So let’s take a look at how different WordPress tools handle search and filtering, and why Greyd.Suite takes a radically different approach that might just change how you build websites.
Why search and filtering is hard in WordPress
Out of the box, WordPress doesn’t offer much beyond the basic keyword search. And when you’re dealing with custom post types, taxonomies, custom fields, or relationships between content types, most developers reach for a third-party plugin, …or five. That’s where tools like Search & Filter Pro, FacetWP, JetSmartFilters, or Filter Everything come in.
Each of these plugins brings its own approach, often relying on complex configuration screens, shortcode setups, and compatibility layers with Elementor, Gutenberg, or WooCommerce.
But here’s the catch: these tools work on top of your site. They’re not native to the way you build your content. That creates friction, both in terms of performance and long-term maintenance.
Now let’s contrast that with Greyd.Suite.
Greyd.Suite: A native-first approach
Greyd.Suite doesn’t bolt filtering on as an afterthought. It bakes it into the core of how you build templates, queries, and front-end layouts.
Instead of requiring external plugins, Greyd offers:
- Visual filter chip blocks
- Dynamic query loops that support AND/OR logic
- Custom fields and global taxonomies that integrate seamlessly
- Real-time filtering, live search, and conditional display, all built visually
You’re not just styling a filter bar. You’re building your own logic layer into how your content is queried and presented.
Want to filter events by multiple speakers, show only yoga classes on Tuesdays, or combine ACF-like fields with taxonomy filters? No problem, and no code or third-party tool needed.
Plugin comparison: What are the key differences?
Here’s a quick look at how Greyd.Suite’s built-in Search & Filter feature stacks up against third-party plugins.
| Feature | Greyd.Suite | FacetWP | Search & Filter Pro | JetSmartFilters |
| Visual Builder Integration | Native (Gutenberg-first) | Partial (needs templates) | Limited | Works with Elementor/Bricks |
| Dynamic Queries | Built-in, no code | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live AJAX Search | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No-code Filter UI | Yes (filter chips) | Partial | No | Yes |
| Relationship Filtering | Native via global taxonomies | Limited | Workaround needed | Workaround needed |
| Conditional Display | Native block logic | No | No | No |
| Performance | Lightweight, optimized for block editor | Good | Good | Heavy on JS |
| Ease of Use | Visual-first, intuitive | Moderate learning curve | Complex UI | Easier with Elementor |
| External Dependencies | None | Needs template support | Needs template support | Requires Elementor or Bricks |
Please note, we’re not shaming the competition here!
Each of the plugins we compared to is great. They all serve valid use cases, and if you’re building with Elementor, Bricks, or prefer a decoupled approach, they might be the perfect fit. Our point isn’t that they’re bad tools! It’s that Greyd.Suite takes a fundamentally different route. Instead of bolting on filtering as a separate feature, it’s built right into the core. That means no extra compatibility layers, no annual costs for separate premium plugins, and no juggling a patchwork of tools. This is part of what makes Greyd.Suite so powerful: it replaces over 10 plugins in one go and gives you all the functionality you need without compromise.
Real-world example: Filters, the Greyd way
How we use Search and Filter at Greyd
We put our own tools to the test when rebuilding the Greyd website and Documentation Website. Everything you see, from feature listings to support tutorials, is powered by native filtering and search logic in Greyd.Suite.
We combined global taxonomies, dynamic queries, and conditional logic to personalize results and reduce manual work. For example, tutorials and documentation articles share the same taxonomy and can be displayed together using a single query. The same goes for features—whether they’re released or in development, they’re stored in one place and shown dynamically based on taxonomy conditions. Our live search includes relevance ranking, auto search previews, and even searches across custom fields, something WordPress can’t do by default. No extra plugins, no custom code. Just smart use of the tools we built for agencies like yours. You can read all about it in our white paper about complex websites.
So, which approach works best?
It depends on your project.
If you’re building quick sites with Elementor or Bricks and you’re already locked into those ecosystems, then JetSmartFilters or FacetWP might be a good fit.
But if you want a leaner, native experience, especially if you’re already working with the Block Editor or building scalable, complex sites, then Greyd.Suite offers a more integrated, future-proof solution.
It’s not just about filters. It’s about how filters connect to your entire logic structure.
Calling all content creators
If this kind of comparison sparks ideas for your own content, like demos, tutorials and client showcases, we’d love to see what you create.
Let’s make smarter filtering part of better websites.
Join our Greyd Content Creator Program, where professionals like you share their honest takes on using Greyd.Suite for real-world projects. We’ve got regular office hours, and we’re always here to help with questions.
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