Simple Lightbox vs LightPress Lightbox (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, LightPress Lightbox has a higher user rating (4.6/5 from 69 reviews) while Simple Lightbox leads in active installations (100K+ vs 40K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple Lightbox has accumulated 3.0M+ total downloads while LightPress Lightbox has 902K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple Lightbox | LightPress Lightbox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | ► | 4.6/5 |
| Total Reviews | 236 | ◄ | 69 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 40K+ |
| Total Downloads | 3.0M+ | ◄ | 902K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ► | 1 week ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2010 | |
| Age | 16 years | 16 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 5.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6.20+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.9.5 | 2.3.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple Lightbox
LightPress Lightbox
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple Lightbox averaged approximately 895 daily downloads while LightPress Lightbox averaged 289.
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.
LightPress Lightbox Reviews
Useful
Very useful
Clean, functional, reliable
I have used this plugin for a long time, and still think it has one of the best UI for a photo gallery.
Excellent
Great little plugin. Install and forget about it.
More Lightbox Worth Comparing
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Seamlessly integrates FancyBox lightbox into your WordPress blog: Upload, activate, and you're done. Additional configuration optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple Lightbox or LightPress Lightbox more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple Lightbox or LightPress Lightbox?
Are Simple Lightbox and LightPress Lightbox free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple Lightbox or LightPress Lightbox?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.