JWT Authentication for WP REST API vs Ultimate WP REST API (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
60K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Ultimate WP REST API has a higher user rating (5/5 from 4 reviews) while JWT Authentication for WP REST API leads in active installations (60K+ vs 10). Both are free WordPress plugins. JWT Authentication for WP REST API has accumulated 902K+ total downloads while Ultimate WP REST API has 4.1K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | JWT Authentication for WP REST API | Ultimate WP REST API | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 53 | ◄ | 4 |
| Active Installs | 60K+ | ◄ | 10 |
| Total Downloads | 902K+ | ◄ | 4.1K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 7 years ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2018 | |
| Age | 11 years | 8 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.2+ | 4.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4.0+ | 7.1+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.5.0 | 1.2.7 |
Rating Breakdown
JWT Authentication for WP REST API
Ultimate WP REST API
Download Trends
Recent Reviews
JWT Authentication for WP REST API Reviews
Simple and Great
I currently have the free version, and it’s great and simple to use. I never had an issue with it.
it’s just sales
they make it confusing and confounding on purpose
Works Very well & Paid support is great
The support guy is not a non-techie, so the support was actually helpful! The plugin works great and let me really extend the user system of my WP so it can act in a auth/auth capacity for the servic
Ultimate WP REST API Reviews
No reviews yet
More Plugins Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as JWT Authentication for WP REST API and Ultimate WP REST API
The WooCommerce Legacy REST API, which is now part of WooCommerce itself but will be removed in WooCommerce 9.0.
Disable the use of the REST API on your website to site users. Now with User Role support!
Make Connector. Make lets you design, build, and automate by connecting with WordPress in just a few clicks.
Secure and protect WordPress REST API from unauthorized access using JWT token, Basic Authentication, API Key, OAuth 2, or external token.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JWT Authentication for WP REST API or Ultimate WP REST API more popular?
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Are JWT Authentication for WP REST API and Ultimate WP REST API free?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.