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Admin Bar & Dashboard Access Control

By Collins Agbonghama

User Management & Authentication / User Registration & Login

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

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

Admin Bar & Dashboard Access Control Review - In-Depth Analysis

Control access to the WordPress dashboard and disable the admin bar based on user roles.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.7/10

User Rating

4.7/5 (based on 18+ reviews)

Active Installations

3,000+

Update Frequency

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

Security Score

5 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This simple plugin allows you to disable the admin bar and prevent access to the WordPress dashboard based on a user's roles.

It is that simple.

Explore other plugins that you might like, such as FuseWP for connecting WordPress to marketing platforms, ProfilePress for managing eCommerce and membership, and MailOptin for email opt-in forms and automation.

Comparing to Alternatives

Admin Bar & Dashboard Access Control offers a focused solution for managing admin bar and dashboard access, with several alternatives available that provide similar functionalities.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and effective at hiding dashboard access.
Recognizes multiple custom user roles instantly.
Does not interfere with other site functions.
Lightweight with a straightforward user interface.
High user satisfaction with minimal complaints.

Weaknesses

Has a known medium severity security vulnerability fixed only in version 1.2.9.
No recent updates in over a year, raising concerns about future compatibility.
Lacks a pro version with advanced features.
Limited to admin bar and dashboard access control without broader access management.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a strong 4.7 out of 5 rating from 18 users, the plugin is well-received for its simplicity and effectiveness, though a single low rating exists without detailed complaint.

Positive highlights

'Works so far, hides dashboard fine without disturbing other functions.' – hartmutnz
'Just what the 'ol press needed.' – wasanajones
'Really does what it says, so glad I found this plugin.' – robeblue
'Simple UI and instantly recognized multiple custom roles.' – dreubens81
'Happy to have found the plugin. Works as described, great!' – out4

Common complaints

Weaknesses

Security vulnerability fixed only in recent update.
Lack of updates for over a year may affect future compatibility.
No advanced features due to absence of a pro version.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a lightweight, straightforward plugin to control admin bar and dashboard access without complex configurations.

Not ideal for

Those requiring advanced access management features or who prioritize plugins with frequent updates and robust security track records.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides essential admin bar and dashboard access control features with a simple interface.

Final Verdict

Admin Bar & Dashboard Access Control is a reliable and user-friendly plugin that effectively manages admin bar and dashboard visibility, earning high praise from users for its simplicity and functionality. Its free availability and recognition of custom roles make it a practical choice for many WordPress administrators.

However, the plugin's security vulnerability history and lack of recent updates suggest caution for users with stringent security needs or those seeking long-term support. Alternatives with more frequent maintenance or advanced features might better suit such users.