MetaSlider vs Simple Lightbox
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | MetaSlider v3.113.1 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.6/5 Visit Details | Simple Lightbox v2.9.5 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.3/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 500,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Last updated | September 30, 2026 | September 12, 2026 |
| Editions | MetaSlider Slideshow · MetaSlider Slideshow Pro ($) | Simple Lightbox |
| Pros | Image and local video slides from the media library at no cost; Shortcode, widget and block placement; Pro add-on adds video services, layer and post-feed slides | Image links open in a lightbox with no manual coding; Groups gallery and post images into a slideshow; Themes and animations can be set in the admin |
| Cons | Video services, layers and post feeds are paid only; Premium themes and scheduling need the Pro add-on; Free version shows upgrade screens in the admin | Look is set by the bundled themes; Many options to tune on the Appearance > Lightbox screen |
| Mentioned in our posts | 1 | 1 |
| More features | ||
| Other features | Image slides with captions, links and SEO fields, Local video slides from the media library, Shortcodes for placing a slideshow, Slideshow widget, Slider and slide content types, Upgrade-to-Pro media tabs for video, layer, feed and WooCommerce slides, YouTube, Vimeo and TikTok video slides ($), Layer slides and external URL slides ($), Slide scheduling by date, time and weekday ($), Premium themes and custom theme builder ($) | Automatic activation of image links, Group gallery images into a slideshow, Group images per post, Lightbox for links in widgets, Lightbox animations toggle, Selectable lightbox themes |
| Integrations | ||
| Plugins | Elementor, Polylang, MetaSlider Slideshow Pro ($) | — |
| Requires WordPress | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Requires PHP | 7.0 | 5.6.20 |
| Tested up to | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | Only if you agree | No |
| Shortcodes | 3 | — |