Search Regex vs Category Search (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 Regex has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 97 reviews) and leads in active installations (100K+ vs 30). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search Regex has accumulated 2.4M+ total downloads while Category Search has 7.8K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search Regex | Category Search | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ◄ | N/A |
| Total Reviews | 97 | ◄ | 0 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 30 |
| Total Downloads | 2.4M+ | ◄ | 7.8K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 11 years ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Age | 19 years | 18 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.5+ | 2.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.4.1 | 1.0.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Search Regex
Category Search
Download Trends
Recent Reviews
Search Regex Reviews
Handy for search-and-replace, but “Delete Matches” is dangerous
This plugin does a great job when you just want to find and replace text across your site. The interface is clear, the regex support works well, and the preview feature is very useful. However, the
Amazing
Dear John, you are so GODLEY!! thank you for this wonderful super helpful plugin! May I buy you a ticket to Disneyland?? 😉
Incredibly powerful!
Incredibly powerful search tool for your dashboard, especially useful if, for example, you’ve moved to a new server (or a new site structure), or someone’s changed their name, or any other reason you
Category Search Reviews
No reviews yet
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Search Regex or Category Search more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search Regex or Category Search?
Are Search Regex and Category Search free?
Which plugin has better support — Search Regex or Category Search?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.