The 18 Best Free WordPress Security Plugins in 2026, Ranked by Data
Really Simple Security is the best free WordPress security plugin on our data (98.5/100), ahead of Wordfence (92.7) and Limit Login Attempts Security (88.8).
The best free WordPress security plugin on our data is Really Simple Security, with 98.5 out of 100. Wordfence is second on 92.7, and Limit Login Attempts Security third on 88.8. We scored 18 free security plugins on their WordPress.org record and on the server time each one added in our lab.
Really Simple Security has the best rating here, 98% from 8,868 ratings, all 6 recent support threads resolved and no measurable server time. Server time moved the order below it: All-In-One Security is second on WordPress.org data alone, but added a median +199.7 ms per page and drops to 10th.
Short answer: For the most protection in one free plugin, install Wordfence. For a light plugin that hardens WordPress and handles SSL, use Really Simple Security. If brute force logins are your main worry, add Limit Login Attempts Security or Loginizer. For a firewall with no settings at all, try BBQ Firewall.
Last updated: 14 October 2026. We re-run the numbers every month.
The top 18 at a glance
| # | Plugin | Type | Score | Installs | Rating | Server time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Really Simple Security | Hardening | 98.5 | 3M+ | 98% | -0.4 ms |
| 2 | Wordfence | All-in-one suite | 92.7 | 5M+ | 94% | +16.2 ms |
| 3 | Limit Login Attempts Security | Login protection | 88.8 | 1M+ | 96% | +12.3 ms |
| 4 | Defender | All-in-one suite | 88.2 | 80,000+ | 96% | +11.6 ms |
| 5 | Loginizer | Login protection | 84.0 | 1M+ | 96% | +4.2 ms |
| 6 | Jetpack Protect | Vulnerability scanner | 83.8 | 100,000+ | 92% | +0.6 ms |
| 7 | Kadence Security | Login protection | 82.7 | 700,000+ | 92% | +9.1 ms |
| 8 | CleanTalk Security | All-in-one suite | 82.7 | 40,000+ | 96% | +1.0 ms |
| 9 | BBQ Firewall | Firewall | 79.3 | 100,000+ | 98% | +1.4 ms |
| 10 | All-In-One Security | All-in-one suite | 79.0 | 1M+ | 94% | +199.7 ms |
| 11 | NinjaFirewall | Firewall | 78.8 | 100,000+ | 98% | +8.9 ms |
| 12 | Anti-Malware Security | Malware scanner | 78.6 | 100,000+ | 98% | +9.3 ms |
| 13 | Sucuri Security | Malware scanner | 76.7 | 600,000+ | 84% | +20.7 ms |
| 14 | Hide My WP Ghost | Hardening | 76.5 | 100,000+ | 90% | +5.5 ms |
| 15 | MalCare | Malware scanner | 75.3 | 100,000+ | 88% | +2.9 ms |
| 16 | Patchstack | Vulnerability scanner | 75.0 | 60,000+ | 98% | +6.1 ms |
| 17 | Shield Security | All-in-one suite | 74.2 | 30,000+ | 96% | +41.2 ms |
| 18 | SecuPress | Hardening | 68.0 | 40,000+ | 82% | +9.4 ms |
How we scored them
A security plugin loads on every request, so it can slow every page a visitor opens. None of these plugins added anything to the page a visitor downloads, so the cost visitors feel is server time. The score folds that in:
- WordPress.org record, 85 points: our usual score out of 100, scaled to 85. Satisfaction 35 (rating blended with 25 imaginary votes at 80%), Adoption 25 (installs, log scale, 1,000,000 = full), Maintenance 20 (full within 30 days of an update, zero at 365), Support 20 (share of the last two months’ threads resolved; under 3 threads = half marks).
- Server time, 15 points: 10 ms or less added = 15, 150 ms or more = 0, in a straight line between.
Lab: fresh WordPress 7.1.3, PHP 8.5, Twenty Twenty-Five. Each plugin was installed on 14 October 2026, activated alone with default settings and timed on a 1,500-word post for a logged-out visitor: the median of 15 requests, minus the same page with no plugin. Every plugin ran at least three times, up to 9, and we use the median, because first runs were often slower. The no-plugin baseline ranged from 56.5 to 77.8 ms between runs, so we compare added time only.
Under about 10 ms is within noise, so the scale gives full marks there; 12 of the 18 took all 15. The full method is on how we rank.
