Head-to-head · September 2026
Folders vs Restrict Media Library Ac…
Folders comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Restrict Media Library Acce….
Restrict Media Library Access
This plugin restricts access for Authors and Contributors so they can only see their own Media Library…
| Metric | Folders | Restrict Media Library Ac… |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 90K+ | 2K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 58.6K | 282 |
| Download trend | +440.6% | -5.4% |
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 1,519 | 6 |
| Health score | 96/100 | 40/100 |
| Last updated | 3 weeks ago | 3 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.2 | WP 6.3.12 |
| Support resolved | 100% | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | May 2015 | Aug 2017 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
FoldersRestrict Media Library…
Choose Folders if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 90K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 5/5 from 1,519 reviews
- Actively developed — last update 3 weeks ago
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Momentum — downloads up 440.6% vs the previous 30 days
Choose Restrict Media Library Ac… if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.3 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: media library
FAQ
Folders vs Restrict Media Library Ac…: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 27, 2026
Which is better, Folders or Restrict Media Library Acce…?
Folders comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against Restrict Media Library Acce…. Choose Folders if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is Folders more popular than Restrict Media Library Acce…?
Folders is the more popular of the two with 90K+ active installs, compared with 2K+ for Restrict Media Library Acce….
Can I use Folders and Restrict Media Library Acce… together?
Both plugins cover media library, 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 Folders and Restrict Media Library Acce… free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
Powered by PageForge
Want thousands of pages that rank like these? Build them in an afternoon.
This directory runs on the same engine as PageForge. Turn any spreadsheet, CSV or API into thousands of fast, SEO-ready WordPress pages — with schema, internal links and AI-written copy baked in.
- CSV, Google Sheets & API data sources
- AI content, schema & internal links per page
- Works with Elementor, Gutenberg, Yoast & Rank Math
- Free on WordPress.org — no credit card
