Disable Embeds vs Embedly (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Disable Embeds has a higher user rating (4.3/5 from 20 reviews) and leads in active installations (10K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Disable Embeds has accumulated 274K+ total downloads while Embedly has 204K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Disable Embeds | Embedly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ◄ | 3.5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 20 | 20 | |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 274K+ | ◄ | 204K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 12 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2010 | |
| Age | 11 years | 16 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.4+ | 5.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 4.9.3 |
Rating Breakdown
Disable Embeds
Embedly
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Disable Embeds averaged approximately 213 daily downloads while Embedly averaged 22.
Recent Reviews
Disable Embeds Reviews
Simple Solution to WordPress Embed Bloat
Finally, a no-fuss plugin that does exactly what it promises! Disable Embeds by Pascal Birchler is perfect if you’re tired of WordPress’s automatic embed features slowing down your site. Just activate
thanks
just what i needed
Does what it says, has been reliable
An easy way to drop some weight if you don’t need the functionality that the plugin disables. For me this has been a “set and forget” plugin.
Embedly Reviews
Great plugin, but very slow support
When I first discovered this plugin I wanted to write a stellar review and give it like 20 stars, as it seemed to solve one of the biggest problems of BuddyPress. But when by solving a problem you cre
Works
Dirty uninstallation and branding is why I gave this 4.
It mostly love ❤️ Embedly…mostly. No tweaking backend hurts it.
I use and have used Embedly for years now. Ultimately it’s handy and it’s a plugin I consider “core”. However… It doesn’t allow you to play with the back end of the plugin anymore. This means no cha
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.