1. Really Simple Security, 98.5
Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) is the renamed Really Simple SSL, and its page says all of that plugin’s SSL features are still part of it. The free version adds hardening (disabling XML-RPC, user enumeration and directory browsing), alerts for vulnerable plugins, themes and core, and two-factor codes by email. Its firewall is a Pro feature.
It has 3M+ installs and a median -0.4 ms. The limit is scope: the free version does not filter traffic or scan files for malware.
2. Wordfence, 92.7
Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security combines an endpoint firewall, a malware scanner that checks core files, themes and plugins, and login security with passkeys and 2FA through any TOTP app. Its page says the free version gets new firewall rules and malware signatures 30 days after Premium.
It has the most installs here, 5M+, a rating of 94% (5,025 ratings) and the busiest forum, 153 of 175 threads resolved. Its median server time, +16.2 ms over 6 runs, is worth 14.3 of 15. It suits anyone who wants firewall, scanner and login protection in one plugin.
3. Limit Login Attempts Security, 88.8
Limit Login Attempts Security – Login Security, 2FA, Firewall, Brute Force Prevention limits failed logins by IP and username on wp-login.php, XML-RPC, WooCommerce and custom login forms. The free version includes 2FA, login logs and IP and username safelists and denylists. Country blocking is Premium.
It has 1M+ installs, 96% (1,485 ratings) and a median +12.3 ms. Support is the weak spot, 7 of 13 threads resolved. Its page lists it as compatible with Wordfence and Sucuri, so it can sit alongside a suite.
4. Defender, 88.2
Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall includes a free malware scanner that compares core files and extensions with the official WordPress.org copies and looks for suspicious code. It adds the AntiBot Global Firewall (blocklist updated every 12 hours), 2FA, login limits and 12 one-click hardening settings.
It resolved 4 of 4 threads and is rated 96% (334 ratings). Adoption holds it back: 80,000+ installs earn 15.9 of 25. It needs PHP 8.0 or later, the highest minimum of the 18.
5. Loginizer, 84.0
Loginizer blocks brute force logins: by default an IP is locked out for 15 minutes after 3 failed attempts, and for 24 hours after several lockouts. The free version adds login logs and IP blacklists and whitelists; 2FA and renaming the login page are Pro.
It has 1M+ installs, 96% (1,033 ratings) and a median +4.2 ms. Support is the gap: 1 of 4 threads resolved, worth 5.0 of 20, the lowest support score here.
6. Jetpack Protect, 83.8
Jetpack Protect scans daily for known vulnerabilities in your WordPress version, plugins and themes, using WPScan’s database of 60,000+ vulnerabilities, and blocks brute force login attempts. Malware scanning and its web application firewall come with the paid upgrade.
It resolved 3 of 3 threads and added +0.6 ms. It was last updated 12 August 2026 and lists WordPress 7.0.7 as tested, older than the 7.1.3 most plugins here list.
7. Kadence Security, 82.7
Kadence Security – Password, Two Factor Authentication, and Brute Force Protection is the plugin formerly called Solid Security, and iThemes Security before that. Its page opens with “Formerly iThemes Security”, and its changelog says at 9.0.0 “iThemes Security is now Solid Security!” and at 10.0.0 “Updated branding from SolidWP to Kadence.”
The free version centers on logins: 2FA, password rules and brute force protection, local and across a network of nearly one million sites. Its FAQ says it needs Apache or LiteSpeed with mod_rewrite, or NGINX.
It has 700,000+ installs, 92% (3,992 ratings) and a median +9.1 ms, full marks. Support pulls it down: 4 of 10 threads resolved. We compare it with Wordfence in Wordfence vs Solid Security.
8. CleanTalk Security, 82.7
Security Plugin, Firewall & Malware Scanner with Auto Removal, from CleanTalk, lists login limits, 2FA, a custom login URL, a web application firewall, a daily malware scan with auto-cure, a vulnerability scanner and weekly email reports.
Read its pricing line first: the page says “free trial then $9 per year”, and that the plugin works with CleanTalk’s paid cloud service. On the numbers it is strong: 96% (393 ratings), 25 of 32 threads resolved, updated 14 October 2026, median +1.0 ms. Its 40,000+ installs hold the score down.
9. BBQ Firewall, 79.3
BBQ Firewall – Fast & Powerful Firewall Security has no settings. It checks incoming requests and blocks those carrying patterns such as eval(, base64_ and overlong request strings, based on the 7G/8G firewall. Editing the rules is a Pro feature.
