Head-to-head · October 2026
Disable Permanently REST… vs Disable Search
Disable Search comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Disable Permanently REST API.
Disable Permanently REST API
This plugin allows to disable permanently REST API on WordPress 4.7+
Disable Search
This plugin prevents WordPress from allowing and handling any search requests from the front-end of the site…
| Metric | Disable Permanently REST… | Disable Search |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | <10 | 30K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 35 | 2.5K |
| Download trend | +59.1% | +28.4% |
| Rating | — | 4.7/5 |
| Reviews | 0 | 16 |
| Health score | 21/100 | 51/100 |
| Last updated | 8 years ago | 1 year ago |
| Tested up to | WP 5.0.29 | WP 6.8.10 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Jul 2017 | Jun 2009 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Disable Permanently RES…Disable Search
Choose Disable Permanently REST… if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 7 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 5.0 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Disable Search if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 30K+ active sites
- Momentum — downloads up 28.4% vs the previous 30 days
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: disable
FAQ
Disable Permanently REST… vs Disable Search: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
Which is better, Disable Permanently REST API or Disable Search?
Disable Search comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Disable Permanently REST API. Choose Disable Permanently REST API if you care most about download trend. Choose Disable Search if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is Disable Permanently REST API more popular than Disable Search?
Disable Search is the more popular of the two with 30K+ active installs, compared with <10 for Disable Permanently REST API.
Can I use Disable Permanently REST API and Disable Search together?
Both plugins cover disable, 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 Permanently REST API and Disable Search 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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