# Categories but exclude vs Media Library Assistant

> Categories but exclude vs Media Library Assistant compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Media Library Assistant comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Categories but exclude.

**Media Library Assistant comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Categories but exclude.** Choose Categories but exclude if you care most about download trend. Choose Media Library Assistant if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.

| | Categories but exclude | Media Library Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 50+ | 70K+ ✅ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 76 | 41.8K ✅ |
| Download trend | -1.3% ✅ | -8.4% |
| Rating | — | 4.8/5 |
| Reviews | 0 | 202 ✅ |
| Health score | 25/100 | 94/100 ✅ |
| Last updated | 14 years ago | 3 weeks ago ✅ |
| Tested up to | WP 3.3.2 | WP 7.1.3 ✅ |
| Support resolved | — | 100% |
| Requires PHP | Any | 7.4+ |
| First released | Jun 2012 | Aug 2012 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, Categories but exclude or Media Library Assistant?
Media Library Assistant comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Categories but exclude. Choose Categories but exclude if you care most about download trend. Choose Media Library Assistant if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.

### Is Categories but exclude more popular than Media Library Assistant?
Media Library Assistant is the more popular of the two with 70K+ active installs, compared with 50+ for Categories but exclude.

### Can I use Categories but exclude and Media Library Assistant together?
Both plugins cover categories, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.

### Are Categories but exclude and Media Library Assistant free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.


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Source: live WordPress.org data · HTML version: https://pageforge.pro/directory/compare/categories-but-exclude-widget-vs-media-library-assistant/ · Generated 2026-10-18 12:30 UTC by PageForge