Smart User Slug Hider vs Authors Widget (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Authors Widget has a higher user rating (5/5 from 4 reviews) while Smart User Slug Hider leads in active installations (3.0K+ vs 1.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Smart User Slug Hider has accumulated 53K+ total downloads while Authors Widget has 112K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Smart User Slug Hider | Authors Widget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 55 | ◄ | 4 |
| Active Installs | 3.0K+ | ◄ | 1.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 53K+ | ► | 112K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2009 | |
| Age | 12 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.0+ | 2.0.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.0.6 | 2.4.8 |
Rating Breakdown
Smart User Slug Hider
Authors Widget
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Smart User Slug Hider averaged approximately 5 daily downloads while Authors Widget averaged 25.
Recent Reviews
Smart User Slug Hider Reviews
Sad Loss
What a pity that the author is retiring and feels he can no longer support this plugin because it really did do the job and very well indeed. I do hope someone will pick up the coding and get it work
Does exactly as required!
Does exactly what it says and minimal set up required. Just what I needed, thanks! I had an idea inspired by a kids’ educational app that self-generates memorable passwords that might be good for a
Good plugin
I used a different user slug hider in the past and when it stopped being updated I switched to this one.
Authors Widget Reviews
Works as advertised!
Simple but effective
Great
Does exactly what it says. Very nice.
Does the job
Ive used this for years works great!
More Authors Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Smart User Slug Hider and Authors Widget
PublishPress Authors is the best plugin for adding authors, co-authors, multiple authors and guest authors to WordPress posts.
Assign multiple bylines to posts, pages, and custom post types with a search-as-you-type input box.
Make up custom-tailored preview lists of the contents easily and place them in widget areas and post contents.
Easily handle authors' payments on a multi-author blog by computing posts' remuneration basing on admin defined rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.