Head-to-head · October 2026
API Bearer Auth vs Disable REST API
Disable REST API comes out ahead, winning 4 of 8 head-to-head checks against API Bearer Auth.
API Bearer Auth
The API Bearer Auth plugin enables authentication for the REST API by using JWT access an refresh tokens…
Disable REST API
The most comprehensive plugin for controlling access to the WordPress REST API!
| Metric | API Bearer Auth | Disable REST API |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 300+ | 80K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 198 | 5.9K |
| Download trend | -3.9% | +1.7% |
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Reviews | 6 | 38 |
| Health score | 53/100 | 48/100 |
| Last updated | 10 months ago | 3 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.9.9 | WP 6.3.12 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 5.4.0+ | 5.6+ |
| First released | Dec 2017 | Oct 2014 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
API Bearer AuthDisable REST API
Choose API Bearer Auth if…
You care most about rating, health score and last updated.
- Small user base (300+ active installs)
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.9 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Disable REST API if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 80K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.8/5 from 38 reviews
- No update in 3 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.3 (latest is 7.1)
FAQ
API Bearer Auth vs Disable REST API: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
Which is better, API Bearer Auth or Disable REST API?
Disable REST API comes out ahead, winning 4 of 8 head-to-head checks against API Bearer Auth. Choose API Bearer Auth if you care most about rating, health score and last updated. Choose Disable REST API if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is API Bearer Auth more popular than Disable REST API?
Disable REST API is the more popular of the two with 80K+ active installs, compared with 300+ for API Bearer Auth.
Can I use API Bearer Auth and Disable REST API together?
Both plugins cover api and rest-api, 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 API Bearer Auth and Disable REST API 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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