Search & Filter vs Custom Category Template (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Custom Category Template
2.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Search & Filter has a higher user rating (4.5/5 from 174 reviews) and leads in active installations (50K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Filter has accumulated 950K+ total downloads while Custom Category Template has 39K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Filter | Custom Category Template | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ◄ | 3.3/5 |
| Total Reviews | 174 | ◄ | 9 |
| Active Installs | 50K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 950K+ | ◄ | 39K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2012 | |
| Age | 13 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.5+ | 2.9.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.2.18 | 0.4 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Filter
Custom Category Template
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Filter averaged approximately 182 daily downloads while Custom Category Template averaged 10.
Recent Reviews
Search & Filter Reviews
The instructions on how to change the settings to version 3.X are insufficient a
We were using version 2.X.The instructions on how to change the settings to version 3.X are insufficient and unclear. In addition, when upgrading from 2.X to 3.X, a database error occurs (in secret
Could be developed.
I tried to test the starter (free) version of the plugin with Kadence theme. It is great that is supports filtering via custom taxonomies. The UI of the plugin is outdated. The only way to define filt
The Support is Excellent!
I had an odd problem, which was certain posts and pages appearing in results despite not containing the search term. I submitted a support ticket and got a quick response. Their support was extremely
Custom Category Template Reviews
Great, but can be hard coded
A nice plugin if you don’t have time to hardcode your theme, but overall it works just great. Love using it to make each category have it’s own unique, heavily modified template.
Good plugin!
Thanks author! this plugin is useful.
Simple but functional!
Would be nice to be able selecting also the default template when needed again (is possible when just making duplicate of the org cat template and renaming but that should not be the way to do and is
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Filter or Custom Category Template more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Filter or Custom Category Template?
Are Search & Filter and Custom Category Template free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Filter or Custom Category Template?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.