Search & Replace vs WP Extended Search (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, WP Extended Search has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 72 reviews) while Search & Replace leads in active installations (100K+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Search & Replace has accumulated 3.2M+ total downloads while WP Extended Search has 348K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Search & Replace | WP Extended Search | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.9/5 |
| Total Reviews | 282 | ◄ | 72 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.2M+ | ◄ | 348K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 3 months ago |
| First Released | 2007 | 2014 | |
| Age | 19 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 4.9+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.2.3 | 2.2.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Search & Replace
WP Extended Search
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Search & Replace averaged approximately 177 daily downloads while WP Extended Search averaged 57.
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
WP Extended Search Reviews
Fantastic plugin! Works, and works well. Bravo. 👏
WordPress default search is absolutely terrible. This plugin dramatically improves the search capabilities of WordPress.
Works brilliantly with Pods
Works brilliantly! Simple to set up and supports custom post types and custom fields created with Pods.
Fantastic plugin
Fantastic plugin, got me out of a serious issue I was having with search functionality. Works flawlessly, highly recommend. Thank you…
More Plugins Worth Comparing
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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 WP Extended Search more popular?
Which has better ratings — Search & Replace or WP Extended Search?
Are Search & Replace and WP Extended Search free?
Which plugin has better support — Search & Replace or WP Extended Search?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.