# Debug Bar vs Show var_dump

> Debug Bar vs Show var_dump compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Debug Bar comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Show var_dump.

**Debug Bar comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Show var_dump.** Choose Debug Bar if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Show var_dump if you care most about download trend.

| | Debug Bar | Show var_dump |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 20K+ ✅ | 10+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 44.5K ✅ | 72 |
| Download trend | -8.9% | +28.6% ✅ |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | — |
| Reviews | 69 ✅ | 0 |
| Health score | 65/100 ✅ | 23/100 |
| Last updated | 7 months ago ✅ | 12 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.0.6 ✅ | WP 4.0.38 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Nov 2010 | Oct 2014 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, Debug Bar or Show var_dump?
Debug Bar comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Show var_dump. Choose Debug Bar if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Show var_dump if you care most about download trend.

### Is Debug Bar more popular than Show var_dump?
Debug Bar is the more popular of the two with 20K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Show var_dump.

### Can I use Debug Bar and Show var_dump together?
Both plugins cover debug, 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 Debug Bar and Show var_dump 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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Source: live WordPress.org data · HTML version: https://pageforge.pro/directory/compare/debug-bar-vs-show-var-dump/ · Generated 2026-09-29 21:04 UTC by PageForge