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WP-DownloadManager

By Lester Chan

Site Administration & Utilities / URL Redirects & 301 Management

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

WP-DownloadManager Review - In-Depth Analysis

WP-DownloadManager adds a simple download manager to your WordPress blog. Easily embed files for download using shortcodes. Manage downloads and track statistics effortlessly.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.64/10

User Rating

4/5 (based on 37+ reviews)

Active Installations

3,000+

Update Frequency

Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

4.81 / 10 (Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

WP-DownloadManager is a plugin that provides a straightforward solution for managing downloads on your WordPress blog. You can easily embed files into your posts or pages using simple shortcodes. This allows you to share files with your visitors in a user-friendly manner.

The plugin offers various options for displaying downloads, including sorting and limiting the number of downloads shown. You can also create a dedicated downloads page to organize your files effectively. Additionally, it provides widgets for displaying download statistics on your site.

Whether you are sharing documents, images, or any other file types, WP-DownloadManager makes it easy to manage and track your downloads.

Comparing to Alternatives

WP-DownloadManager offers download management features but faces competition from several alternatives that may better suit different user needs.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Supports external file downloads effectively
Has a relatively high user rating with many positive reviews
Offers a free version with useful features
Regularly updated to fix security issues

Weaknesses

Complex interface that may overwhelm average users
Limited features in the free version compared to competitors
Reported compatibility issues with modern plugins and themes
No clearly promoted pro version with premium features

User Sentiment Analysis

With a majority of 5-star ratings but a notable share of 1-star reviews, user opinions are mixed, highlighting both satisfaction and significant frustrations.

Positive highlights

'Très bon plugin / Very great plugin' - p4ssc3
'This is what I was looking for. Works great with external file' - vectogravic
'I change my rating because it refers to another plugin.' - bertrand002

Common complaints

Lack of support and delayed responses
No refunds provided despite requests within the refund period
Plugin complexity and difficult user interface
Free version lacks sufficient features to justify upgrade

Weaknesses

Reported issues combining with modern plugins and themes
Multiple security vulnerabilities fixed in recent updates
Support and refund policies criticized by users

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who need a free download manager plugin with external file support and are comfortable navigating a complex interface.

Not ideal for

Users seeking robust support, easy setup, and a plugin with a strong refund policy or those concerned about past security vulnerabilities.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes basic download management features suitable for many users without cost.

Final Verdict

WP-DownloadManager is a capable plugin with a solid free offering and positive user feedback for its core functionality. However, its complexity, lack of support, and past security issues may deter some users.

Considering the availability of alternatives and the plugin's weaknesses, potential users should weigh their needs carefully, especially if support and ease of use are priorities.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free WP-DownloadManager plugin.

Download

Downloads

File Manager

Screenshots

FAQ

<?php if (function_exists('get_most_downloaded')): ?>     <?php get_most_downloaded(); ?> <?php endif; ?>

The first value you pass in is the maximum number of files you want to get.
Default: get_most_downloaded(10);

<?php if (function_exists('get_recent_downloads')): ?>     <?php get_recent_downloads(); ?> <?php endif; ?>

The first value you pass in is the maximum number of files you want to get.
Default: get_recent_downloads(10);

<?php if (function_exists('get_downloads_category')): ?>     <?php get_downloads_category(1); ?> <?php endif; ?>

The first value you pass in is the category id.
The second value you pass in is the maximum number of files you want to get.

Default: get_downloads_category(1, 10);

2.0.0 consolidated the nineteen wp_options rows into a single
wp_downloadmanager_options row holding a nested array, and deleted the old
ones. Read them through the plugin instead:

WP_DownloadManager_Options::get( 'page_url' ); WP_DownloadManager_Options::get( 'sort.perpage' ); WP_DownloadManager_Options::template( 'header' ); WP_DownloadManager_Options::template( 'listing', 1 ); // the no-permission variant