Head-to-head · October 2026
Advanced Automatic Updates vs WP Core Update Cleaner
Advanced Automatic Updates comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP Core Update Cleaner.
Advanced Automatic Updates
Advanced Automatic Updates adds extra options to WordPress’ built-in Automatic Updates feature. On top of…
WP Core Update Cleaner
When WordPress is updated, it re-installs wp-config-sample.php, readme files, and license files even though…
| Metric | Advanced Automatic Updates | WP Core Update Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 20K+ | 800+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 461 | 130 |
| Download trend | +10.6% | +8.3% |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 61 | 4 |
| Health score | 46/100 | 33/100 |
| Last updated | 5 years ago | 3 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 5.0.29 | WP 6.5.12 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Sep 2012 | Dec 2014 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Advanced Automatic Upda…WP Core Update Cleaner
Choose Advanced Automatic Updates if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 20K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.7/5 from 61 reviews
- No update in 5 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 5.0 (latest is 7.1)
Choose WP Core Update Cleaner if…
You care most about last updated and tested up to.
- Small user base (800+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.5 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: core
FAQ
Advanced Automatic Updates vs WP Core Update Cleaner: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 1, 2026
Which is better, Advanced Automatic Updates or WP Core Update Cleaner?
Advanced Automatic Updates comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP Core Update Cleaner. Choose Advanced Automatic Updates if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend. Choose WP Core Update Cleaner if you care most about last updated and tested up to.
Is Advanced Automatic Updates more popular than WP Core Update Cleaner?
Advanced Automatic Updates is the more popular of the two with 20K+ active installs, compared with 800+ for WP Core Update Cleaner.
Can I use Advanced Automatic Updates and WP Core Update Cleaner together?
Both plugins cover core, 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 Advanced Automatic Updates and WP Core Update Cleaner 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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