Filter Bar and Why It’s So Popular?
Filter Bar is a premium add-on for The Events Calendar plugin, designed to enhance the event browsing experience on WordPress websites. It allows users to filter events by various criteria such as category, tag, venue, organizer, day of the week, time of day, and price. This functionality makes it easier for visitors to find events that match their interests, improving user engagement and satisfaction. The plugin’s seamless integration with The Events Calendar and its customizable filter options contribute to its popularity among event organizers and website administrators.
Filter Bar Free vs Filter Bar Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | Free Version | Pro Version (GPL) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Filtering (by category) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Advanced Filters | ❌ | ✔ (venue, organizer, tags, etc.) |
| Custom Filter Order | ❌ | ✔ |
| Time of Day / Day Filter | ❌ | ✔ |
| Price Range Filter | ❌ | ✔ |
| Mobile Responsive Filters | Limited | ✔ |
| Integration with Events Calendar Pro | Limited | ✔ |
| Support & Updates | ❌ | ✔ (official updates and support) |
The free version only includes very basic filtering. The Pro (GPL) version unlocks advanced filter types, customization, and full compatibility with other event tools.
Can You Get Filter Bar Pro for Free?
Yes, you might come across GPL-licensed versions of Filter Bar Pro online for free. These are legal to use under the GPL license, but there’s a catch: they don’t come with official updates or support. Worse, some nulled versions may include hidden malware or bugs. So while you can get it for free, it’s much safer to buy it directly from the official source if you want a stable and secure experience.
Best Free or Budget–Friendly Alternatives to Filter Bar Pro
If you’re looking for similar functionality without the full cost, here are some free or low-cost alternatives:
- Search & Filter – A flexible free plugin that lets users filter posts (including events) by categories, tags, and more. The Pro version adds even more control.
- FacetWP (paid) – A premium plugin with advanced filtering and AJAX search. It works well with custom post types like events.
- WP Grid Builder (freemium) – Offers powerful filtering features for any content type, including events, with free and premium extensions.
- The Events Calendar Filter Bar (Lite) – If available, the lite or trial version can offer basic filtering options before upgrading to Pro.
These tools can help improve event discoverability without requiring the full-price plugin.
What is Filter Bar Pro General Public License (GPL)?
Filter Bar Pro is released under the GPL (General Public License), which means you’re free to use, modify, and share the plugin as much as you like. You can install it on unlimited sites, tweak the code, and even redistribute it — legally. However, GPL versions from unofficial sources don’t come with developer support or automatic updates, and they may not be as secure. So while GPL gives you freedom, it’s smart to get your copy from a trusted source.
Filter Bar Pro GPL vs Filter Bar Pro: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Filter Bar Pro GPL | Official Filter Bar Pro |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | GPL (Open-source use) | Commercial (Official license) |
| Usage Limit | Unlimited websites | Limited (per license terms) |
| Automatic Updates | ❌ Manual or unavailable | ✔ Included |
| Official Support | ❌ Not included | ✔ Email/ticket support |
| Security & Reliability | Depends on source | Verified and regularly updated |
| New Features Access | Might be delayed or missing | ✔ Included with every update |
The GPL version offers more flexibility but comes without the safety net of updates and support. The official version ensures everything works smoothly, especially for event-heavy sites.
Filter Bar Pro Version History and Timeline
Here’s a quick look at how Filter Bar Pro has evolved over time:
- Version 1.0 – Launched as an add-on to The Events Calendar with basic filtering options like category and tag.
- Version 2.0 – Introduced more advanced filters such as venue, organizer, and day of the week.
- Version 3.0 – Improved mobile responsiveness and added support for custom filter order.
- Version 4.0 – Brought in AJAX-based filtering for faster user experience without page reloads.
- Latest Versions – Regular compatibility updates with The Events Calendar Pro and improved UI/UX.
Filter Bar Pro continues to grow, making event navigation easier for users and boosting engagement on event-heavy websites.