Head-to-head · October 2026
Shaun's WP Query Shortcode vs Simple Custom CSS Plugin
Simple Custom CSS Plugin comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Shaun's WP Query Shortcode.
Shaun's WP Query Shortcode
Written as a platform for plugin developers, this simple-yet-powerful plugin allows you to run a custom…
Simple Custom CSS Plugin
Add Custom CSS to your WordPress site without any hassles. An easy-to-use WordPress Plugin to add custom CSS…
| Metric | Shaun's WP Query Shortcode | Simple Custom CSS Plugin |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 100K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 51 | 7.7K |
| Download trend | -22.7% | +5.1% |
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Reviews | 1 | 159 |
| Health score | 30/100 | 51/100 |
| Last updated | 14 years ago | 2 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 3.4.2 | WP 6.7.10 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Jun 2012 | Aug 2013 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Shaun's WP Query Shortc…Simple Custom CSS Plugin
Choose Shaun's WP Query Shortcode 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 13 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 3.4 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Simple Custom CSS Plugin if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 100K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.7/5 from 159 reviews
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.7 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: custom
FAQ
Shaun's WP Query Shortcode vs Simple Custom CSS Plugin: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 17, 2026
Which is better, Shaun's WP Query Shortcode or Simple Custom CSS Plugin?
Simple Custom CSS Plugin comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Shaun's WP Query Shortcode. Choose Simple Custom CSS Plugin if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is Shaun's WP Query Shortcode more popular than Simple Custom CSS Plugin?
Simple Custom CSS Plugin is the more popular of the two with 100K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Shaun's WP Query Shortcode.
Can I use Shaun's WP Query Shortcode and Simple Custom CSS Plugin together?
Both plugins cover custom, 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 Shaun's WP Query Shortcode and Simple Custom CSS Plugin 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
