Simple Download Monitor vs Prevent Direct Access – Protect… (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Simple Download Monitor
20K+ active installs
Free
Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
10K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Prevent Direct Access – Protect… has a higher user rating (4.7/5 from 292 reviews) while Simple Download Monitor leads in active installations (20K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Download Monitor has accumulated 1.3M+ total downloads while Prevent Direct Access – Protect… has 264K+. Simple Download Monitor has a higher support resolution rate (67% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Download Monitor | Prevent Direct Access – Protect… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | ► | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 151 | ► | 292 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 1.3M+ | ◄ | 264K+ |
| Support Resolution | 67% | ◄ | 0% |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 1 week ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2015 | |
| Age | 17 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.0+ | 4.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | 5.6.1+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.0.6 | 2.8.8.6 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Download Monitor
Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Download Monitor averaged approximately 185 daily downloads while Prevent Direct Access – Protect… averaged 453.
Recent Reviews
Simple Download Monitor Reviews
Love it
Been using it for years and it does the job perfectly. Plenty of features but simple enough to use.
Great Plug-in
Lifesaver, if in need for a simple and reliable download app. Thanks!!!
Clean, Simple and it just works!
I have been using this plugin for a few years now on two of the websites I manage and I cannot imagine using another plugin like this. I tried to, but I always come back to this one! Setup is fairly e
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
More Downloads Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Simple Download Monitor and Prevent Direct Access – Protect…
Easy Media Download allows you to embed download buttons on your WordPress site. Add file download functionality with this WordPress download plugin.
Download After Email is a free Subscribe & Download plugin that allows you to gain subscribers by offering free downloads.
Allow users to instantly download your free digital products without going through the checkout.
Display WordPress PDF gallery and file gallery from folders. Comes with a clean, searchable & sortable list/grid layout.
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.