Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… vs Blackhole for Bad Bots (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users…
40K+ active installs
Free
Blackhole for Bad Bots
30K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 1,032 reviews) and leads in active installations (40K+ vs 30K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… has accumulated 12M+ total downloads while Blackhole for Bad Bots has 887K+. Blackhole for Bad Bots has a higher support resolution rate (100% vs 100%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… | Blackhole for Bad Bots | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 | ◄ | 4.7/5 |
| Total Reviews | 1,032 | ◄ | 148 |
| Active Installs | 40K+ | ◄ | 30K+ |
| Total Downloads | 12M+ | ◄ | 887K+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | 100% | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ► | 2 weeks ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2016 | |
| Age | 13 years | 10 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.7+ | 4.7+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 5.6.20+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 21.2.6 | 3.8.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users…
Blackhole for Bad Bots
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… averaged approximately 1,389 daily downloads while Blackhole for Bad Bots averaged 905.
Recent Reviews
Shield: Blocks Bots, Protects Users… Reviews
I hate this expensive, complex plugin
I’m so tired of visitors being locked out of client sites, clients being locked out. I have no idea how to get real support. It’s sold as a simple, robust security plugin, but it’s by no means simple;
Causes critical error
Installed it two times, and each time it completely blocked access to the WordPress dashboard. Had to use FTP to delete this plugin.
Solid Security Plugin with Some Hidden Pitfalls
I’m a web developer and I like Shield Security. It’s solid and offers strong protection. That said, after following their advice to improve my security grade, I couldn’t edit the WordPress Customiz
Blackhole for Bad Bots Reviews
Cloudflare Compatibility
Plug in has many problems with Cloudflare
Does nothing!
n/a This topic was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by ron441241. This topic was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by ron441241.
Great plugin
Hi. It seems to be doing its job. I am happy with it. Thanks 🙂 [Blackhole for Bad Bots]
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.