Head-to-head · October 2026
WP Core Update Cleaner vs WP Downgrade
WP Downgrade comes out ahead, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP Core Update Cleaner.
WP Core Update Cleaner
When WordPress is updated, it re-installs wp-config-sample.php, readme files, and license files even though…
WP Downgrade | Specific Core Version
EN: The plugin “WP Downgrade” forces the WordPress update routine to perform the installation of a specified…
| Metric | WP Core Update Cleaner | WP Downgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 800+ | 100K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 130 | 7.1K |
| Download trend | +8.3% | -13.7% |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Reviews | 4 | 169 |
| Health score | 33/100 | 48/100 |
| Last updated | 3 years ago | 3 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.5.12 | WP 6.2.13 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Dec 2014 | Apr 2016 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
WP Core Update CleanerWP Downgrade
Choose WP Core Update Cleaner if…
You care most about download trend, last updated and tested up to.
- Small user base (800+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.5 (latest is 7.1)
Choose WP Downgrade if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- Proven at scale on 100K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.8/5 from 169 reviews
- No update in 3 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.2 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: core
FAQ
WP Core Update Cleaner vs WP Downgrade: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 1, 2026
Which is better, WP Core Update Cleaner or WP Downgrade?
WP Downgrade comes out ahead, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP Core Update Cleaner. Choose WP Core Update Cleaner if you care most about download trend, last updated and tested up to. Choose WP Downgrade if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is WP Core Update Cleaner more popular than WP Downgrade?
WP Downgrade is the more popular of the two with 100K+ active installs, compared with 800+ for WP Core Update Cleaner.
Can I use WP Core Update Cleaner and WP Downgrade together?
Both plugins cover core, 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 WP Core Update Cleaner and WP Downgrade 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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