Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to ShowTrust · 💬 testimonials
ShowTrust vs Strong Testimonials
A WordPress-only form, moderation queue, grid, slider and widget; simple enough once you already own the WordPress problem. Here is how Strong Testimonials ($0/mo free) stacks up against ShowTrust ($4.99/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Strong Testimonials
$0.00/mo · GPL-2.0+
ShowTrust vs Strong Testimonials Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-11
| Dimension | ShowTrust (Paid) | Strong Testimonials (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $4.99 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $60 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $60) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $299 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $299) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $599 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $599) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | free GPL-2.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ $0 forever |
Deep Dive: Switching from ShowTrust to Strong Testimonials
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It requires a self-hosted WordPress site and lacks ShowTrust's universal hosted collection link and done-for-you widget installation.
How to deploy Strong Testimonials
Install and activate from WordPress Plugins → Add New
What it takes to run
It requires a self-hosted WordPress site; the free edition has one collection form and lacks built-in captcha, so public forms may need another anti-spam layer
Where your data lives
Testimonials and front-end form submissions live in the site's WordPress database; images use the site's WordPress media storage, and optional notification emails can contain submitted fields
Why fork Strong Testimonials instead of vibe-coding a ShowTrust clone?
A submission form, an approval queue, and a grid of cards you can embed elsewhere. There is no algorithm here and no network effect · an agent will produce a working version in one sitting, same as it will for the $25 and $29 tools in this category. The catch is the same one Eloqra has: the hosted version is free for a single site, with no cap on testimonials, so you'd be spending a weekend and a hosting bill to replace zero dollars. Worth building if you want the data on your own box or you enjoy the exercise. Not worth building to save money, because there isn't any to save.
ShowTrust vs Strong Testimonials FAQ
Is Strong Testimonials a good free alternative to ShowTrust?+
Yes. Strong Testimonials is a verified free replacement for ShowTrust. A WordPress-only form, moderation queue, grid, slider and widget; simple enough once you already own the WordPress problem.
What is the catch when switching from ShowTrust to Strong Testimonials?+
It requires a self-hosted WordPress site and lacks ShowTrust's universal hosted collection link and done-for-you widget installation.
How much do you save switching from ShowTrust to Strong Testimonials?+
ShowTrust costs $4.99/mo ($60/yr) per seat, whereas Strong Testimonials is $0/mo. Switching saves $60/yr for a solo user, $299/yr for a 5-person team, and $599/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Strong Testimonials instead of ShowTrust?+
Install: Install and activate from WordPress Plugins → Add New. Setup: It requires a self-hosted WordPress site; the free edition has one collection form and lacks built-in captcha, so public forms may need another anti-spam layer
