iframe vs Embed PDF Viewer (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Embed PDF Viewer has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 19 reviews) while iframe leads in active installations (70K+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. iframe has accumulated 1.9M+ total downloads while Embed PDF Viewer has 309K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | iframe | Embed PDF Viewer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 56 | ◄ | 19 |
| Active Installs | 70K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 1.9M+ | ◄ | 309K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2011 | 2016 | |
| Age | 15 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.0+ | 6.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 6.0 | 2.4.8 |
Rating Breakdown
iframe
Embed PDF Viewer
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, iframe averaged approximately 201 daily downloads while Embed PDF Viewer averaged 168.
Recent Reviews
iframe Reviews
works just fine
I’ve been using this for several years to embed a public webcam livestream. And also using it to embed google docs. I download the google doc as html, put it on the same server where wordpress is, and
Like they said, it simply does NOT work AT ALL
It does not work AT ALL. You can enter all the shortcodes you like in as many widgets and text boxes as you like. And they do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. This is total fakeware.
Fast Support and Easy to Use
An easy to use plugin with fast and practical support from its developer. More frequently and providing options to generate the shortcode on the posting page could make it even better! Thanks so much!
Embed PDF Viewer Reviews
Amazing plugin
This plugin save my 2 days coding task. If this plugin is not there i have to code this.
Works Great but no preview on mobile
Works great on web but when I try to access the website via mobile browser, the pdf has no preview available. BTW, I’m using WordPress 6.4.3. Thank you for your effort with this PDF plugin it is a
Perfect!
Love how easy it is to embed a PDF using the Block Editor and this plugin. It’s perfect.
More Embed Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as iframe and Embed PDF Viewer
EmbedPress lets you embed videos, pages, social feeds, embed PDF 3D flipbooks & other content on WordPress without coding & enhance storytelling.
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Insert Pages lets you embed any WordPress content (e.g., pages, posts, custom post types) into other WordPress content using the Shortcode API.
A Compact WP Audio Player Plugin that is compatible with all major browsers and devices (Android, iPhone, iPad)
Level up your basic video embeds! Advanced features, privacy. Use URLs, Shortcodes or Blocks to customize videos to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iframe or Embed PDF Viewer more popular?
Which has better ratings — iframe or Embed PDF Viewer?
Are iframe and Embed PDF Viewer free?
Which plugin has better support — iframe or Embed PDF Viewer?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.