Head-to-head · October 2026
Code Block vs Simple Custom CSS Plugin
Simple Custom CSS Plugin comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Code Block.
Code Block
This plugin uses Prism.js and a port of the beautiful Atom One Dark code theme with the Fira Code font.
Simple Custom CSS Plugin
Add Custom CSS to your WordPress site without any hassles. An easy-to-use WordPress Plugin to add custom CSS…
| Metric | Code Block | Simple Custom CSS Plugin |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 100K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 49 | 8.7K |
| Download trend | -37.2% | +15.7% |
| Rating | — | 4.7/5 |
| Reviews | 0 | 159 |
| Health score | 23/100 | 51/100 |
| Last updated | 6 years ago | 2 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 5.5.23 | WP 6.7.10 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Oct 2020 | Aug 2013 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Code BlockSimple Custom CSS Plugin
Choose Code Block if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 6 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 5.5 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Simple Custom CSS Plugin if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 100K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.7/5 from 159 reviews
- Momentum — downloads up 15.7% vs the previous 30 days
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.7 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: code
FAQ
Code Block vs Simple Custom CSS Plugin: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 25, 2026
Which is better, Code Block or Simple Custom CSS Plugin?
Simple Custom CSS Plugin comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Code Block. Choose Simple Custom CSS Plugin if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is Code Block more popular than Simple Custom CSS Plugin?
Simple Custom CSS Plugin is the more popular of the two with 100K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Code Block.
Can I use Code Block and Simple Custom CSS Plugin together?
Both plugins cover code, 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 Code Block and Simple Custom CSS Plugin 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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