Head-to-head · October 2026
JWT Auth vs Ultimate WP REST API
JWT Auth comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Ultimate WP REST API.
JWT Auth
WordPress JSON Web Token Authentication allows you to do REST API authentication via token. It is a simple…
Ultimate WP REST API
An awesome WordPress plugin to extend the WordPress APIs like Menu, Featured/Thumb Images, JWT Authentication…
| Metric | JWT Auth | Ultimate WP REST API |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 6K+ | 10+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 1.2K | 78 |
| Download trend | +18.8% | +52.9% |
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 22 | 4 |
| Health score | 46/100 | 30/100 |
| Last updated | 2 years ago | 8 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.5.12 | WP 4.9.33 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.2+ | 7.1+ |
| First released | May 2020 | Aug 2018 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
JWT AuthUltimate WP REST API
Choose JWT Auth if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Loved by users — 5/5 from 22 reviews
- Momentum — downloads up 18.8% vs the previous 30 days
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.5 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Ultimate WP REST API 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 4.9 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: jwt
FAQ
JWT Auth vs Ultimate WP REST API: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 5, 2026
Which is better, JWT Auth or Ultimate WP REST API?
JWT Auth comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Ultimate WP REST API. Choose JWT Auth if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Ultimate WP REST API if you care most about download trend.
Is JWT Auth more popular than Ultimate WP REST API?
JWT Auth is the more popular of the two with 6K+ active installs, compared with 10+ for Ultimate WP REST API.
Can I use JWT Auth and Ultimate WP REST API together?
Both plugins cover jwt, 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 JWT Auth and Ultimate WP REST API 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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