Head-to-head · September 2026
Loco Translate vs WPML Shortcodes
Loco Translate comes out ahead, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head checks against WPML Shortcodes.
Loco Translate
Loco Translate provides in-browser editing of WordPress translation files and integration with automatic…
WPML Shortcodes
Adds the wpml__ and wpml_e functions to your theme and the wpml__ shortcode to your WordPress website. Make…
| Metric | Loco Translate | WPML Shortcodes |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 1M+ | 800+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 173.2K | 112 |
| Download trend | -75.8% | +33.3% |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 453 | 5 |
| Health score | 73/100 | 39/100 |
| Last updated | 2 months ago | 11 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.0.6 | WP 4.4.34 |
| Support resolved | 0% | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | Any |
| First released | Jul 2013 | Aug 2014 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Loco TranslateWPML Shortcodes
Choose Loco Translate if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- One of the most-used plugins on the web — 1M+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.8/5 from 453 reviews
- Slow support — only 0% of recent threads resolved
Choose WPML Shortcodes if…
You care most about download trend and rating.
- Small user base (800+ active installs)
- No update in 10 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.4 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: language translation
FAQ
Loco Translate vs WPML Shortcodes: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Which is better, Loco Translate or WPML Shortcodes?
Loco Translate comes out ahead, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head checks against WPML Shortcodes. Choose Loco Translate if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose WPML Shortcodes if you care most about download trend and rating.
Is Loco Translate more popular than WPML Shortcodes?
Loco Translate is the more popular of the two with 1M+ active installs, compared with 800+ for WPML Shortcodes.
Can I use Loco Translate and WPML Shortcodes together?
Both plugins cover language and translation, 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 Loco Translate and WPML Shortcodes 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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