Simple Download Monitor vs Free Downloads WooCommerce (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Simple Download Monitor
20K+ active installs
Free
Free Downloads WooCommerce
4.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Free Downloads WooCommerce has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 84 reviews) while Simple Download Monitor leads in active installations (20K+ vs 4.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Download Monitor has accumulated 1.3M+ total downloads while Free Downloads WooCommerce has 233K+. Simple Download Monitor has a higher support resolution rate (67% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Download Monitor | Free Downloads WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 151 | ◄ | 84 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 4.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 1.3M+ | ◄ | 233K+ |
| Support Resolution | 67% | ◄ | 0% |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2016 | |
| Age | 17 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.0+ | 4.4+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.4.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.0.6 | 3.6.4 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Download Monitor
Free Downloads WooCommerce
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Download Monitor averaged approximately 185 daily downloads while Free Downloads WooCommerce averaged 52.
Recent Reviews
Simple Download Monitor Reviews
Love it
Been using it for years and it does the job perfectly. Plenty of features but simple enough to use.
Great Plug-in
Lifesaver, if in need for a simple and reliable download app. Thanks!!!
Clean, Simple and it just works!
I have been using this plugin for a few years now on two of the websites I manage and I cannot imagine using another plugin like this. I tried to, but I always come back to this one! Setup is fairly e
Free Downloads WooCommerce Reviews
fantastic, works perfectly!
thank you so much! I’ve been fighting with my woocommerce shop for WEEKS. I didn’t want people to have to supply billing details if the item was FREE. This worked out of the box (seriously within 3 mi
Do NOT Use this Plugin
Simply put, this plugin doesn’t do what it says it will do. It’s supposed to work out of the box. I have tried troubleshooting this for hours to no avail. I reached out to support and they just ignore
Plugin has issues and close to no support for paid customers
The idea of this is what I need for my application however the plugin has issues. It does not appear to work correctly if the files are not stored in the web root directory. I have mine at server
More Downloads Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Simple Download Monitor and Free Downloads WooCommerce
A simple way to prevent search engines and the public from indexing and accessing your files without complex user authentication.
Easy Media Download allows you to embed download buttons on your WordPress site. Add file download functionality with this WordPress download plugin.
Download After Email is a free Subscribe & Download plugin that allows you to gain subscribers by offering free downloads.
Display WordPress PDF gallery and file gallery from folders. Comes with a clean, searchable & sortable list/grid layout.
Simply counts the number of times your files are downloaded. Display download links and counts using shortcodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Download Monitor or Free Downloads WooCommerce more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Download Monitor or Free Downloads WooCommerce?
Are Simple Download Monitor and Free Downloads WooCommerce free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Download Monitor or Free Downloads WooCommerce?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.