WPGraphQL vs Headless Mode (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Headless Mode has a higher user rating (5/5 from 6 reviews) while WPGraphQL leads in active installations (30K+ vs 2.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. WPGraphQL has accumulated 1.4M+ total downloads while Headless Mode has 33K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | WPGraphQL | Headless Mode | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 48 | ◄ | 6 |
| Active Installs | 30K+ | ◄ | 2.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 1.4M+ | ◄ | 33K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 2 weeks ago | ◄ | 1 year ago |
| First Released | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Age | 6 years | 7 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.0+ | 5.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.10.1 | 0.4.0 |
Rating Breakdown
WPGraphQL
Headless Mode
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, WPGraphQL averaged approximately 1,239 daily downloads while Headless Mode averaged 16.
Recent Reviews
WPGraphQL Reviews
Speedy
GraphQL vs. REST API 10 : 0 Thank you for this plugin. Building my headless application with WPGraphQL is fun. The repl interface to test queries is A+.
Performance performance performance
I’m so glad I decided to transition to a headless WP, and WPGraphQL made this possible, convenient and super fast.
Unreliable
I operate a large blog that uses WordPress as a headless CMS with a Next.JS frontend, which is largely enabled by this plugin. Let me just say first that creating an entire alternative third-party dat
Headless Mode Reviews
Flawless
Makes it very easy to redirect visitors to your main site.
Exacly was I was expecting
This plugins works as intended.
Simple to set up and works great!
This tiny plugin works exactly as intended.
More Headless Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as WPGraphQL and Headless Mode
WPGraphQL for ACF seamlessly integrates Advanced Custom Fields with WPGraphQL.
A developer-first REST API to decouple WooCommerce on the frontend to help build modern and scalable storefronts. Fast, secure, customizable, easy.
Secure REST endpoint to publish posts from BabyLoveGrowth.ai backend via API key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WPGraphQL or Headless Mode more popular?
Which has better ratings — WPGraphQL or Headless Mode?
Are WPGraphQL and Headless Mode free?
Which plugin has better support — WPGraphQL or Headless Mode?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.