Security Optimizer vs Wordfence Security
Compare WordPress plugins and tools side by side. Pick products with “Compare” in the software directory.
| Feature | Security Optimizer v1.6.9 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free · ★ 4.5/5 Visit Details | Wordfence Security v9.0.2 · checked 23 Oct 2026 Free + paid · ★ 4.7/5 Visit Details |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Active installs | 1M+ | 5M+ |
| Last updated | October 14, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
| Editions | Security Optimizer | Wordfence Security · Wordfence Premium ($) |
| Pros | Login attempt limits and two-factor login; Activity log and custom login URL; Free, with no paid tier in the code | Firewall, malware scanner, 2FA and passkey login in the free version; Scanner checks core, theme and plugin files against WordPress.org; Dashboard for scan results, blocking and login settings |
| Cons | No malware scanner; No web application firewall or request filtering; Some hardening rules are written to .htaccess | Free version receives firewall and malware signature updates 30 days late; Audit log and real-time threat updates need Premium; Scans and firewall add work on the server |
| Mentioned in our posts | — | 3 |
| Features (Security plugins checklist) | ||
| Firewall | No | Yes |
| Malware scan | No | Yes |
| Login protection | Yes | Yes |
| Two-factor login | Yes | Yes |
| Activity log | Yes | Paid |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| More features | ||
| Other features | XSS protection headers, XML-RPC blocking, Directory hardening, Custom login URL, Disable theme and plugin editors, Hide WordPress version, Salt shaker (rotate auth keys) | Real-time malware signature and scan frequency options ($), Passkey sign-in, Security audit log ($), WooCommerce customer registration filter |
| Integrations | ||
| E-commerce | — | WooCommerce |
| Requires WordPress | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Requires PHP | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Tested up to | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Phones home | No | No |
| External services | sgwpdemo.com | noc1.wordfence.com, noc3.wordfence.com, www.wordfence.com, noc4.wordfence.com |
| Custom tables | 2 | — |