The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block vs WP Simple Booking Calendar (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
WP Simple Booking Calendar
20K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, WP Simple Booking Calendar has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 227 reviews) while The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block leads in active installations (20K+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block has accumulated 767K+ total downloads while WP Simple Booking Calendar has 478K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block | WP Simple Booking Calendar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ► | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 97 | ► | 227 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | 20K+ | |
| Total Downloads | 767K+ | ◄ | 478K+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 12 months ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2011 | |
| Age | 12 years | 15 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.2+ | 4.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.1.3 | 2.0.15 |
Rating Breakdown
The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block
WP Simple Booking Calendar
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block averaged approximately 119 daily downloads while WP Simple Booking Calendar averaged 39.
Recent Reviews
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…
WP Simple Booking Calendar Reviews
Great Support
I had contact to the developer, which replyed in a few minutes and helped with my design question. Outstanding friendly an professional. Many Thanks
Reliable for 5+ Years – Outstanding Support!
I’ve been using WP Simple Booking Calendar for over 5 years, and it’s been a game-changer for managing reservations. When I hit a snag with migration and accented characters, Roland from Veribo resolv
A very easy to use plugin.
And great support from the staff.I’ve been using it for many years, and will continue to do so in the future.
More Calendar Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block and WP Simple Booking Calendar
The Events Calendar: #1 calendar plugin for WordPress. Create/manage events (virtual too!) on your site with the free plugin.
Optimize your appointment scheduling with our plugin. Sync calendars, automate reminders, and keep your bookings organized.
Events calendar with bookings, scheduling, appointments, event registration, tickets, recurring events, and venue management.
Smart event organizer and time-management tool with a clean minimalist design for featuring your timetables and upcoming events.
Simply add a booking calendar to your site to schedule bookings, reservations, appointments and to collect payments.
Availability datepicker & booking calendar for any form. Configure business hours, time slots, date overrides and a booking window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block or WP Simple Booking Calendar more popular?
Which has better ratings — The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block or WP Simple Booking Calendar?
Are The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block and WP Simple Booking Calendar free?
Which plugin has better support — The Events Calendar Shortcode & Block or WP Simple Booking Calendar?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.