Simple User Avatar vs Controlled Admin Access (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Controlled Admin Access
10K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Controlled Admin Access has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 44 reviews) while Simple User Avatar leads in active installations (20K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Simple User Avatar has accumulated 219K+ total downloads while Controlled Admin Access has 218K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Simple User Avatar | Controlled Admin Access | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 19 | ► | 44 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 219K+ | ◄ | 218K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 3 months ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2015 | |
| Age | 9 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 4.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.3+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.8 | 2.1.2 |
Rating Breakdown
Simple User Avatar
Controlled Admin Access
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Simple User Avatar averaged approximately 102 daily downloads while Controlled Admin Access averaged 44.
Recent Reviews
Simple User Avatar Reviews
Impressed! | Unequaled Performance and Support
If you’re looking for simplicity, performance, and support in a plugin, this one is it. It works “out of the box” and does exactly what it says. Support is phenomenal as well. Job well done. Tha
Simple
Simple and easy to use
As loged in
I only can upload as admin a avatar as registered user not
Controlled Admin Access Reviews
Great Plugin
It’s a very great plugin. Thank you.
Perfect software
The software works perfectly. Something than can maybe be added is a way to log page view, of the admins we create. (Real time, or simply log events & display them onto a page), maybe with an email no
Excellent!
This is an extremely useful little plugin that not only makes it easier to provide admin access to outsiders but also to understand what actions they are taking and ensuring they don’t have access to
More User Worth Comparing
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Easily display your author/user profile info inside WordPress widget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simple User Avatar or Controlled Admin Access more popular?
Which has better ratings — Simple User Avatar or Controlled Admin Access?
Are Simple User Avatar and Controlled Admin Access free?
Which plugin has better support — Simple User Avatar or Controlled Admin Access?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.