Head-to-head · October 2026
PDF Embedder vs Waves Block
PDF Embedder comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Waves Block.
PDF Embedder
Upload PDF files and embed them directly into your site’s posts and pages, as simply as adding images. Each…
| Metric | PDF Embedder | Waves Block |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 300K+ | 700+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 45.3K | 141 |
| Download trend | -74.3% | +46.9% |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Reviews | 526 | 3 |
| Health score | 85/100 | 32/100 |
| Last updated | 2 months ago | 4 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.3 | WP 6.0.17 |
| Support resolved | 50% | — |
| Requires PHP | 7.4+ | Any |
| First released | Jan 2015 | May 2020 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
PDF EmbedderWaves Block
Choose PDF Embedder if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 300K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.7/5 from 526 reviews
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
Choose Waves Block if…
You care most about download trend.
- Small user base (700+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 4 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.0 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: block
FAQ
PDF Embedder vs Waves Block: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 6, 2026
Which is better, PDF Embedder or Waves Block?
PDF Embedder comes out ahead, winning 6 of 7 head-to-head checks against Waves Block. Choose PDF Embedder if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews. Choose Waves Block if you care most about download trend.
Is PDF Embedder more popular than Waves Block?
PDF Embedder is the more popular of the two with 300K+ active installs, compared with 700+ for Waves Block.
Can I use PDF Embedder and Waves Block together?
Both plugins cover block, 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 PDF Embedder and Waves Block 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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