PDF Embedder 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, PDF Embedder has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 480 reviews) and leads in active installations (300K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. PDF Embedder has accumulated 5.0M+ total downloads while Embedly has 204K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | PDF Embedder | Embedly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ◄ | 3.5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 480 | ◄ | 20 |
| Active Installs | 300K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 5.0M+ | ◄ | 204K+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2010 | |
| Age | 11 years | 16 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.1+ | 5.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.2+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.9.3 | 4.9.3 |
Rating Breakdown
PDF Embedder
Embedly
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, PDF Embedder averaged approximately 1,140 daily downloads while Embedly averaged 22.
Recent Reviews
PDF Embedder Reviews
It does the job efficiently
It performs the advertized tasks efficiently
Easy to use
Simple, easy and efficient.
VERY GOOD PLUGIN
VERY GOOD 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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PDF Poster lets you embed PDF files in WordPress using a responsive viewer and block support, including full-screen, download, and print options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDF Embedder or Embedly more popular?
Which has better ratings — PDF Embedder or Embedly?
Are PDF Embedder and Embedly free?
Which plugin has better support — PDF Embedder or Embedly?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.