JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs vs WordPress REST API (Version 2) (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs
20K+ active installs
Free
WordPress REST API (Version 2)
10K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs has a higher user rating (4.4/5 from 73 reviews) and leads in active installations (20K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs has accumulated 492K+ total downloads while WordPress REST API (Version 2) has 534K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs | WordPress REST API (Version 2) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4/5 | ◄ | 4.2/5 |
| Total Reviews | 73 | ◄ | 34 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 492K+ | ► | 534K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2019 | 2009 | |
| Age | 7 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 3.0.1+ | 4.6+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.3.0 | 2.0-beta15 |
Rating Breakdown
JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs
WordPress REST API (Version 2)
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs averaged approximately 147 daily downloads while WordPress REST API (Version 2) averaged 21.
Recent Reviews
JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs Reviews
5 Years of Excellence – Professionals You Can Truly Rely On!
After 5 years of using the paid version of this plugin, I must say I am beyond impressed. We use this plugin to secure our API and manage the access keys for our REST API, and for nearly the entire ti
Great Support
Great support from the MiniOrange team! Atul and Vidushi are very helpful and lightning fast to respond.
Great support.
Swapnil was very helpful in resolving my issue. I enjoyed the support received by the mini orange team.
WordPress REST API (Version 2) Reviews
TOTAL IGNORANCE TO USERS
As we stated, this plugin was way long abandonded, and integrated in WP, and even after request https://wordpress.org/support/topic/why-there-is-no-clear-indication-that-it-is-no-longer-used/ the de
PHP 7.2 compatibility errors on rest-api
Can you please confirm/deny the PHP 7.2 compatibility? I’m receiving this error report on a PHP 7.2 compatibility test: FILE: /nas/content/live/devreplicon1/wp-content/plugins/rest-api/lib/endpoints/c
Bug
Call to undefined function get_registered_meta_keys() in wp-content\plugins\rest-api\lib\fields\class-wp-rest-meta-fields.php on line 244
More Rest Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs and WordPress REST API (Version 2)
Disable the use of the REST API on your website to site users. Now with User Role support!
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Connect any REST API to WordPress. WPGet API enables easy API integration, allowing you to display API data without any code.
Enable caching of the WordPress REST API and auto-flush caches upon wp-admin editing.
Enable a UI to toggle visibility and customize properties in WP REST API requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs or WordPress REST API (Version 2) more popular?
Which has better ratings — JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs or WordPress REST API (Version 2)?
Are JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs and WordPress REST API (Version 2) free?
Which plugin has better support — JWT Authentication for WP REST APIs or WordPress REST API (Version 2)?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.