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Slideshow SE

By John West

Content Management / Blog & Article Publishing

Slideshow SE Review - In-Depth Analysis

Easily add slideshows to your WordPress site with this free and open source plugin. Create multiple slideshows with various images and settings.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

7.43/10

User Rating

4.9/5 (based on 8+ reviews)

Active Installations

2,000+

Update Frequency

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

Security Score

5.77 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Slideshow SE provides an easy way to add a slideshow to any WordPress installation.

Any image can be loaded into the slideshow by picking it from the WordPress media page, even images you've already uploaded can be inserted into your slideshow right away!

Fancy doing something crazy? You can create and use as many slideshows as you'd like, with different images, settings, and styles for each one of them.

This plugin features a Gutenberg block, allows for the creation of multiple slideshows with various slides, and supports image, text, and YouTube video slides. It is responsive and can be placed anywhere on your website. You can run multiple slideshows on the same page and customize animations and stylesheets.

Slideshow SE is completely free and open source, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their website with engaging visual content.

Comparing to Alternatives

Slideshow SE stands out among slideshow plugins for its simplicity and comprehensive settings all accessible on one screen. While it may not have the advanced GUI features of some premium plugins, it offers robust customization without bloat.

Top alternatives

Slideshow SE

Strengths

All settings available on a single screen for ease of use
Detailed control over slide dimensions and behavior
Supports video links and custom text slides
Includes 7 animation effects plus a random option
Shortcodes can be easily added to widgets and posts

Weaknesses

Lacks a modern block editor GUI
No official pro version with advanced features
Interface may feel dated compared to newer plugins
Limited integration options with other plugins

User Sentiment Analysis

Users appreciate Slideshow SE for its reliability, ease of setup, and extensive customization options without hidden costs or bloat.

Positive highlights

'Very useful slider with a lot of settings' - arno
'Excellent, worked immediately and easy to set up' - belbernard
'Tons of features. Actually free. Actually works.' - ebonweaver
'Excellent fork, thank you! Saved me a lot of time.' - silico26
'Really nice and customizable, used for over 10 years' - Alfredo Matricciani

Common complaints

Lacks a modern GUI for block editor users
No premium version means fewer advanced features
Interface can seem outdated
Limited integration with other tools

Weaknesses

No official support for newer WordPress block editor
No premium upgrade path for additional features

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a straightforward, reliable slideshow plugin with extensive customization and no cost. Ideal for those comfortable with shortcodes and preferring a simple interface.

Not ideal for

Users who want a modern block editor experience, advanced GUI controls, or premium features available through paid upgrades.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes all core slideshow features such as multiple animation effects, video and text slides, detailed size and behavior settings, and shortcode support for widgets and posts.

Final Verdict

Slideshow SE is a dependable and feature-rich free slideshow plugin that offers extensive customization without overwhelming complexity. Its straightforward design and comprehensive settings make it a valuable tool for users who prefer simplicity and control.

While it lacks a modern block editor interface and a premium upgrade path, its reliability and no-cost access to powerful features make it a standout choice for many WordPress users seeking an effective slideshow solution.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Slideshow SE plugin.

Slideshow

Image slideshow

Gallery

Screenshots

FAQ

Click the ‘Image slide’ button in the ‘Slides List’ of the slideshow. A screen will pop up where you’ll be able to search though all images that have already been uploaded to your WordPress website. If you want to add new images to the slideshow, or you do not have any images yet, you’ll have to upload them to the WordPress media page first.