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WP Downloader

By Wojtek SzaÅkiewicz

Site Administration & Utilities / Site Migration & Cloning

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

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

WP Downloader Review - In-Depth Analysis

WP Downloader simplifies downloading plugins and themes as zip packages. Easily transfer your site assets to another site with a single click.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.77/10

User Rating

4.6/5 (based on 12+ 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

WP Downloader allows you to download plugins and themes installed on your site as a zip package. This feature is particularly useful for transferring your site assets to another site with ease.

The plugin displays a 'Download' link for all installed plugins and themes, making it convenient to get the complete package you are working on in one click. You can share your code without the hassle of FTP, manual zipping, or sending files via email.

Using the PclZip class integrated with WordPress, WP Downloader provides a simple and effective solution for managing your site’s plugins and themes.

Comparing to Alternatives

WP Downloader stands alone in its category with no close direct alternatives available, making it a unique choice for users needing its specific functionality.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Highly reliable and effective at downloading plugins and themes without SSH/FTP access
Consistently works well even without recent updates
Simple and straightforward to use
Maintains functionality across multiple WordPress versions
Strong positive user feedback highlighting its dependability

Weaknesses

Lacks a pro version with advanced features
No direct competitors to compare feature sets
Limited updates may concern users seeking ongoing development
Minimal user interface enhancements

User Sentiment Analysis

With a high overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 12 reviews, the majority of users express strong satisfaction with WP Downloader's performance and reliability.

Positive highlights

"Works great!" - jonson murray
"Perfect Tool... Highly recommended from someone who works professional with WordPress." - guidonhcolcombr
"Still works perfectly... got the job done flawlessly." - Philipp Bammes
"Successfully downloaded a theme installed onto WordPress 5.1.1." - Marat Nepomnyashy
"Still works Jan 2024. Thanks a lot." - impact37

Common complaints

Weaknesses

No recent updates might raise concerns for some users
Lack of advanced features due to absence of a pro version
Limited support options due to small user base

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users who need a simple, reliable tool to download WordPress plugins and themes without SSH or FTP access, especially those valuing stability over frequent updates.

Not ideal for

Users seeking advanced features, regular updates, or dedicated support might find this plugin less suitable due to its minimal development and lack of a pro version.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers full functionality for downloading plugins and themes without requiring SSH or FTP access, providing excellent value for users needing this capability.

Final Verdict

WP Downloader is a dependable and straightforward plugin that fulfills its purpose effectively, as reflected by overwhelmingly positive user reviews and a strong rating. Its unique position without direct alternatives makes it a valuable tool for users needing to download WordPress components without traditional access methods.

While it lacks advanced features and frequent updates, its security record is clean, and it continues to work well across WordPress versions. Users prioritizing simplicity and reliability will find it a solid choice, though those needing more comprehensive support or features may need to look elsewhere.

Other Notable Features

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

Download

Plugin download

Zip

FAQ

Unpack wp-downloader.zip and upload its content to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
Plugin is working. You can see ‘Download’ links for every plugin and theme.