Are you in search of the best Custom Field Plugins and confused about which plugin you should use? So in this article, we will share our points of view and present the list for you after evaluating each of the plugins over several parameters which ensures that you get everything thing at one place And save your money and time.
As usual, we throw some light on the topic of discussion before sharing the list for those who probably don't know what custom field plugins are.
So, in a very simple and easy-to-understand way, Custom Field plugins are tools that can be installed on your WordPress site. They allow website owners and content creators to add extra fields to their pages and posts, beyond the standard fields that are available by default.
Such custom fields can store a variety of information such as text, dates, images, and many more. They can be displayed on the website using abundant methods, providing website owners with more control over how their content is presented to visitors. Custom field plugins offer flexibility and customization options that can help website owners, developers, and content creators to build more dynamic and personalized websites. They can also improve the website's SEO and usability by providing additional information to search engines and users.
We are hoping this will clear every doubt regarding why people use these plugins. So now moving forward to some of the best plugins available in the markets their features, drawbacks, ratings, and pricing we'll share everything.
List of the Best Custom Field Plugins in 2024
ACF
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is one of the most popular plugins for WordPress that allows users to easily and effortlessly create and manage custom fields for their posts, pages, and other custom post types.
Advanced Custom Fields provides a user-friendly interface for managing and exhibiting custom fields, making it easy to add and edit the content on the backend. ACF in addition also offers tons of add-ons and extensive documentation to make the process easier. we can say that ACF is a Simple & Intuitive and most importantly flexible tool that can help users build more dynamic and customized WordPress websites.
ACF has a 4.8 rating and massive 2+ million active installations.
Key Features –
- Add fields as per requirement.
- simple and intuitive API
- 30 field types
- Taxonomies Support
- The extensive Documentation
- clone field option allows you to reuse existing fields and field groups on demand.
- ACF Blocks
- New auto export to JSON feature
- Easy Import / Export
Cons – there are no such issues as say but the main concern is its pricing which is too expensive for unlimited site versions.
It's free to use but if you want to use all the features mentioned above then you need to purchase a pro plan with starting price $49 per year.
JetEngine
The JetEngine plugin is another powerful tool made by the developers of Crocoblock. JetEngine enables users to create custom post types, custom fields, and dynamic content on their websites. It is a versatile tool that can help users create advanced layouts and functionality on their WordPress site without requiring any coding knowledge through this plugin users can Сreate complex custom query lists that can be combined on the backend and used to query any data, sections, and filters on the front-end. Last but not least this plugin provides several API customizations as well.
Key Features –
- Explore Modular Options & Settings.
- JetEngine can be integrated into JetAppointment, JetBooking, JetReviews, ACF,
and WooCommerce. - Chart builder.
- Create and control Custom Endpoints for CCT and many more API settings
- Query BuilderM
- Custom post types and custom fields.
Cons – Users can’t export the PHP code and can use only the GUI, and shortcode. And if you want to purchase a lifetime version of the plugin you need to purchase Crocoblock as well.
Starting price for Jetengine is $43 per year slightly cheaper than ACF.
Meta Box
Meta Box is a plugin that is loaded with premium extensions which offer 14 free tools for migration, builders, integration, and many more. In addition, The free CPT Extension allows you to create custom post types and taxonomies are some unique perks of using this plugin, all over internet you will find plenty of comparison articles between Metabox and tons of other plugins which demonstrate its credibility and power to perform in each segment.
Meta box helps you add custom fields and details on your website such as pages, posts, custom post types, forms and anywhere you want using over 40 different field types such as text, images, file upload, checkboxes, etc. Further meta boxes have “All in One” addons which eliminate the headache of downloading separate plugins.
Meta box had a really good 4.8 rating and over 700,000+ active installations.
Key Features –
- custom fields
- Multisite installations.
- compatible with Gutenberg and GDPR
- import and export functionality
- Drag and Drop options
- CPT Extension
- Meta box builder
Cons – the steep learning curve and the documentation are not detailed and clear and a bit pricey compared to its peers.
Starting price for Meta Box is $49 per year for one site, and their agency annual plan starts from $149 to $700.
