Make Connector vs JWT Authentication for WP REST API (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
60K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, JWT Authentication for WP REST API has a higher user rating (4.4/5 from 53 reviews) while Make Connector leads in active installations (80K+ vs 60K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Make Connector has accumulated 480K+ total downloads while JWT Authentication for WP REST API has 902K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Make Connector | JWT Authentication for WP REST API | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.7/5 | ► | 4.4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 25 | ► | 53 |
| Active Installs | 80K+ | ◄ | 60K+ |
| Total Downloads | 480K+ | ► | 902K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2021 | 2015 | |
| Age | 5 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.0+ | 4.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.2+ | 7.4.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.6 | 1.5.0 |
Rating Breakdown
Make Connector
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Make Connector averaged approximately 486 daily downloads while JWT Authentication for WP REST API averaged 489.
Recent Reviews
Make Connector Reviews
Doesn’t work, no error in logs
I’m using it on a website and it fails to create a new post. On other websites it works but in this specific case it just doesn’t and no error message turns up in the log.txt. This has been the case f
Good
v1.6.0 came with some bugs but devs were very fast and responsive to solve the issue and push a new update. Overall, a great plugin.
Crashes posts
After the update, texts posted on WordPress are stripped of formatting and appear as a plain wall of text.
JWT Authentication for WP REST API Reviews
Simple and Great
I currently have the free version, and it’s great and simple to use. I never had an issue with it.
it’s just sales
they make it confusing and confounding on purpose
Works Very well & Paid support is great
The support guy is not a non-techie, so the support was actually helpful! The plugin works great and let me really extend the user system of my WP so it can act in a auth/auth capacity for the servic
More Rest Api Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Make Connector and JWT Authentication for WP REST API
The WooCommerce Legacy REST API, which is now part of WooCommerce itself but will be removed in WooCommerce 9.0.
Disable the use of the REST API on your website to site users. Now with User Role support!
Secure and protect WordPress REST API from unauthorized access using JWT token, Basic Authentication, API Key, OAuth 2, or external token.
Access your site's data through an easy-to-use HTTP REST API. (Version 2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Make Connector or JWT Authentication for WP REST API more popular?
Which has better ratings — Make Connector or JWT Authentication for WP REST API?
Are Make Connector and JWT Authentication for WP REST API free?
Which plugin has better support — Make Connector or JWT Authentication for WP REST API?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.