WP User Avatars vs Controlled Admin Access (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Controlled Admin Access
10K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Controlled Admin Access has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 44 reviews) while WP User Avatars leads in active installations (20K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. WP User Avatars has accumulated 313K+ total downloads while Controlled Admin Access has 218K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | WP User Avatars | Controlled Admin Access | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ► | 4.8/5 |
| Total Reviews | 29 | ► | 44 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 313K+ | ◄ | 218K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 0% | |
| Last Updated | 6 days ago | ◄ | 3 months ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2015 | |
| Age | 11 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.2+ | 4.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.0+ | 7.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.4.1 | 2.1.2 |
Rating Breakdown
WP User Avatars
Controlled Admin Access
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, WP User Avatars averaged approximately 53 daily downloads while Controlled Admin Access averaged 44.
Recent Reviews
WP User Avatars Reviews
Replaces Gravatar
Very simplistic (which to some people is good) but not only do I want one that supplements Gravatar but has user support, this one is abandoned.
Does not replace WP User Avatar
A lot of people seem to think this replaces the former WP User Avatar… it does not. First, it appears that support is seriously lacking here… look at the numerous support questions left unanswered.
Nice and simple
Nice and simple plugin. Great replacement for the corrupt ProfilePress (previously WP User Avatar).
Controlled Admin Access Reviews
Great Plugin
It’s a very great plugin. Thank you.
Perfect software
The software works perfectly. Something than can maybe be added is a way to log page view, of the admins we create. (Real time, or simply log events & display them onto a page), maybe with an email no
Excellent!
This is an extremely useful little plugin that not only makes it easier to provide admin access to outsiders but also to understand what actions they are taking and ensuring they don’t have access to
More User Worth Comparing
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Simple User Avatar helps users to add or remove their avatar using images from his Media Library.
Easily display your author/user profile info inside WordPress widget.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.