Its median, +1.4 ms, is effectively zero, and it is rated 98% (160 ratings). It pairs well with a login plugin.
10. All-In-One Security, 79.0
All-In-One Security (AIOS) – Security and Firewall, from the UpdraftPlus team, covers login security (attempt limits, 2FA, forced logout), file and database security, PHP, .htaccess and 6G firewall rules, comment spam blocking and an audit log.
On WordPress.org data alone it is second, 92.9, with 11 of 12 threads resolved. Server time is what moved it. It was the least consistent plugin we measured. Over 9 runs it fell into two groups: 4 runs between +57.6 ms and +81.1 ms, and 5 between +199.7 ms and +302.4 ms. Runs with nothing else installed before it landed in both groups, and its database tables did not grow between runs.
We could not pin down why. The score uses the median, as for every plugin: +199.7 ms, the slowest of the 18, worth 0 of 15. If you already use it, time your own site with it on and off before you decide.
11. NinjaFirewall, 78.8
NinjaFirewall (WP Edition) – Advanced Security Plugin and Firewall filters every HTTP request to a PHP script before it reaches WordPress. It adds brute force protection, alerts when a recently changed PHP file is accessed, and file integrity checks.
Its page says it needs PHP 7.1 or later and the MySQLi extension, and runs only on Unix-like systems, not Windows. It is rated 98% (220 ratings) with a median +8.9 ms; support, 2 of 6 resolved, costs it points.
12. Anti-Malware Security, 78.6
Anti-Malware Security and Brute-Force Firewall scans for known threats, backdoor scripts and database injections. Its page says that unless you register at its developer’s site, it scans only for “Potential Threats” and leaves you to judge each one.
Users rate it 98% (783 ratings). Maintenance cost it: last updated 29 June 2026, 107 days before our data pull, and tested up to WordPress 7.0.7.
13. Sucuri Security, 76.7
Sucuri Security – Auditing, Malware Scanner and Security Hardening offers security activity auditing, file integrity monitoring, remote malware scanning, blocklist monitoring, hardening and post-hack actions. Its firewall and brute force protection belong to the premium product.
It has 600,000+ installs but a rating of 84% (384 ratings), and a median +20.7 ms, one of only three plugins above +20 ms.
14. Hide My WP Ghost, 76.5
Hide My WP Ghost – Security & Firewall, which its page now calls WP Ghost, changes the paths bots look for, such as wp-admin, wp-login.php, wp-content and plugin and theme folders. A security check with a score is free; its AI explanations need a subscription.
Its page warns that new paths depend on your server honoring the rules. It added +5.5 ms and is rated 90% (372 ratings).
15. MalCare, 75.3
MalCare WordPress Security Plugin – Malware Scanner, Cleaner, Security Firewall scans for malware in the cloud. Its free tier lists that scan, a web application firewall and CAPTCHA login protection; viewing infected files and malware removal are paid. Its FAQ says you need a MalCare account.
It added +2.9 ms and is rated 88% (556 ratings), with 100,000+ installs.
16. Patchstack, 75.0
Patchstack – WordPress & Plugins Security finds known vulnerabilities in core, plugins and themes, with up to 48 hours’ early warning, email alerts and optional auto-updates for vulnerable plugins only. You connect it to the Patchstack App. Virtual patching, 2FA and hardening are paid.
It is rated 98% from only 61 ratings, which our blend pulls toward 80%. It was last updated 28 July 2026 and is tested to WordPress 7.0.7.
17. Shield Security, 74.2
Shield Security – Smart Bot Blocking, Brute-Force Login Protection & File Scanning has a lot in its free version: bot blocking on forms, firewall rules, 2FA, login limits, core file scanning that restores changed files, and an activity log.
Users rate it 96% (1,039 ratings), but 30,000+ installs earn 12.3 of 25. Its first run added +65.5 ms; re-tests gave +42.5 ms, +40.5 ms, +41.2 ms, +39.5 ms. The median, +41.2 ms, is the second slowest here.
18. SecuPress, 68.0
SecuPress with Simple SSL – Simple and Performant Security centers on a scanner that checks 35 security points and can fix them, plus brute force and password spraying protection, 2FA and a movable login page. Its malware scanner and vulnerable plugin detection are Pro.
