JWT Authentication for WP REST API vs WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) (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
WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication)
3.0K+ 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 3.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. JWT Authentication for WP REST API has accumulated 902K+ total downloads while WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) has 174K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | JWT Authentication for WP REST API | WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ◄ | 3.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 53 | ◄ | 41 |
| Active Installs | 60K+ | ◄ | 3.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 902K+ | ◄ | 174K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 2 months ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2013 | |
| Age | 11 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.2+ | 4.7.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4.0+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 4.5.0 |
Rating Breakdown
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication)
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, JWT Authentication for WP REST API averaged approximately 489 daily downloads while WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) averaged 42.
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
WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) Reviews
Serious security flaw — tokens remain valid after logout
I tested WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) in integration with a client application and found a serious issue: even after the user logs out from WordPress, the issued access token is still accept
Abandoned plugin
It looks like the plugin is abandoned. Moreover, I bought a Pro version but it doesn’t work and nobody replies via the support email. I can’t even access my license key because the password restore do
This plugin is really fantastic
I just want to say thank you to the developer, you have done a great job and saved me a tonne of time 🙂
More Oauth Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as JWT Authentication for WP REST API and WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication)
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).
Minimal plugin that allows WordPress users to log in using Google.
Authorizer limits login attempts, restricts access to specific users, and authenticates against external sources (OAuth2, Google, LDAP, or CAS).
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 WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) more popular?
Which has better ratings — JWT Authentication for WP REST API or WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication)?
Are JWT Authentication for WP REST API and WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication) free?
Which plugin has better support — JWT Authentication for WP REST API or WP OAuth Server (OAuth Authentication)?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.