Protect Uploads vs Prevent Direct Access – Protect… (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
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Protect Uploads has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 12 reviews) and leads in active installations (40K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Protect Uploads has accumulated 1.4M+ total downloads while Prevent Direct Access – Protect… has 264K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Protect Uploads | Prevent Direct Access – Protect… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 | ◄ | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 12 | ► | 292 |
| Active Installs | 40K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 1.4M+ | ◄ | 264K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ► | 1 week ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2015 | |
| Age | 11 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.0.1+ | 4.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.0+ | 5.6.1+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 0.6.0 | 2.8.8.6 |
Rating Breakdown
Protect Uploads
Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Protect Uploads averaged approximately 496 daily downloads while Prevent Direct Access – Protect… averaged 453.
Recent Reviews
Protect Uploads Reviews
Thanks!
Thanks!
Doesn’t work at all
Tried with “Protect with index.php files“ Tried with “Protect with .htaccess file“ Neither one works. PDF happily appears in another browser where I’m not logged in, it’s got a little menu, it
Don’t be fooled by fake reviews.
This plugin is not malware.The ‘malware’ you claim is a ‘fake plug-in’ created by a web server being hacked.A year after downloading this plug-in from the official WordPress.org , my site is still ver
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.