It added +9.4 ms, but its rating, 82% (106 ratings), is the lowest of the 18.
Every plugin we measured
| # | Plugin | Score | WordPress.org /100 | Server time /15 | Lab runs | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Really Simple Security | 98.5 | 98.2 | 15.0 | 5 | 15 Sep 2026 |
| 2 | Wordfence | 92.7 | 92.2 | 14.3 | 6 | 30 Sep 2026 |
| 3 | Limit Login Attempts Security | 88.8 | 87.0 | 14.8 | 3 | 23 Sep 2026 |
| 4 | Defender | 88.2 | 86.4 | 14.8 | 3 | 29 Sep 2026 |
| 5 | Loginizer | 84.0 | 81.2 | 15.0 | 3 | 9 Oct 2026 |
| 6 | Jetpack Protect | 83.8 | 80.9 | 15.0 | 3 | 12 Aug 2026 |
| 7 | Kadence Security | 82.7 | 79.6 | 15.0 | 5 | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 8 | CleanTalk Security | 82.7 | 79.6 | 15.0 | 3 | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 9 | BBQ Firewall | 79.3 | 75.6 | 15.0 | 3 | 9 Aug 2026 |
| 10 | All-In-One Security | 79.0 | 92.9 | 0.0 | 9 | 17 Sep 2026 |
| 11 | NinjaFirewall | 78.8 | 75.0 | 15.0 | 3 | 6 Oct 2026 |
| 12 | Anti-Malware Security | 78.6 | 74.8 | 15.0 | 3 | 29 Jun 2026 |
| 13 | Sucuri Security | 76.7 | 73.9 | 13.9 | 3 | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 14 | Hide My WP Ghost | 76.5 | 72.4 | 15.0 | 3 | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 15 | MalCare | 75.3 | 70.9 | 15.0 | 3 | 17 Sep 2026 |
| 16 | Patchstack | 75.0 | 70.6 | 15.0 | 3 | 28 Jul 2026 |
| 17 | Shield Security | 74.2 | 73.5 | 11.7 | 5 | 5 Oct 2026 |
| 18 | SecuPress | 68.0 | 62.3 | 15.0 | 3 | 25 Sep 2026 |
What we left out, and why
WP Cerber Security is closed on WordPress.org. Its page says it was closed as of 22 September 2022 and is not available for download, so it cannot be ranked.
We also left out three plugins with security features that are not security plugins first. Hostinger Tools and SiteGround’s Security Optimizer come from hosting companies; Hostinger Tools is a site management plugin whose security section is two switches. Jetpack is a suite for stats, newsletters, speed and security, and we ranked its standalone security plugin, Jetpack Protect, instead.
How to choose the best free WordPress security plugin
- Decide what you need: login protection, hardening, a firewall, a malware scanner, or all four.
- For one plugin that does all of it, install Wordfence. For hardening and SSL with no measurable server time, install Really Simple Security.
- If logins are your main concern, add Limit Login Attempts Security or Loginizer, or use Kadence Security for 2FA and password rules.
- Check the requirements: NinjaFirewall needs a Unix-like server, Kadence Security needs Apache, LiteSpeed or NGINX, and Defender needs PHP 8.0.
- Read the account and pricing lines: MalCare and Patchstack need an account, and CleanTalk’s plugin runs on a paid service after a trial.
- Time a logged-out page before and after, and check your login, forms and checkout still work.
Questions people ask
Which is the best free WordPress security plugin?
On our data, Really Simple Security, with 98.5 out of 100. Wordfence (92.7) is second and the better pick if you want a firewall and malware scanner in the free version.
Do security plugins slow down WordPress?
Not the page visitors download: none of the 18 added any weight. Server time varied. Median added time ran from -0.4 ms to +199.7 ms, and 16 of the 18 stayed under +21 ms. The two outliers were All-In-One Security (+199.7 ms) and Shield Security (+41.2 ms).
What happened to Solid Security?
It is now Kadence Security, under the same WordPress.org address. Its changelog records the rename from iThemes Security to Solid Security at 9.0.0 and to Kadence at 10.0.0. If you run it, updating moves you to the new name.
Can I run two security plugins together?
We tested each plugin alone. Limit Login Attempts Security’s page lists it as compatible with Wordfence and Sucuri, and BBQ Firewall’s says it is compatible with other security plugins. Avoid two plugins that do the same job, such as two firewalls.
