Really Simple Security – Simple and… vs Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Really Simple Security – Simple and…
3.0M+ active installs
Free
Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users…
40K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Really Simple Security – Simple and… has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 8,811 reviews) and leads in active installations (3.0M+ vs 40K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Really Simple Security – Simple and… has accumulated 206M+ total downloads while Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… has 12M+. Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… has a higher support resolution rate (100% vs 100%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Really Simple Security – Simple and… | Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 8,811 | ◄ | 1,032 |
| Active Installs | 3.0M+ | ◄ | 40K+ |
| Total Downloads | 206M+ | ◄ | 12M+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | 100% | |
| Last Updated | 4 days ago | ◄ | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2013 | |
| Age | 11 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.6+ | 5.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 9.5.9 | 21.2.6 |
Rating Breakdown
Really Simple Security – Simple and…
Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users…
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Really Simple Security – Simple and… averaged approximately 55,473 daily downloads while Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… averaged 1,389.
Recent Reviews
Really Simple Security – Simple and… Reviews
Simple Yet Effective
Really Simple Security is a great plugin for basic security needs. It’s easy to set up and offers essential protection, but it could use more advanced features for power users. Overall, it’s solid.
Incredibly Good Tool!
It’s a bit tricky, especially when after a long period you have to go back and edit or update, but when I learned to use it years ago it was and is still incredible. It bloody works, giving you total
semplice
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Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… Reviews
I hate this expensive, complex plugin
I’m so tired of visitors being locked out of client sites, clients being locked out. I have no idea how to get real support. It’s sold as a simple, robust security plugin, but it’s by no means simple;
Causes critical error
Installed it two times, and each time it completely blocked access to the WordPress dashboard. Had to use FTP to delete this plugin.
Solid Security Plugin with Some Hidden Pitfalls
I’m a web developer and I like Shield Security. It’s solid and offers strong protection. That said, after following their advice to improve my security grade, I couldn’t edit the WordPress Customiz
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.