WP Events Manager vs The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block
20K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 97 reviews) while WP Events Manager leads in active installations (30K+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. WP Events Manager has accumulated 699K+ total downloads while The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has 767K+. The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has a higher support resolution rate (100% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | WP Events Manager | The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.8/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 12 | ► | 97 |
| Active Installs | 30K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 699K+ | ► | 767K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | ► | 100% |
| Last Updated | 5 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2014 | |
| Age | 9 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.0+ | 6.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.2.4 | 3.1.3 |
Rating Breakdown
WP Events Manager
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, WP Events Manager averaged approximately 173 daily downloads while The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block averaged 125.
Recent Reviews
WP Events Manager Reviews
Not a proper event plugin
It misses some of the mainly features for an event plugin. One above all: the events are not displayed in chronological order.
Barely scrapes the basics to be useable
This could be a great plugin, but misses so many important/simple features:1. Time Zone for national businesses with multiple locations/events 2. Display customization (Calendar view, week view, so
Great plugin.
Great plugin. This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by cristianfrunza93.
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block Reviews
Easy to Use!
The plugin is easy to use and was exactly what we were looking for.
Absolutely Stunning!
Truly a professional, perfect solution! Keep it up, this fits themes and gives me the flexibility to place beautiful event listings where I need them. Excellent code, never any issues. Thank you, Bria
Useful and valuable!
This plugin add value to events calendar plugin! Go on…
More Event Worth Comparing
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Add The Events Calendar shortcode or Gutenberg block to show upcoming events list with event details on any WordPress page using smart event filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.