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Classic Widgets

By Tonya Mork

Site Administration & Utilities / Site Health & Diagnostics

Classic Widgets Review - In-Depth Analysis

Restores the classic widgets settings screens in WordPress. Disables the block editor for widget management. Maintained by the WordPress team.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.59/10

User Rating

4.9/5 (based on 272+ reviews)

Active Installations

2,000,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Classic Widgets is an official plugin maintained by the WordPress team that restores the previous (classic) WordPress widgets settings screens. It will be supported and maintained to 2024, or as long as is necessary.

Once activated and when using a classic (non-block) theme, this plugin restores the previous widgets settings screens and disables the block editor from managing widgets. There is no other configuration, the classic widgets settings screens are enabled or disabled by either enabling or disabling this plugin.

Comparing to Alternatives

Classic Widgets stands out as a straightforward solution for users preferring the traditional widget interface over the newer block-based system introduced in WordPress.

Top alternatives

Classic Widgets

Strengths

Restores the familiar classic widget interface.
Highly rated with over 2 million active installations.
Simple and easy to use without additional complexity.
Provides stability for users experiencing issues with block widgets.

Weaknesses

Limited to reverting to the old widget system without enhancements.
No advanced customization options beyond classic widgets.
Does not integrate with the block editor's new features.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback highlights strong appreciation for the plugin's simplicity and reliability, especially among those frustrated with the block widget system.

Positive highlights

'Thanks for providing such a tool' - mattmx
'This plugin totally saved me' - Erez Speiser
'Using this plugin because of simplicity and for classic experience' - Quotes Ninja
'Best Plugin Ever' appreciating the ease of widget management - Helison S. Cruz
'Perfect, easy to use' - Sepi

Common complaints

Needs updates to maintain compatibility with latest WordPress versions.
Classic bar does not remain sticky with WP 6.8 update.
Lacks new features or improvements beyond restoring classic widgets.

Weaknesses

No sticky classic bar in latest WordPress versions.
Limited development focus on new features.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who prefer the traditional WordPress widget interface and want to avoid the block-based widget editor.

Not ideal for

Users looking for advanced widget customization or integration with the block editor's new capabilities.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version fully restores the classic widget interface, providing a stable and familiar experience without any cost.

Final Verdict

Classic Widgets is an essential plugin for users frustrated by the block widget editor, offering a reliable and simple return to the classic interface.

While it lacks advanced features or a pro version, its high user satisfaction and ease of use make it a valuable tool for maintaining widget management simplicity.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Classic Widgets plugin.

Classic Widgets

Disable Gutenberg

Widgets management

FAQ

No, there are no settings. Once activated, this plugin restores the previous (“classic”) WordPress widgets screen and disables the block editor from managing widgets.