Prevent Direct Access – Protect… vs Download After Email – Subscribe &… (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
10K+ active installs
Free
Download After Email – Subscribe &…
7.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Prevent Direct Access – Protect… has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 292 reviews) and leads in active installations (10K+ vs 7.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Prevent Direct Access – Protect… has accumulated 264K+ total downloads while Download After Email – Subscribe &… has 131K+. Download After Email – Subscribe &… has a higher support resolution rate (0% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Prevent Direct Access – Protect… | Download After Email – Subscribe &… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ◄ | 4.4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 292 | ◄ | 30 |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | ◄ | 7.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 264K+ | ◄ | 131K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 2 weeks ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2019 | |
| Age | 11 years | 7 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.7+ | 5.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.1+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.8.8.6 | 2.1.10 |
Rating Breakdown
Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
Download After Email – Subscribe &…
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Prevent Direct Access – Protect… averaged approximately 453 daily downloads while Download After Email – Subscribe &… averaged 146.
Recent Reviews
Prevent Direct Access – Protect… Reviews
Great protection
The pro plugin delivers, providing protection and security to files which contain commercial, sensitive or personal information. I have had a pro license for some time and even though the license h
Free Version barely usable
Almost every useful feature is locked away. Uninstalled immediately.
I’m completely impressed…
I’m not one to write reviews, but the WP Folio Team definitely deserves one. I’m completely impressed with their support. They are unparalleled! Whatever you need, you can be sure they will do everyth
Download After Email – Subscribe &… Reviews
Works like a dream
So, pretty straightforward install and configuration (unlike many of the similar products) – quick to create download links. Add the shortcode to your page – all done. Great.
Tested and works really well
This plugin works pretty well, the files are sent immediately, which is fantastic. You can also set the options so that if you have more than one file to offer as a download, you can allow the same em
Good Plugin ..
Good features .. needs a bit of customization for frontend
More Downloads Worth Comparing
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Simply counts the number of times your files are downloaded. Display download links and counts using shortcodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.