List Categories vs Shortcoder (Free)
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | List Categories v0.5 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.5/5 Visit Details | Shortcoder (Free) v6.6 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.9/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 5,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Last updated | September 13, 2026 | September 14, 2026 |
| Editions | List Categories | Shortcoder (Free) · Shortcoder Pro ($) |
| Pros | Passes every wp_list_categories() argument through as a shortcode attribute; Works with any taxonomy, including tags; Tiny footprint: one file, no settings screen | Reusable HTML, JavaScript and CSS snippets; Block and toolbar insertion; Import and export tools |
| Cons | Output is a plain list with no styling or grid options; No admin settings; configuration lives in each shortcode; Shortcode only; no block or widget version | Free version has the basic editor only; Pro upgrade is needed for the custom editor; Stored snippets can run arbitrary code |
| Mentioned in our posts | — | 1 |
| More features | ||
| Other features | All wp_list_categories arguments as shortcode attributes, List any taxonomy via the taxonomy attribute, Empty terms hidden by default | Custom shortcodes holding HTML, JS or CSS, Gutenberg block, Import and export tools, Settings page, Upgrade to Pro submenu ($) |
| Requires WordPress | 3.3 | 4.9.0 |
| Requires PHP | — | 5.3 |
| Tested up to | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | No | No |
| External services | — | raw.githubusercontent.com |
| Blocks | — | 1 |
| Shortcodes | 1 | 1 |