# Image Preloading vs Simple Lightbox

> Image Preloading vs Simple Lightbox compared on installs, downloads, ratings, updates, compatibility and support. Simple Lightbox comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Image Preloading.

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

| | Image Preloading | Simple Lightbox |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 50+ | 100K+ ✅ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 113 | 8.9K ✅ |
| Download trend | +43% ✅ | -0.4% |
| Rating | 3.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Reviews | 3 | 239 ✅ |
| Health score | 43/100 | 89/100 ✅ |
| Last updated | 6 months ago | 3 weeks ago ✅ |
| Tested up to | WP 6.9.9 | WP 7.1.2 ✅ |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.2+ | 5.6.20+ |
| First released | Jun 2017 | May 2010 |

## Frequently asked questions

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

### Is Image Preloading more popular than Simple Lightbox?
Simple Lightbox is the more popular of the two with 100K+ active installs, compared with 50+ for Image Preloading.

### Can I use Image Preloading and Simple Lightbox together?
Both plugins cover image, 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 Image Preloading and Simple Lightbox 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/image-preloading-vs-simple-lightbox/ · Generated 2026-10-06 13:08 UTC by PageForge