WP User Avatars vs WP Custom Author URL (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, WP Custom Author URL has a higher user rating (5/5 from 8 reviews) while WP User Avatars leads in active installations (20K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. WP User Avatars has accumulated 313K+ total downloads while WP Custom Author URL has 27K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | WP User Avatars | WP Custom Author URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 29 | ◄ | 8 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 313K+ | ◄ | 27K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 1 year ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2019 | |
| Age | 11 years | 7 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.2+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.0+ | 5.6+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.4.1 | 2.1.0 |
Rating Breakdown
WP User Avatars
WP Custom Author URL
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, WP User Avatars averaged approximately 53 daily downloads while WP Custom Author URL averaged 5.
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).
WP Custom Author URL Reviews
Great plugin!
It works perfectly -> Twenty Twenty-One -> 6.1. Thakns Mr Chris Allen.
Very good plugin
It therefore allows us to modify the author’s link in order to create a redirect anywhere. You can define a different link for each author, or a link for all the authors. In addition, it also makes it
A brilliant plugin
A brilliant plugin. Now you can create custom author pages and have the author link under a post point directly to the corresponding page. This can be set individually for each user in the profile. Al
More Profile Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as WP User Avatars and WP Custom Author URL
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.
Easily display your author/user profile info inside WordPress widget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WP User Avatars or WP Custom Author URL more popular?
Which has better ratings — WP User Avatars or WP Custom Author URL?
Are WP User Avatars and WP Custom Author URL free?
Which plugin has better support — WP User Avatars or WP Custom Author URL?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.