Pods
Pods plugin is a popular WordPress plugin that offers you to create custom content types, custom fields, and custom taxonomies. With the help of Pods, Users can create and manage custom content types such as portfolios, events, products, and more, without any prior coding knowledge. Pods provide their users with a lot of flexibility when it comes to displaying custom content types. One can create custom templates, use shortcodes, or even create custom PHP code to display your content as they desire not only that, Pods has a good number of 3rd party extensions as well.
It has a 4.9 rating plus 100,000 active installations.
Key Features –
- Create new Custom Post Types, Custom Taxonomies, or Settings Screens.
- Display Fields Anywhere
- Embed Content Forms
- Integrations with WPML and Polylang allow you to translate your content into the languages of your audience.
- Advanced options for relationship storage
- AJAX Views
- Genesis Framework
- GPL
Cons – No Import/Export Feature and steep learning curve for beginners.
Pods have a free version, but for all the features mentioned above they have a premium version with Starting price of $49 for a basic pack for 1 site (annually).
Toolset
The Toolset plugin comes from OnTheGoSystems, the same company behind WPML, It is a powerful intuitive tool for creating custom post types, custom fields, and custom taxonomies in WordPress. It offers a range of vital features and add-ons that can help you build a custom website, Toolset is user-friendly and involves no programming. In addition, Toolset has WooCommerce Blocks for creating WooCommerce Sites and the ability to create front-end filters.
Key features –
- Directories with maps integration
- Custom Post Types, Fields, and Taxonomies
- pagination and AJAX to build any kind of list.
- Custom Searches
- Export and Import Elements
- GPL
- Toolset Views for creating custom dynamic content displays using HTML and Bootstrap.
Cons – Toolset is a complex plugin that why several times you see compatibility issues and may not be suitable for users on a tight budget.
Starting price for Toolset is $69 per year.
FAQs
What are custom fields?
Custom fields allow you to add extra pieces of information and data to your pages and posts. This is especially useful for sites that require a lot of information per post or page, such as e-commerce websites or directories.
How do I create custom fields?
You can create custom fields either by manually writing code or using a plugin like Advanced Custom Fields, JetEngine or MetaBox.
How do I add values to my custom fields?
Once you have added your custom field, you can then add values to it either by entering them manually in the WordPress dashboard or by using the appropriate function within your theme’s code.
Are there any plugins available for managing custom fields more easily?
Yes, there are numerous plugins available that make managing custom fields easier, such as Advanced Custom Fields(ACF), JetEngine, and Metabox. By using these plugins one can easily create new fields and manage them.
What are some custom field types?
Common custom field types include text fields, date pickers, file uploads, select, and checkboxes. Depending on the plugin or code you are using, there may also be other custom field types available such as radio buttons and color pickers.
which are some most used Custom Field Types?
The most commonly used custom field types are text fields, dropdown menus, and checkboxes. These three field types are the most versatile and can be used for a wide variety of purposes.
What custom field types are difficult to work with?
Custom field types such as post objects, relationship fields, and user fields can be more difficult to work with due to the complexity of setting up and configuring them. They require different parameters, settings, and codes in order to properly function.
What are some premium Custom Field Types?
Some premium custom field types include option fields, repeaters, flexible content, relationships, clone, and gallery fields. These offer more features and capabilities than basic custom field types and can be used to achieve more complex layouts or designs. Many plugins don't offer these field types in their free version.
Over to you
Not all websites are meant for blogging and Custom Fields help you to extend the functionality of your WordPress site allowing you to add more information to your posts or post type. Not only post type, but you can also create fields for your Page Type, Widget, Menu, Taxonomies, Options Page, Current User, and whatnot.
You can use the above-listed plugins to easily add custom fields to your posts without any code. Some of these plugins like ACF are not fully free. They have limited the use of field types and features for free users. Also, JetEngine is a paid plugin by Crocoblock. So, here you need to focus on the scalability and flexibility factors to consider which one to use.
If you are looking to build a dynamic site using Crocoblock in the future, then JetEngine can be a good choice. On the other hand, spending on ACF can be a good deal because it is compatible with most plugins. With Metabox, you can save a lot of bucks and get things done. JetEngine can be the best investment considering the features that it puts on the table and it can be downloaded separately.