Search & Filter vs Media Library Categories (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

Search & Filter

Search & Filter

4.5(174)

50K+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 months ago
View Search & Filter
VS
Media Library Categories

Media Library Categories

4.2(52)

20K+ active installs

Free

Updated 10 months ago
View Media Library Categories

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

Rating
4.5/5Search & Filter
Media Library Categories4.2/5
Total Reviews
174Search & Filter
Media Library Categories52
Active Installs
50K+Search & Filter
Media Library Categories20K+
Total Downloads
950K+Search & Filter
Media Library Categories560K+
Support Resolution
0%Search & Filter
Media Library CategoriesN/A
Last Updated
3 months agoSearch & Filter
Media Library Categories10 months ago
First Released
2013Search & Filter
Media Library Categories2013
Age
13 yearsSearch & Filter
Media Library Categories13 years
WP Requires
3.5+Search & Filter
Media Library Categories4.0+
PHP Requires
false+Search & Filter
Media Library Categoriesfalse+
Business Model
FreeSearch & Filter
Media Library CategoriesFree
Latest Version
1.2.18Search & Filter
Media Library Categories2.0.2

Rating Breakdown

Search & Filter

4.5/5(174 reviews)
5
84%
4
2%
3
2%
2
4%
1
7%

Media Library Categories

4.2/5(52 reviews)
5
77%
4
4%
3
2%
2
0%
1
17%

Recent Reviews

Search & Filter Reviews

by shinji

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

by saksaksak

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 The UI of the plugin is outdated.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

by lisalindeman

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

by annzo

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,

by strarsis

Simple and great

Simple and great plugin for adding category taxonomy to WordPress media.

by jeffkaiser

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Search & Filter or Media Library Categories more popular?
Search & Filter has 50K+ active installations while Media Library Categories has 20K+. Search & Filter is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Search & Filter or Media Library Categories?
Search & Filter has a 4.5/5 rating from 174 reviews, while Media Library Categories has a 4.2/5 rating from 52 reviews.
Are Search & Filter and Media Library Categories free?
Search & Filter is free and Media Library Categories is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Search & Filter or Media Library Categories?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Search & Filter was last updated 3 months ago and Media Library Categories was last updated 10 months ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.