Search & Filter vs Media Library Categories (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Media Library Categories
20K+ 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 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Filter has accumulated 950K+ total downloads while Media Library Categories has 560K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Filter | Media Library Categories | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ◄ | 4.2/5 |
| Total Reviews | 174 | ◄ | 52 |
| Active Installs | 50K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 950K+ | ◄ | 560K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 10 months ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2013 | |
| Age | 13 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.5+ | 4.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.2.18 | 2.0.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Filter
Media Library Categories
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Filter averaged approximately 182 daily downloads while Media Library Categories averaged 87.
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 The UI of the plugin is outdated.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
Media Library Categories Reviews
Not working anymore
Actually a helpful plugin. But has not been working with WPBakery Page Builder for some time now. Among other things, it blocks adding new images to a gallery. This topic was modified 2 years,
Simple and great
Simple and great plugin for adding category taxonomy to WordPress media.
Works Great
This plugin is great, super helpful. I have been using it to create categories for media items that I then use with Loopers in Theme.co’s Pro theme with Grids and Sliders. Saved me tons of work.
More Category Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Filter and Media Library Categories
Tags, Categories and WordPress terms are easy with TaxoPress. Add a Tag or Category to Pages, manage your WooCommerce Categories and Tags and more.
Adds a widget that shows the most recent posts from a single category.
Allows you to merge terms, move terms between taxonomies, and set term parents, individually or in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search & Filter or Media Library Categories more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Filter or Media Library Categories?
Are Search & Filter and Media Library Categories free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Filter or Media Library Categories?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.