PDF Embedder vs GS Only PDF Preview (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, GS Only PDF Preview has a higher user rating (5/5 from 8 reviews) while PDF Embedder leads in active installations (300K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. PDF Embedder has accumulated 5.0M+ total downloads while GS Only PDF Preview has 14K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | PDF Embedder | GS Only PDF Preview | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 480 | ◄ | 8 |
| Active Installs | 300K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 5.0M+ | ◄ | 14K+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2017 | |
| Age | 11 years | 9 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.1+ | 4.7.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.2+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.9.3 | 1.0.7 |
Rating Breakdown
PDF Embedder
GS Only PDF Preview
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, PDF Embedder averaged approximately 1,140 daily downloads while GS Only PDF Preview averaged 4.
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
GS Only PDF Preview Reviews
Works on PHP 7.4, WP 6.2, helpful!
Helpful for getting around some modern configuration issues with imagick, php, and some server setups.
Works perfectly on v6
Works perfectly on v6
works perfectly, automatically generates PDF thumbnail
Sometime in March 2021 my site stopped generating PDF thumbnails automatically. It seems like a bug in WP. I installed this plugin on WP 5.7.1 and now the PDF thumbnails are automatically generated on
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as PDF Embedder and GS Only PDF Preview
Create, print & automatically email PDF or XML Invoices & PDF Packing Slips for WooCommerce orders.
PDF Poster lets you embed PDF files in WordPress using a responsive viewer and block support, including full-screen, download, and print options.
Automatically generate, email and download PDF documents from Gravity Forms entries
Embed a PDF from the Media Library or elsewhere via oEmbed or as a block into an iframe tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDF Embedder or GS Only PDF Preview more popular?
Which has better ratings — PDF Embedder or GS Only PDF Preview?
Are PDF Embedder and GS Only PDF Preview free?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.