JWT Authentication for WP REST API vs Log in with Google (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, Log in with Google has a higher user rating (4.5/5 from 15 reviews) while JWT Authentication for WP REST API leads in active installations (60K+ vs 6.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. JWT Authentication for WP REST API has accumulated 902K+ total downloads while Log in with Google has 119K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | JWT Authentication for WP REST API | Log in with Google | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 4.5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 53 | ◄ | 15 |
| Active Installs | 60K+ | ◄ | 6.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 902K+ | ◄ | 119K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2020 | |
| Age | 11 years | 6 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.2+ | 5.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4.0+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 1.4.2 |
Rating Breakdown
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
Log in with Google
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, JWT Authentication for WP REST API averaged approximately 489 daily downloads while Log in with Google averaged 99.
Recent Reviews
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
Log in with Google Reviews
Excellent plugin
Works as advertised, SImple and easy to use.
Minimal and Best
For multiple social login accounts, I prefer Nextend Social Login and Register. But for internal web or website that has only admin team, no users, I think this plugin is the best.
Does not work in multisite
works fine for one site but not for multisite, need to add a notice about it
More Oauth Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as JWT Authentication for WP REST API and Log in with Google
Connect to Gmail SMTP server to automatically send email from your WordPress site. Configure wp_mail() to use SMTP with OAuth 2.0 authentication.
Simple secure login and user management through your Google Workspace for WordPress (using oAuth2 and MFA if enabled).
Authorizer limits login attempts, restricts access to specific users, and authenticates against external sources (OAuth2, Google, LDAP, or CAS).
Adds Authentication through OAuth 2. Provides the ability for Single Sign On for websites & Mobile Applications.
IMPORTANT - Please choose the WPO365 | MICROSOFT 365 GRAPH MAILER plugin instead. This plugin is no longer supported and does not receive updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JWT Authentication for WP REST API or Log in with Google more popular?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.