Simple Lightbox vs Default Featured Image (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Default Featured Image
70K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Default Featured Image has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 67 reviews) while Simple Lightbox leads in active installations (100K+ vs 70K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Lightbox has accumulated 3.0M+ total downloads while Default Featured Image has 541K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Lightbox | Default Featured Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.9/5 |
| Total Reviews | 236 | ◄ | 67 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 70K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.0M+ | ◄ | 541K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 4 months ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2012 | |
| Age | 16 years | 14 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 6.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.20+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.5 | 1.8.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Lightbox
Default Featured Image
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Lightbox averaged approximately 895 daily downloads while Default Featured Image averaged 102.
Recent Reviews
Simple Lightbox Reviews
Does not do anything
Just does not work. This topic was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by Benjamin Stocker.
Worked straight out of the box!
Couldn’t be simpler. Downloaded, installed, activated and now all my post images open in a lightbox. Brilliant!
Simple Yet Awesome
I like the simplicity of the plugin and it works with WP native image block. The ability to automatically group single images on a page or post and browse through them in the model box is great.
Default Featured Image Reviews
Awesome plugin, great support.
Loving this plugin. And when I need to fine tune it, a quick browse through the FAQs and Support Threads and I found everything I needed. Great plugin. This topic was modified 12 months ago by
Does what is says on the tin – thanks!
A very handy little plugin that fills an obvious hole in WordPress’s feature list.
Exactly what I need
Hi Jan-Willem,I was looking for a default featured image, ChatGPT suggested your plugin. Exactly what I need. Thanks!Pascal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Lightbox or Default Featured Image more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Lightbox or Default Featured Image?
Are Simple Lightbox and Default Featured Image free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Lightbox or Default Featured Image?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.