Head-to-head · September 2026
Simple Custom CSS Plugin vs WP_CodeShield
Simple Custom CSS Plugin comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP_CodeShield.
Simple Custom CSS Plugin
Add Custom CSS to your WordPress site without any hassles. An easy-to-use WordPress Plugin to add custom CSS…
WP_CodeShield
This plugin escapes all text inside code tags so you don’t have to worry about converting code to HTML…
| Metric | Simple Custom CSS Plugin | WP_CodeShield |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 100K+ | 20+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 7.3K | 38 |
| Download trend | +12.8% | +8.6% |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | — |
| Reviews | 159 | 0 |
| Health score | 51/100 | 24/100 |
| Last updated | 2 years ago | 19 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.7.9 | WP 2.3.1 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Aug 2013 | Feb 2008 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Simple Custom CSS PluginWP_CodeShield
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)
Choose WP_CodeShield if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- Small user base (20+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 18 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 2.3 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: code
FAQ
Simple Custom CSS Plugin vs WP_CodeShield: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Which is better, Simple Custom CSS Plugin or WP_CodeShield?
Simple Custom CSS Plugin comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP_CodeShield. Choose Simple Custom CSS Plugin if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is Simple Custom CSS Plugin more popular than WP_CodeShield?
Simple Custom CSS Plugin is the more popular of the two with 100K+ active installs, compared with 20+ for WP_CodeShield.
Can I use Simple Custom CSS Plugin and WP_CodeShield together?
Both plugins cover code, 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 Simple Custom CSS Plugin and WP_CodeShield 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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