PDF Embedder vs Variable Column Block (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

PDF Embedder

PDF Embedder

4.7(481)

300K+ active installs

Free

Updated 3 months ago
View PDF Embedder
VS
Variable Column Block

Variable Column Block

3(5)

90 active installs

Free

Updated 3 years ago
View Variable Column Block

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, PDF Embedder has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 481 reviews) and leads in active installations (300K+ vs 90). Both are free WordPress plugins. PDF Embedder has accumulated 5.0M+ total downloads while Variable Column Block has 12K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.7/5PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block3/5
Total Reviews
481PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block5
Active Installs
300K+PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block90
Total Downloads
5.0M+PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block12K+
Support Resolution
100%PDF Embedder
Variable Column BlockN/A
Last Updated
3 months agoPDF Embedder
Variable Column Block3 years ago
First Released
2015PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block2018
Age
11 yearsPDF Embedder
Variable Column Block8 years
WP Requires
6.1+PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block6.1+
PHP Requires
7.2+PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block8.0+
Business Model
FreePDF Embedder
Variable Column BlockFree
Latest Version
4.9.3PDF Embedder
Variable Column Block1.2.3

Rating Breakdown

PDF Embedder

4.7/5(481 reviews)
5
88%
4
4%
3
2%
2
1%
1
5%

Variable Column Block

3/5(5 reviews)
5
40%
4
0%
3
0%
2
40%
1
20%

Recent Reviews

PDF Embedder Reviews

by paulietrot

It does the job efficiently

It performs the advertized tasks efficiently

by Etienne ROSENSTIEHL

Easy to use

Simple, easy and efficient.

by benydove

VERY GOOD PLUGIN

VERY GOOD PLUGIN

Variable Column Block Reviews

No reviews yet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PDF Embedder or Variable Column Block more popular?
PDF Embedder has 300K+ active installations while Variable Column Block has 90. PDF Embedder is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — PDF Embedder or Variable Column Block?
PDF Embedder has a 4.7/5 rating from 481 reviews, while Variable Column Block has a 3/5 rating from 5 reviews.
Are PDF Embedder and Variable Column Block free?
PDF Embedder is free and Variable Column Block is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — PDF Embedder or Variable Column Block?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
PDF Embedder was last updated 3 months ago and Variable Column Block was last updated 3 years ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.