JWT Authentication for WP REST API vs WordPress REST API (Version 2) (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
WordPress REST API (Version 2)
10K+ 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) and leads in active installations (60K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. JWT Authentication for WP REST API has accumulated 902K+ total downloads while WordPress REST API (Version 2) has 534K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | JWT Authentication for WP REST API | WordPress REST API (Version 2) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ◄ | 4.2/5 |
| Total Reviews | 53 | ◄ | 34 |
| Active Installs | 60K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 902K+ | ◄ | 534K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2009 | |
| Age | 11 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.2+ | 4.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4.0+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 2.0-beta15 |
Rating Breakdown
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
WordPress REST API (Version 2)
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, JWT Authentication for WP REST API averaged approximately 489 daily downloads while WordPress REST API (Version 2) averaged 21.
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
WordPress REST API (Version 2) Reviews
TOTAL IGNORANCE TO USERS
As we stated, this plugin was way long abandonded, and integrated in WP, and even after request https://wordpress.org/support/topic/why-there-is-no-clear-indication-that-it-is-no-longer-used/ the de
PHP 7.2 compatibility errors on rest-api
Can you please confirm/deny the PHP 7.2 compatibility? I’m receiving this error report on a PHP 7.2 compatibility test: FILE: /nas/content/live/devreplicon1/wp-content/plugins/rest-api/lib/endpoints/c
Bug
Call to undefined function get_registered_meta_keys() in wp-content\plugins\rest-api\lib\fields\class-wp-rest-meta-fields.php on line 244
More Rest Api Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as JWT Authentication for WP REST API and WordPress REST API (Version 2)
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!
Make Connector. Make lets you design, build, and automate by connecting with WordPress in just a few clicks.
Secure and protect WordPress REST API from unauthorized access using JWT token, Basic Authentication, API Key, OAuth 2, or external token.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JWT Authentication for WP REST API or WordPress REST API (Version 2) more popular?
Which has better ratings — JWT Authentication for WP REST API or WordPress REST API (Version 2)?
Are JWT Authentication for WP REST API and WordPress REST API (Version 2) free?
Which plugin has better support — JWT Authentication for WP REST API or WordPress REST API (Version 2)?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.