Head-to-head · October 2026
Disable REST API vs JSON API Auth
Disable REST API comes out ahead, winning 4 of 8 head-to-head checks against JSON API Auth.
Disable REST API
The most comprehensive plugin for controlling access to the WordPress REST API!
JSON API Auth
JSON API Auth is retained for existing sites that still depend on the original JSON API plugin and its…
| Metric | Disable REST API | JSON API Auth |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 80K+ | 600+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 5.9K | 1.1K |
| Download trend | +1.7% | +194.6% |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Reviews | 38 | 11 |
| Health score | 48/100 | 81/100 |
| Last updated | 3 years ago | 1 week ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.3.12 | WP 7.1.2 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 5.6+ | 7.4+ |
| First released | Oct 2014 | Dec 2013 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Disable REST APIJSON API Auth
Choose Disable REST API if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and rating.
- 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)
Choose JSON API Auth if…
You care most about download trend, health score and last updated.
- Actively developed — last update 1 week ago
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Momentum — downloads up 194.6% vs the previous 30 days
- Small user base (600+ active installs)
Both compete in: api
FAQ
Disable REST API vs JSON API Auth: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
Which is better, Disable REST API or JSON API Auth?
Disable REST API comes out ahead, winning 4 of 8 head-to-head checks against JSON API Auth. Choose Disable REST API if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and rating. Choose JSON API Auth if you care most about download trend, health score and last updated.
Is Disable REST API more popular than JSON API Auth?
Disable REST API is the more popular of the two with 80K+ active installs, compared with 600+ for JSON API Auth.
Can I use Disable REST API and JSON API Auth together?
Both plugins cover 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 Disable REST API and JSON API Auth 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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