Simple Lightbox vs Featured Image from URL (FIFU) (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Featured Image from URL (FIFU)
70K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Featured Image from URL (FIFU) has a higher user rating (4.6/5 from 259 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 Featured Image from URL (FIFU) has 7.2M+. Featured Image from URL (FIFU) has a higher support resolution rate (50% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Lightbox | Featured Image from URL (FIFU) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.6/5 |
| Total Reviews | 236 | ► | 259 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 70K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.0M+ | ► | 7.2M+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | ► | 50% |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 2 months ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2015 | |
| Age | 16 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 5.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.20+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.5 | 5.3.3 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Lightbox
Featured Image from URL (FIFU)
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Lightbox averaged approximately 895 daily downloads while Featured Image from URL (FIFU) averaged 282.
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.
Featured Image from URL (FIFU) Reviews
Works great!
I use a lot of free images and I like to repay the photographers with credits they deserve. This plugin lets me do that.
it is very good plugins
I use it in several websites.
A must-have that just works
A must-have that just works
More Image Worth Comparing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Lightbox or Featured Image from URL (FIFU) more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Lightbox or Featured Image from URL (FIFU)?
Are Simple Lightbox and Featured Image from URL (FIFU) free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Lightbox or Featured Image from URL (FIFU)?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.