# Meta Box vs Search by ID

> Meta Box vs Search by ID compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Meta Box comes out ahead, winning 7 of 9 head-to-head checks against Search by ID.

**Meta Box comes out ahead, winning 7 of 9 head-to-head checks against Search by ID.** Choose Meta Box if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Search by ID if you care most about download trend and rating.

| | Meta Box – A Framework for Dynamic Websites | Search by ID |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 500K+ ✅ | 700+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 302.1K ✅ | 201 |
| Download trend | +6.3% | +18.2% ✅ |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 5/5 ✅ |
| Reviews | 165 ✅ | 18 |
| Health score | 96/100 ✅ | 28/100 |
| Last updated | 1 week ago ✅ | 8 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.3 ✅ | WP 5.0.30 |
| Support resolved | 100% ✅ | 0% |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | Any |
| First released | Nov 2011 | Sep 2012 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, Meta Box or Search by ID?
Meta Box comes out ahead, winning 7 of 9 head-to-head checks against Search by ID. Choose Meta Box if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Search by ID if you care most about download trend and rating.

### Is Meta Box more popular than Search by ID?
Meta Box is the more popular of the two with 500K+ active installs, compared with 700+ for Search by ID.

### Can I use Meta Box and Search by ID together?
Both plugins cover custom post types, 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 Meta Box and Search by ID 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/meta-box-vs-search-by-id/ · Generated 2026-10-16 20:11 UTC by PageForge