Head-to-head · September 2026
The Image Widget vs Simple Image Widget
Simple Image Widget comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against The Image Widget.
The Image Widget
Using this simple image widget you can display a clickable image in any sidebar.
Simple Image Widget
Simple Image Widget is what the name implies — the easiest way to add images to your sidebars. Display…
| Metric | The Image Widget | Simple Image Widget |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 80+ | 10K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 65 | 468 |
| Download trend | +25% | +15.6% |
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 1 | 39 |
| Health score | 32/100 | 54/100 |
| Last updated | 3 years ago | 1 year ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.4.12 | WP 6.8.10 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Jul 2016 | Sep 2008 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
The Image WidgetSimple Image Widget
Choose The Image Widget if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (80+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.4 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Simple Image Widget if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 10K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.5/5 from 39 reviews
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: image widget widget
FAQ
The Image Widget vs Simple Image Widget: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 30, 2026
Which is better, The Image Widget or Simple Image Widget?
Simple Image Widget comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against The Image Widget. Choose The Image Widget if you care most about download trend. Choose Simple Image Widget if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is The Image Widget more popular than Simple Image Widget?
Simple Image Widget is the more popular of the two with 10K+ active installs, compared with 80+ for The Image Widget.
Can I use The Image Widget and Simple Image Widget together?
Both plugins cover image widget and widget, 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 The Image Widget and Simple 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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