User Role Editor vs Simple User Avatar (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, User Role Editor has a higher user rating (4.5/5 from 287 reviews) and leads in active installations (700K+ vs 20K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. User Role Editor has accumulated 21M+ total downloads while Simple User Avatar has 219K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | User Role Editor | Simple User Avatar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ◄ | 4.4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 287 | ◄ | 19 |
| Active Installs | 700K+ | ◄ | 20K+ |
| Total Downloads | 21M+ | ◄ | 219K+ |
| Support Resolution | 0% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 4 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2010 | 2017 | |
| Age | 16 years | 9 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.4+ | 4.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.3+ | 7.3+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.64.6 | 4.8 |
Rating Breakdown
User Role Editor
Simple User Avatar
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, User Role Editor averaged approximately 2,187 daily downloads while Simple User Avatar averaged 102.
Recent Reviews
User Role Editor Reviews
Simple and works nicely
This plugin is working well. Thank you for the developer who put lot of time into it. Very nice, lightest and most simple.
Worked great for my site
I’m a DIY self learner, and had a great experience with URE. It has vast capabilities and is organized to make it easy to navigate and apply so many customizations. Very intuitive. On the one occasion
Wont save capabilities for custom role
I hate giving bad reviews as I know how much work goes into these plugins, often by one person. But we have wasted so much time and lost orders because of a known bug. I can see that others have rep
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
More User Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as User Role Editor and Simple User Avatar
Enable and disable email notifications that WordPress sends to the admin and user. Works perfectly with many other plugins!
Unlock the power to change WordPress usernames with complete security and data integrity.
Login as User is a free WordPress plugin that helps admins switch user accounts instantly to check data.
Easily display your author/user profile info inside WordPress widget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is User Role Editor or Simple User Avatar more popular?
Which has better ratings — User Role Editor or Simple User Avatar?
Are User Role Editor and Simple User Avatar free?
Which plugin has better support — User Role Editor or Simple User Avatar?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.