NMR jsGrid for simple SQL tables —
no subscription required
wpDataTables is powerful — and starts at $69/year. If your use case is display a database table, let staff edit it, embed via shortcode — you’re paying for features you’ll never use. NMR jsGrid covers the core cases for free.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Core features both plugins share — and where they differ.
| Feature | wpDataTables | NMR jsGrid (free) |
|---|---|---|
| SQL query as data source | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| AJAX pagination (server-side) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Column filtering | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Column sorting | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Frontend row editing | ✓ Yes (Pro) | ✓ Yes (free) |
| Frontend row insert | ✓ Yes (Pro) | ✓ Yes (free) |
| Frontend row delete | ✓ Yes (Pro) | ✓ Yes (free) |
| Shortcode embed | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Charts and visualizations | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Excel / Google Sheets import | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Conditional formatting | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Price | $69–$239/year | Free (Pro available) |
| Tables on free plan | Limited on lower tiers | 10 |
Which One Fits Your Use Case?
Honest answer — both have a place.
Choose wpDataTables if…
- You need charts and data visualizations alongside the table
- You import from Excel, Google Sheets, or CSV regularly
- You need advanced conditional formatting or nested tables
- You have budget and need enterprise-level support
Choose NMR jsGrid if…
- Your use case is: display MySQL data + let users edit it from the frontend
- You want to avoid a recurring subscription for a simple feature
- You’re building for a client and need a lightweight solution
- You have up to 10 grids (free) or need unlimited (Pro, one-time)
- You don’t need charts, Excel import, or advanced formatting
What NMR jsGrid Handles Well
Real scenarios where it replaces a $69/year subscription.
Inventory management
Staff edit stock quantities from a protected frontend page — no WP admin access needed.
Member & client lists
Filterable directory with editable contact details. Search by name, company, or any field.
Order tracking
Display custom order data with status updates. Users filter by date, status, or customer.
Employee directories
HR updates records without needing WP admin. Full CRUD from a regular page.
Custom form data display
Show CF7 or other form submissions in a filterable, sortable table with edit access.
Quick Setup: SQL Table in 5 Minutes
No PHP. No REST endpoints. Just configure and embed.
Install NMR jsGrid from WordPress.org
Create new grid → Data Source: SQL
Enter SELECT query, configure columns
Enable editing / inserting / deleting as needed
Add shortcode to any page:
Simple SQL tables shouldn’t cost $69/year.
Start free. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited grids and column auto-detection. One-time payment.