Head-to-head · October 2026
Shaun's WP Query Shortcode vs Smart Custom Fields
Smart Custom Fields 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…
Smart Custom Fields
Smart Custom Fields is a simple plugin for managing custom fields.
| Metric | 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 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Shaun's WP Query Shortc…Smart Custom Fields
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 14 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 3.4 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Smart Custom Fields if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 50K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.9/5 from 21 reviews
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: custom
FAQ
Shaun's WP Query Shortcode vs Smart Custom Fields: 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 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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