Head-to-head · October 2026
N0WPScan vs Security Optimizer
Security Optimizer comes out ahead, winning 5 of 6 head-to-head checks against N0WPScan.
N0WPScan
We love security testing, we do it! We love WPSCAN, we use it! However we don’t love people abusing WPSCAN…
Security Optimizer
Bulletproof your website security in a few clicks against a range of security breaches, including brute-force…
| Metric | N0WPScan | Security Optimizer |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 30+ | 1M+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 91 | 97.4K |
| Download trend | +24.7% | -94.2% |
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 2 | 157 |
| Health score | 36/100 | 85/100 |
| Last updated | 7 years ago | 1 month ago |
| Tested up to | — | WP 7.1.3 |
| Support resolved | — | 50% |
| Requires PHP | Any | 7.0+ |
| First released | Feb 2018 | May 2021 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
N0WPScanSecurity Optimizer
Choose N0WPScan if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (30+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 6 years
Choose Security Optimizer if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- One of the most-used plugins on the web — 1M+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.5/5 from 157 reviews
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
FAQ
N0WPScan vs Security Optimizer: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 11, 2026
Which is better, N0WPScan or Security Optimizer?
Security Optimizer comes out ahead, winning 5 of 6 head-to-head checks against N0WPScan. Choose N0WPScan if you care most about download trend. Choose Security Optimizer if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is N0WPScan more popular than Security Optimizer?
Security Optimizer is the more popular of the two with 1M+ active installs, compared with 30+ for N0WPScan.
Can I use N0WPScan and Security Optimizer together?
Both plugins cover firewall and security, 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 N0WPScan and Security Optimizer 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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