Hotlink File Prevention vs Hotlink Protection (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
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Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Hotlink File Prevention has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 7 reviews) and leads in active installations (700 vs 300). Both are free WordPress plugins. Hotlink File Prevention has accumulated 7.9K+ total downloads while Hotlink Protection has 55K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Hotlink File Prevention | Hotlink Protection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ◄ | 1/5 |
| Total Reviews | 7 | ◄ | 5 |
| Active Installs | 700 | ◄ | 300 |
| Total Downloads | 7.9K+ | ► | 55K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ◄ | 7 years ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2009 | |
| Age | 12 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.6+ | 4.0.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.0.0 | 3.3.3 |
Rating
4.9/5Hotlink File Prevention
◄Hotlink Protection1/5
Total Reviews
7Hotlink File Prevention
◄Hotlink Protection5
Active Installs
700Hotlink File Prevention
◄Hotlink Protection300
Total Downloads
7.9K+Hotlink File Prevention
►Hotlink Protection55K+
Support Resolution
N/AHotlink File Prevention
Hotlink ProtectionN/A
Last Updated
1 year agoHotlink File Prevention
◄Hotlink Protection7 years ago
First Released
2014Hotlink File Prevention
Hotlink Protection2009
Age
12 yearsHotlink File Prevention
Hotlink Protection17 years
WP Requires
4.6+Hotlink File Prevention
Hotlink Protection4.0.0+
PHP Requires
5.6+Hotlink File Prevention
Hotlink Protectionfalse+
Business Model
FreeHotlink File Prevention
Hotlink ProtectionFree
Latest Version
2.0.0Hotlink File Prevention
Hotlink Protection3.3.3
Rating Breakdown
Hotlink File Prevention
4.9/5(7 reviews)
5
86%
4
14%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Hotlink Protection
1/5(5 reviews)
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
100%
More Plugins Worth Comparing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotlink File Prevention or Hotlink Protection more popular?
Hotlink File Prevention has 700 active installations while Hotlink Protection has 300. Hotlink File Prevention is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Hotlink File Prevention or Hotlink Protection?
Hotlink File Prevention has a 4.9/5 rating from 7 reviews, while Hotlink Protection has a 1/5 rating from 5 reviews.
Are Hotlink File Prevention and Hotlink Protection free?
Hotlink File Prevention is free and Hotlink Protection is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Hotlink File Prevention or Hotlink Protection?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Hotlink File Prevention was last updated 1 year ago and Hotlink Protection was last updated 7 years ago.
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.