# Shaun's WP Query Shortcode vs Smart Custom Fields

> Shaun's WP Query Shortcode vs Smart Custom Fields compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Smart Custom Fields comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Shaun's WP Query Shortcode.

**Smart Custom Fields comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Shaun's WP Query Shortcode.** Choose Smart Custom Fields if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.

| | Shaun's WP Query Shortcode | Smart Custom Fields |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 50K+ ✅ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 51 | 4K ✅ |
| Download trend | -22.7% | -18.2% ✅ |
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Reviews | 1 | 21 ✅ |
| Health score | 30/100 | 69/100 ✅ |
| Last updated | 14 years ago | 3 months ago ✅ |
| Tested up to | WP 3.4.2 | WP 6.8.11 ✅ |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | 7.4+ |
| First released | Jun 2012 | Oct 2014 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, Shaun's WP Query Shortcode or Smart Custom Fields?
Smart Custom Fields comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Shaun's WP Query Shortcode.  Choose Smart Custom Fields if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.

### Is Shaun's WP Query Shortcode more popular than Smart Custom Fields?
Smart Custom Fields is the more popular of the two with 50K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Shaun's WP Query Shortcode.

### Can I use Shaun's WP Query Shortcode and Smart Custom Fields 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 Smart Custom Fields 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/shauns-wp-query-shortcode-vs-smart-custom-fields/ · Generated 2026-10-17 16:18 UTC by PageForge