Head-to-head · October 2026
Ads vs Image Widget
Image Widget comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Ads.
Ads
Ads is a plugin that allows you to insert ads anywhere into your post just by using a simple shortcode. Most…
Image Widget
Image Widget is a simple plugin that uses the native WordPress media manager to add image widgets to your…
| Metric | Ads | Image Widget |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10+ | 100K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 81 | 7.7K |
| Download trend | +50% | +3% |
| Rating | 3.7/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Reviews | 3 | 287 |
| Health score | 26/100 | 64/100 |
| Last updated | 11 years ago | 6 months ago |
| Tested up to | WP 4.2.39 | WP 6.7.10 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Apr 2015 | Jul 2008 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
AdsImage Widget
Choose Ads if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 11 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.2 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Image Widget if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 100K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.9/5 from 287 reviews
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.7 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: ad
FAQ
Ads vs Image Widget: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 12, 2026
Which is better, Ads or Image Widget?
Image Widget comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Ads. Choose Ads if you care most about download trend. Choose Image Widget if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is Ads more popular than Image Widget?
Image Widget is the more popular of the two with 100K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Ads.
Can I use Ads and Image Widget together?
Both plugins cover ad, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are Ads and Image Widget free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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