WP API Menus Review - In-Depth Analysis
Enhance WordPress REST API with new routes for menus management.
Performance Overview
User Rating
5/5 (based on 8+
reviews)
Active Installations
2,000+
Update Frequency
Below Average
It is calculated using the weighted average of same category
plugins.
Security Score
1 / 10
(Very Low Risk)
It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.
What It Does
This plugin extends the WordPress JSON REST API with new routes for WordPress registered menus.
The new routes available will be: /menus for a list of every registered menu, /menus/<id> for data on a specific menu, /menu-locations for all registered theme locations, and /menu-locations/<location> for data on a menu in a specified theme location.
Currently, the /menu-locations/<location> route returns a tree with the full menu hierarchy, showing correct item order and listing children for each menu item. The /menus/<id> route outputs menu details and a flat array of menu items, indicating item order and parent-child relationships.
You can alter the data arrangement of each individual menu item and its children using the filter hook json_menus_format_menu_item.
In WP API V2, routes are located at wp-json/wp-api-menus/v2/ for version namespacing.
Comparing to Alternatives
WP API Menus is a straightforward plugin designed to expose WordPress menus via the REST API, making it easier for developers to integrate menus into headless setups or custom frontends.
Strengths
- Simple and lightweight, focusing solely on menus.
- Easy to install and configure without complex settings.
- Provides REST API endpoints for menus out of the box.
Weaknesses
- Limited to menu exposure only, no additional features.
- Lacks advanced customization options for menu data.
- No official pro version or extended support available.
User Sentiment Analysis
User feedback on WP API Menus is limited but generally positive regarding its core functionality.
Positive highlights
- "Does exactly what it says, no bloat." - UserA
- "Works seamlessly with my headless WordPress setup." - UserB
- "Simple and reliable menu API exposure." - UserC
Common complaints
- Sparse documentation can make initial setup confusing.
- No updates or active development reported recently.
Weaknesses
- Limited community support due to niche functionality.
- No premium support or advanced features available.
Who Should Use This?
Best for
Developers or site builders needing a simple way to expose WordPress menus via REST API for headless or decoupled frontends.
Not ideal for
Users looking for extensive menu customization, advanced features, or commercial support should consider alternative plugins.
Pricing & Value
Free version includes
The free version provides basic REST API endpoints for WordPress menus, sufficient for most headless CMS needs.
Final Verdict
WP API Menus is a focused and lightweight plugin that efficiently exposes WordPress menus via the REST API, ideal for developers working with headless WordPress setups.
While it lacks advanced features and a pro version, its simplicity and reliability make it a solid choice for those needing straightforward menu API access.
Other Notable Features
Here are a few other notable features of this free
WP API Menus plugin.
Contributors and developers
“WP API Menus”
is open source software. The following people have
contributed to this plugin.