Head-to-head · October 2026
WPCode vs Smart Code Escape
WPCode comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Smart Code Escape.
WPCode
WPCode (formerly known as Insert Headers and Footers by WPBeginner) is the most popular code snippets plugin…
Smart Code Escape
A tiny plugin for WordPress which converts greater than signs, smaller than signs and ampersands to html…
| Metric | WPCode | Smart Code Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 3M+ | 10+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 1.7M | 46 |
| Download trend | -2% | -22% |
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 1,907 | 1 |
| Health score | 94/100 | 30/100 |
| Last updated | 1 week ago | 11 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.3 | WP 4.2.39 |
| Support resolved | 67% | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.0+ | Any |
| First released | Jul 2012 | Dec 2014 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
WPCodeSmart Code Escape
Choose WPCode if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- One of the most-used plugins on the web — 3M+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.9/5 from 1,907 reviews
- Actively developed — last update 1 week ago
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
Choose Smart Code Escape 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 11 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.2 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: code
FAQ
WPCode vs Smart Code Escape: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 18, 2026
Which is better, WPCode or Smart Code Escape?
WPCode comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Smart Code Escape. Choose WPCode if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is WPCode more popular than Smart Code Escape?
WPCode is the more popular of the two with 3M+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Smart Code Escape.
Can I use WPCode and Smart Code Escape 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 WPCode and Smart Code Escape free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
Powered by PageForge
Want thousands of pages that rank like these? Build them in an afternoon.
This directory runs on the same engine as PageForge. Turn any spreadsheet, CSV or API into thousands of fast, SEO-ready WordPress pages — with schema, internal links and AI-written copy baked in.
- CSV, Google Sheets & API data sources
- AI content, schema & internal links per page
- Works with Elementor, Gutenberg, Yoast & Rank Math
- Free on WordPress.org — no credit card
