Simple Lightbox vs HW Image Widget (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, HW Image Widget has a higher user rating (4.4/5 from 14 reviews) while Simple Lightbox leads in active installations (100K+ vs 1.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Lightbox has accumulated 3.0M+ total downloads while HW Image Widget has 39K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Lightbox | HW Image Widget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 236 | ◄ | 14 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 1.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.0M+ | ◄ | 39K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2013 | |
| Age | 16 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 3.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.20+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.5 | 4.4 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Lightbox
HW Image Widget
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Lightbox averaged approximately 895 daily downloads while HW Image Widget averaged 3.
Recent Reviews
Simple Lightbox Reviews
Does not do anything
Just does not work. This topic was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by Benjamin Stocker.
Worked straight out of the box!
Couldn’t be simpler. Downloaded, installed, activated and now all my post images open in a lightbox. Brilliant!
Simple Yet Awesome
I like the simplicity of the plugin and it works with WP native image block. The ability to automatically group single images on a page or post and browse through them in the model box is great.
HW Image Widget Reviews
Great Plugin!!
This plugin works better in the widget sidebar than any other plugin I’ve used. Even though others say they are responsive, this one truly is! Thank you. Dee
Very good
Easy to use and many options.
Very Useful!
Easy to use and works well. I really appreciate the fixed size option and also the TinyMCE text editor which was the deciding factor on me using this plugin. The option to override the plugin’s image
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Simple Lightbox and HW Image Widget
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reSmush.it is the FREE image compressor and optimizer plugin - use it to optimize your images and improve the SEO and performance of your website.
Adds an image or icon in the menu items. You can choose the position of the image (after, before, above, below) or even hide the menu item title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Lightbox or HW Image Widget more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Lightbox or HW Image Widget?
Are Simple Lightbox and HW Image Widget free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Lightbox or HW Image Widget?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.