Head-to-head · September 2026
MediaElement.js Skin vs Plyr
Plyr comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against MediaElement.js Skin.
Plyr
Easily replace Vimeo and Youtube player with Plyr.io video player. A simple, accessible HTML5 media player by…
| Metric | MediaElement.js Skin | Plyr |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 60+ | 100+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 67 | 75 |
| Download trend | +28.8% | +38.9% |
| Rating | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Reviews | 1 | 2 |
| Health score | 20/100 | 26/100 |
| Last updated | 14 years ago | 10 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 3.4.2 | WP 4.5.33 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Jul 2012 | May 2016 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
MediaElement.js SkinPlyr
Choose MediaElement.js Skin if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- Small user base (60+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 14 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 3.4 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Plyr if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Small user base (100+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 10 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.5 (latest is 7.1)
FAQ
MediaElement.js Skin vs Plyr: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Which is better, MediaElement.js Skin or Plyr?
Plyr comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against MediaElement.js Skin. Choose Plyr if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is MediaElement.js Skin more popular than Plyr?
Plyr is the more popular of the two with 100+ active installs, compared with 60+ for MediaElement.js Skin.
Can I use MediaElement.js Skin and Plyr together?
Both plugins cover player, skin and video, 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 MediaElement.js Skin and Plyr 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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