Head-to-head · October 2026
Server-Side Google Search vs WP Google Search
WP Google Search comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Server-Side Google Search.
Server-Side Google Search
This plugin adds Google Custom Search to your website, but unlike other plugins operates on the server side…
WP Google Search
If you would like a Google search feature on your WordPress site, you only need to register to Google Custom…
| Metric | Server-Side Google Search | WP Google Search |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 5K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 55 | 445 |
| Download trend | +129.2% | +31.7% |
| Rating | — | 4.4/5 |
| Reviews | 0 | 28 |
| Health score | 23/100 | 43/100 |
| Last updated | 11 years ago | 4 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 4.3.34 | WP 6.0.17 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Jan 2015 | Jan 2014 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Server-Side Google Sear…WP Google Search
Choose Server-Side Google Search if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 11 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.3 (latest is 7.1)
Choose WP Google Search if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- No update in 4 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.0 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: google google custom search google search SCE
FAQ
Server-Side Google Search vs WP Google Search: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 7, 2026
Which is better, Server-Side Google Search or WP Google Search?
WP Google Search comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Server-Side Google Search. Choose Server-Side Google Search if you care most about download trend. Choose WP Google Search if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is Server-Side Google Search more popular than WP Google Search?
WP Google Search is the more popular of the two with 5K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Server-Side Google Search.
Can I use Server-Side Google Search and WP Google Search together?
Both plugins cover google, google custom search and google search, 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 Server-Side Google Search and WP Google Search 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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