linux4me2

<p>This widget allows you to insert arbitrary Text and/or HTML code (optional) to precede a list of recent posts by category. It makes it easy to add introductory comments and to achieve interesting effects like wrapping your posts list around an image. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy on resources.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Note: Widget Blocks, added in WordPress 5.8, make this plugin no longer necessary. The same results can be obtained by using a Widget Group, Heading Block, Custom HTML Block, and the  Latest Posts Block. The latter also allows the use of multiple categories, which is not available with this plugin. Unless something major happens to change things, I won’t be developing the plugin beyond the current version (2.0.0).</p>
</blockquote>


HTML Plus Recent Posts by Category Widget

Like the Legacy Recent Posts widget, but adds the ability to select the category and add text or HTML before the list of posts.

WPXPO

Jakir Hasan

Anik Biswas

Post Grid Gutenberg Blocks for News, Magazines, Blog Websites – PostX


Random posts can't be selected. You need to buy plugin to select such basic option.



Edit: Actually it can and free version has lots of useful options.


Useful plugin


This plugin nails it. It gives me powerful post-grid and block layouts without any complicated setup, and the results look clean and professional right out of the box. Performance stays smooth, compatibility with various themes is solid, and it’s obvious the developers care about quality and updates. Five stars without hesitation — highly recommended for anyone building a blog, magazine or content-heavy site.


Excellent plugin — Powerful yet easy to use

Design professional blogs with advanced Gutenberg blocks, premade templates, dynamic post grids, and smart filters.

HTML Plus Recent Posts by Category Widget vs Post Grid Gutenberg Blocks for News, Magazines, Blog Websites – PostX