Head-to-head · October 2026
MKSocialLocker vs Gated Downloads
Gated Downloads comes out ahead, winning 5 of 6 head-to-head checks against MKSocialLocker.
MKSocialLocker
With this plugin, you can ask your visitors to share their social accounts so they can see your content.
Gated Downloads
Gated Downloads turns any download into a lead. Place a download button anywhere with a shortcode or block…
| Metric | MKSocialLocker | Gated Downloads |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | <10 | 30+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 67 | 132 |
| Download trend | +34% | +33.3% |
| Rating | — | — |
| Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Health score | 21/100 | 58/100 |
| Last updated | 9 years ago | 2 months ago |
| Tested up to | WP 4.8.33 | WP 7.0.7 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | 7.4+ |
| First released | Jun 2017 | Jul 2026 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
MKSocialLockerGated Downloads
Choose MKSocialLocker if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (<10 active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 9 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.8 (latest is 7.1)
Choose Gated Downloads if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and health score.
- Small user base (30+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
Both compete in: content locker
FAQ
MKSocialLocker vs Gated Downloads: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 7, 2026
Which is better, MKSocialLocker or Gated Downloads?
Gated Downloads comes out ahead, winning 5 of 6 head-to-head checks against MKSocialLocker. Choose MKSocialLocker if you care most about download trend. Choose Gated Downloads if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and health score.
Is MKSocialLocker more popular than Gated Downloads?
Gated Downloads is the more popular of the two with 30+ active installs, compared with <10 for MKSocialLocker.
Can I use MKSocialLocker and Gated Downloads together?
Both plugins cover content locker, 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 MKSocialLocker and Gated Downloads 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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