Security and Firewall vs Kadence Security (October 2026)
Updated October 22, 2026 · Data from WordPress.org, refreshed daily · How this works
Both rank in the WordPress.org Security Plugins top 10: Security and Firewall at #4 and Kadence Security at #7. They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Every number below comes straight from WordPress.org and is refreshed every day.
Security and Firewall
All-In-One Security (AIOS) – Security and Firewall
Protect your website investment with All-In-One Security (AIOS) – a comprehensive and easy to use security plugin designed especially for WordPress.
Kadence Security
Kadence Security – Password, Two Factor Authentication, and Brute Force Protection
Harden your site security with Login Security, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Vulnerability Scanner, Firewall, and more. Formerly iThemes Security.
Who leads on what
They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most.
Security and Firewall ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #7 in Security Plugins.
Security and Firewall has more users: 1 million+ active installs against 700,000+.
Security and Firewall is rated higher: 4.7 out of 5 from 1,718 reviews, against 4.6 from 3,992 reviews.
Kadence Security has more reviews behind its score: 3,992 against 1,718.
Kadence Security was updated more recently, on October 14, 2026; Security and Firewall on September 17, 2026.
Kadence Security was downloaded more in the last 30 days: 664,080 times against 274,449.
Which one to pick
Each plugin is the better answer for the measure it actually leads on. Nothing here is a recommendation we invented.
Security and Firewall
Pick Security and Firewall if you go by where WordPress.org itself puts them, you want the plugin more sites already run or the review score matters most to you.
Kadence Security
Pick Kadence Security if you want the score backed by more reviews, you want the one shipping releases most recently or you want the one being installed faster right now.
Security and Firewall vs Kadence Security side by side
| Security and Firewall | Kadence Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Security Plugins ranking | #4 | #7 |
| Rating | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Reviews | 1,718 | 3,992 |
| Active installs | 1 million+ | 700,000+ |
| Total downloads | 38,743,063 | 40,115,995 |
| Downloads, last 30 days | 274,449 | 664,080 |
| Last updated | Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 |
| First published | Jun 3, 2013 | Oct 23, 2010 |
| Tested up to WordPress | 7.1.3 | 7.1.3 |
| Requires PHP | 5.6 | 7.4 |
| Pricing | Free on WordPress.org | Free + paid version |
Downloads per day, last 48 days
Security and Firewall ratings
Kadence Security ratings
How we compare these two
Every figure here is pulled from the WordPress.org plugin API every day at 03:00 UTC, for both plugins in the same run, so the two are always read on the same day. We compare only what the directory reports: active installs, the rating and how many reviews stand behind it, the last release date and, once we have a month of history, downloads over the last 30 days. Ratings are only called a win above 50 reviews each, because a handful of five-star reviews is not evidence. Nothing is weighted into an overall score, no measure is worth more than another, and neither Security and Firewall nor Kadence Security can pay to appear here: the pair exists only because both plugins reached the Security Plugins top 10. Full methodology.
Security and Firewall vs Kadence Security: common questions
Is Security and Firewall better than Kadence Security?
They split the 6 measures we track, so the choice comes down to which one you weigh most. Neither is better at everything, and the answer depends on which measure you weigh. Security and Firewall ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #7 in Security Plugins.
Which has more users, Security and Firewall or Kadence Security?
Security and Firewall ranks higher on WordPress.org: #4 against #7 in Security Plugins.
Which is rated higher, Security and Firewall or Kadence Security?
Security and Firewall has more users: 1 million+ active installs against 700,000+.
Are Security and Firewall and Kadence Security free?
Both are free to install from WordPress.org. Security and Firewall may also sell a paid version or add-ons. Kadence Security is listed as commercial, so a paid version or add-ons exist.
Alternatives to Security and Firewall and Kadence Security
Plugins that score close to both in the same WordPress.org rankings and tags.
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Limit Login Attempts Security
1 million+ installs · 4.8 from 1,488 reviews
-
Wordfence Security
5 million+ installs · 4.7 from 5,030 reviews
-
Jetpack
3 million+ installs · 3.7 from 2,407 reviews
-
Really Simple Security
3 million+ installs · 4.9 from 8,868 reviews
-
Security Optimizer
1 million+ installs · 4.5 from 157 reviews
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