Search & Replace vs Search shortcode (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 shortcode has a higher user rating (5/5 from 6 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 1.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while Search shortcode has 19K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | Search shortcode | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 6 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 1.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 19K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ◄ | 10 years ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2013 | |
| Age | 19 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 3.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 1.0 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
Search shortcode
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while Search shortcode averaged 4.
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 shortcode Reviews
Simple and easy to configure
I went looking for a simple shortcode for adding the search form to a page, and found so much more. Well done!
Clean, simple, works.
The Subject line says it all. No muss, no fuss — just works.
I like it!
this is real nice thanks!
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Search & Replace and Search shortcode
Advanced WordPress custom search plugin. Provides Search Form Customizer, WooCommerce Search, AJAX Search & Live Search support!
Search Regex adds a powerful set of search and replace functions to WordPress posts, pages, custom post types, and other data.
Relevanssi replaces the default search with a partial-match search that sorts results by relevance. It also indexes comments and shortcode content.
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 shortcode more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or Search shortcode?
Are Search & Replace and Search shortcode free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or Search shortcode?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.