Admin Columns vs Controlled Admin Access
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | Admin Columns v7.1.7 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.9/5 Visit Details | Controlled Admin Access v2.1.3 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.8/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 100,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Last updated | October 7, 2026 | August 20, 2026 |
| Editions | Admin Columns · Admin Columns Pro ($) | Controlled Admin Access · Controlled Admin Access Pro ($) |
| Pros | Add, remove and reorder admin list columns without code; Works for posts, pages, users, comments and media; Shows ACF and taxonomy values as columns in the free version | Hides and blocks chosen admin menu pages, including direct URL access; Automatic expiry for temporary accounts; Accounts can be disabled and re-enabled without losing their settings |
| Cons | Advanced ACF field columns require Admin Columns Pro; Add-on pages and banners push the paid version; Only changes admin list screens, nothing on the front end | Restrictions cover only the core admin menus in the free version; Plugin-internal pages, activity logging and remote logout are Pro only |
| Mentioned in our posts | 1 | 1 |
| More features | ||
| Other features | Add, remove and reorder columns on admin list tables, Settings page for column behaviour, Advanced ACF field types (Pro only) ($), Add-ons page that lists Pro upgrades | Hide chosen admin menu pages, Block restricted pages reached by direct URL, Automatic account expiry, Disable and re-enable account, Hide admin bar for the restricted account, Settings and user management screen, Password-free login link (Pro) ($), Activity log of restricted admin actions (Pro) ($), Remote logout of restricted admins (Pro) ($) |
| Integrations | ||
| E-commerce | WooCommerce | — |
| Plugins | Advanced Custom Fields, WPML | — |
| Requires WordPress | 6.2 | 4.0 |
| Requires PHP | 7.4 | 7.0 |
| Tested up to | 7.1.3 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | No | No |