Require Featured Image vs Save and Close (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Require Featured Image
4.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Save and Close has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 13 reviews) while Require Featured Image leads in active installations (4.0K+ vs 400). Both are free WordPress plugins. Require Featured Image has accumulated 96K+ total downloads while Save and Close has 5.8K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Require Featured Image | Save and Close | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.9/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 16 | ◄ | 13 |
| Active Installs | 4.0K+ | ◄ | 400 |
| Total Downloads | 96K+ | ◄ | 5.8K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 6 years ago | ◄ | 12 years ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2013 | |
| Age | 13 years | 13 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.5+ | 3.3+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 1.2.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Require Featured Image
Save and Close
Download Trends
Recent Reviews
Require Featured Image Reviews
Does what it needs to do
Works on WP 5.8 with build in Gutenberg editor for CPT = posts When you remove the image the message re-appears
allows to remove thumb image
It allows to delete thumb image on existing posts. If I open post that already doesn’t have thumb image it doesn’t show any error message.
Doesn’t work on version 5.1
at least in terms of hiding the button. Plz fix already.
Save and Close Reviews
No reviews yet
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Require Featured Image or Save and Close more popular?
Which has better ratings — Require Featured Image or Save and Close?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.