Image Widget vs Default Featured Image (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Default Featured Image
70K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Image Widget has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 287 reviews) and leads in active installations (100K+ vs 70K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Image Widget has accumulated 4.6M+ total downloads while Default Featured Image has 541K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Image Widget | Default Featured Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | |
| Total Reviews | 287 | ◄ | 67 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 70K+ |
| Total Downloads | 4.6M+ | ◄ | 541K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ► | 4 months ago |
| First Released | 2008 | 2012 | |
| Age | 18 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.5+ | 6.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.4.11 | 1.8.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Image Widget
Default Featured Image
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Image Widget averaged approximately 131 daily downloads while Default Featured Image averaged 102.
Recent Reviews
Image Widget Reviews
Perfect image widget
This is perfect image widget. Thank you very much for such helpful solution.
Very nice, working great
I like this image widget plugin, certainly better than the default one, also works with some external lightbox plugins, so that’s a bonus. Also, it works without a problem on WordPress v5.4.2.
Very nice plugin
This is very nice plugin! Thank you for your work! Everything work fast without any problems.
Default Featured Image Reviews
Awesome plugin, great support.
Loving this plugin. And when I need to fine tune it, a quick browse through the FAQs and Support Threads and I found everything I needed. Great plugin. This topic was modified 12 months ago by
Does what is says on the tin – thanks!
A very handy little plugin that fills an obvious hole in WordPress’s feature list.
Exactly what I need
Hi Jan-Willem,I was looking for a default featured image, ChatGPT suggested your plugin. Exactly what I need. Thanks!Pascal
More Image Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Image Widget and Default Featured Image
Formerly Easy Fancybox. The most popular WordPress lightbox plugin. Simple, fast, and responsive. Opens images, videos, PDFs, and custom popups.
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.
The most popular lightbox plugin and responsive gallery builder for WordPress.
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 Image Widget or Default Featured Image more popular?
Which has better ratings — Image Widget or Default Featured Image?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.