search, AJAX Search & Live Search support!
The Best Ajax Live Search and Filter for WordPress. Live suggestions, Custom Post types, Custom fields, Categories, WooCommerce & Elementor support
Set up find and replace rules that are executed AFTER a page is generated by WordPress, but BEFORE it is sent to a user's browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Replace or Search Exclude more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or Search Exclude?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.