Head-to-head · October 2026
Custom PHP Settings vs Theme YAML
Custom PHP Settings comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Theme YAML.
Custom PHP Settings
This plugin can be used to customize php settings for you WordPress installation.
Theme YAML
Theme Yaml converts your theme.yaml file into theme.json so that you can configure your theme with YAML. It…
| Metric | Custom PHP Settings | Theme YAML |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10K+ | 10+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 1.1K | 37 |
| Download trend | +11.9% | -37.3% |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 15 | 2 |
| Health score | 55/100 | 29/100 |
| Last updated | 11 months ago | 3 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.8.11 | WP 6.3.13 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 5.6+ | 7.4+ |
| First released | Feb 2019 | Mar 2022 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Custom PHP SettingsTheme YAML
Choose Custom PHP Settings if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 10K+ active sites
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Theme YAML 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 3 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.3 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: settings
FAQ
Custom PHP Settings vs Theme YAML: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 16, 2026
Which is better, Custom PHP Settings or Theme YAML?
Custom PHP Settings comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Theme YAML. Choose Custom PHP Settings if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is Custom PHP Settings more popular than Theme YAML?
Custom PHP Settings is the more popular of the two with 10K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Theme YAML.
Can I use Custom PHP Settings and Theme YAML together?
Both plugins cover settings, 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 Custom PHP Settings and Theme YAML 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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