When it comes to managing data in WordPress, Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and MetaBox are two of the most popular plugins used to create custom fields.
Both plugins provide a wide range of functionality and features, giving you the freedom to create a high degree of customization for your WordPress site. But when it comes down to it, which plugin should you choose – Advanced Custom Fields or MetaBox? In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at both plugins and compare them side by side to help you make an informed decision about which one is best for your WordPress site. We’ll cover the main features of each plugin, the pros and cons of each, and the overall user experience, so you can make the best choice for your site.
1. Installation and setup
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) is a powerful plugin that allows you to create and manage custom fields for WordPress posts and pages. It is easy to set up and use, requiring minimal technical knowledge. To install the plugin, you can either upload the .zip file to your WordPress site or search for “Advanced Custom Fields” in the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard. Once the plugin is installed, you can configure your custom fields and start using ACF immediately. MetaBox, on the other hand, requires slightly more technical knowledge and a bit more time to get up and running. After downloading the plugin, you must place the MetaBox folder inside the mu-plugins directory of your WordPress site and configure the settings via the admin panel. After the plugin is installed, you can then start using the MetaBox custom fields.
2. Types of fields
Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and MetaBox offer a variety of field types for you to use in creating custom fields. ACF has a wide range of field types, including text, numbers, images, dates, and others. MetaBox has a smaller selection of field types, including text, numbers, media, and others. Both platforms offer a variety of settings for customizing how your fields look and behave. Depending on the complexity of your project, one platform may be better suited than the other.
3. Usability and UX
Both Advanced Custom Fields and MetaBox offer users a great range of usability and UX features to make their WordPress experience fast and easy. Advanced Custom Fields allows users to easily create custom fields and control their output with the visual API. It also includes a range of options to customize the fields such as labels, descriptions, placeholder text, and more. MetaBox also offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface for creating custom fields, as well as a variety of options for how the fields appear on the page. Additionally, both plugins offer powerful API’s for developers to customize and extend the plugin’s capabilities.
4. Support and Documentation
When it comes to Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and MetaBox, support and documentation can be a deciding factor in choosing between the two. ACF has a detailed documentation library with tutorials and guides for users of all levels. In addition, ACF also provides a series of centralized support options such as video tutorials, live chat, and a dedicated support forum. MetaBox, on the other hand, has its own documentation which is regularly updated and is organized in a straightforward manner. MetaBox also has a helpful support forum, as well as email and ticketing support.
5. Pricing options
Advanced Custom Fields offers a variety of pricing options depending on your needs. Their basic plan starts at $25 per year and gives you access to all their core features, including unlimited fields, unlimited sites, and up to 5 active extensions. Their pro plan costs $100 per year, and gives you access to additional features like full support, automated updates, and unlimited active extensions. Finally, their Agency plan costs $200 per year and includes all the features of the pro plan, plus priority support and access to additional features like ACF Builder and ACF Theme Builder. MetaBox, on the other hand, offers a free version with limited features, as well as a premium version with all the features for $199 per year.
Ultimately, both Advanced Custom Fields and MetaBox are excellent options for creating custom fields and extending WordPress. While ACF is the more popular choice, MetaBox is a better option if you’re looking for something lightweight and more affordable. Both plugins are powerful and easy to use, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your needs. No matter which one you choose, you can be sure you’ll be able to create custom fields with ease.