Prevent Direct Access – Protect… vs Simple Download Counter (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
Simple Download Counter
2.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Simple Download Counter has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 18 reviews) while Prevent Direct Access – Protect… leads in active installations (10K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Prevent Direct Access – Protect… has accumulated 264K+ total downloads while Simple Download Counter has 27K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Prevent Direct Access – Protect… | Simple Download Counter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | ► | 4.9/5 |
| Total Reviews | 292 | ◄ | 18 |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 264K+ | ◄ | 27K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 2 weeks ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2022 | |
| Age | 11 years | 4 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.7+ | 5.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.1+ | 5.6.20+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.8.8.6 | 2.3.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
Simple Download Counter
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Prevent Direct Access – Protect… averaged approximately 453 daily downloads while Simple Download Counter averaged 60.
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
Simple Download Counter Reviews
Fabulous!!
Does what it says and with complete, clean simplicity.
Super!
Super cool and easy-to-use. No additional blocks or buttons. You just need to update your links.
Simply a great Plugin
Thanks a lot for this great Plugin. It does exactly what it is supposed to do, simply count how often a file is downloaded. And the plugin is very lightweight. The additional options in connection wit
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.