WP User Avatars vs Meks Smart Author Widget (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Meks Smart Author Widget
10K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, WP User Avatars has a higher user rating (4.5/5 from 29 reviews) and leads in active installations (20K+ vs 10K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. WP User Avatars has accumulated 313K+ total downloads while Meks Smart Author Widget has 430K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | WP User Avatars | Meks Smart Author Widget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | |
| Total Reviews | 29 | ◄ | 8 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 10K+ |
| Total Downloads | 313K+ | ► | 430K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 1 year ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2014 | |
| Age | 11 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.2+ | 3.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.0+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.4.1 | 1.1.5 |
Rating Breakdown
WP User Avatars
Meks Smart Author Widget
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, WP User Avatars averaged approximately 53 daily downloads while Meks Smart Author Widget averaged 23.
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).
Meks Smart Author Widget Reviews
Best; works well!
My theme didn’t come with an author box; so, I’m using this plugin. This is an excellent plugin which works well on all devices!
Damn near perfect!
This is an amazing plugin, period. Lots of widget options, from size of avatar to automatically detect author (by the posts they published – VERY COOL), from linking authors name to link showing all t
Not responsive
Simply not responsive out of the box.
More Profile Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as WP User Avatars and Meks Smart Author Widget
The official Gravatar plugin, featuring privacy-focused settings, easy profile updates, and customizable Gravatar Profile blocks.
Adds an avatar upload field to user profiles. Generates requested sizes on demand just like Gravatar!
Use any image from your WordPress Media Library as a custom user avatar or user profile picture. Add your own Default Avatar.
Powerful user profile plugin to create front-end user registration forms, login & user profile forms. Includes user role editor & content restriction.
Add an avatar upload field on frontend pages and Edit Profile screen so users can add a custom profile picture.
Custom user profiles plugin ❤ with paid memberships, groups, communities, content restriction, user registration, messaging, WooCommerce memberships, …
Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.