TinyMCE Templates vs Genesis Custom Blocks (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, TinyMCE Templates has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 9 reviews) and leads in active installations (20K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. TinyMCE Templates has accumulated 235K+ total downloads while Genesis Custom Blocks has 176K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | TinyMCE Templates | Genesis Custom Blocks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ◄ | 4.5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 9 | ► | 21 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 235K+ | ◄ | 176K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 8 years ago | ► | 4 days ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2020 | |
| Age | 16 years | 6 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 6.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.8.1 | 1.7.2 |
Rating Breakdown
TinyMCE Templates
Genesis Custom Blocks
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, TinyMCE Templates averaged approximately 9 daily downloads while Genesis Custom Blocks averaged 179.
Recent Reviews
TinyMCE Templates Reviews
Great plugin
I use TinyMCE Templates on almost all of my websites. It saves me so much time by allowing me to quickly insert reusable content blocks anywhere I need. The interface is simple, effective, and integra
Works great on WordPress 6.7
I’m pleased to say this plugin is still going strong with no effect on page load speed. 🙂 Inserts pre-defined text or shortcodes easily from the editor. It’s designed exactly as I had hoped.
Great plugin
This plugin makes creating simple or advanced content layout templates for content authors a breeze. As a developer I create the templates, apply the required CSS and JS and authors can easily select
Genesis Custom Blocks Reviews
Works Well, Good Documentation
I’ve been using this plugin for clients for a couple of years. It’s well documented, and the tools work and are easy to work with, if you have PHP chops, that is. I love this plugin.
Good Plugin
Plugin works very well, thank you.
Exactly What I Needed but the Pro Pricing is Stupid
This is exactly what I needed. I can make my own Gutenberg blocks with JS, PHP, and HTML without having to learn Node.js, React, and Redux (really WordPress?). I plan on learning these, but need a s
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TinyMCE Templates or Genesis Custom Blocks more popular?
Which has better ratings — TinyMCE Templates or Genesis Custom Blocks?
Are TinyMCE Templates and Genesis Custom Blocks free?
Which plugin has better support — TinyMCE Templates or Genesis Custom Blocks?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.