Having a download manager or download manager on your WordPress website is an excellent way to optimize your downloadable files. Here is a list of our favorite options to help you get started with this powerful tool.
WordPress provides a built-in download manager, but its features don’t satisfy everyone. That’s why using a WordPress download manager plugin is a great way to get exactly what you need.
List of the best download manager plugins
1. Download Monitor
Download Monitor is simple and effective. With a simple interface, you and your users will find what they need easily.
Download Monitor is free and includes all the essential features. Track downloads, set member-only options, and customize how you want links to display.
If you want to extend the functionality, Download Monitor offers extensions that cost US $ 39 / year each.
2. WordPress Download Manager
If you want to do more than just share your download links, WordPress Download Manager can be an excellent option.
It has layers of security like captcha and password protection before downloading. WordPress Download Manager even lets you write a user agreement and terms of use, which is great if you sell digital products.
Integrating cloud storage is another very useful feature. With a free extension, you can link files to Box, Google Drive, or DropBox.
3. Easy Digital Download
The basic plugin is free, and the paid version costs up to US $ 499. Although there are cheaper options such as the Personal, Extended and Professional packages that cost US $ 99, US $ 199 and US $ 299 per year, respectively.
The main difference between free and paid options is the extension of support. Each paid version offers different additional features
4. WordPress Download Manager Pro
This is the paid version of WordPress Download Manager. We include it separately because professional features take this plugin to a whole different level.
The Social Lock function that makes users share your page on social networks before they can download the file they want. Plus the plugin is SEO optimized !
You also get a shopping cart, invoices and template customization. Compared to Easy Digital Download, WordPress Download Manager Pro is an excellent alternative. The most affordable plan costs just $ 59, the business plan $ 179, and the developer package costs $ 199.
5. WordPress File Download
We think this download manager plugin has the most attractive interface. It also includes important features like an integrated search engine, access and download limitations, and statistics.
The most expensive package with all included extensions only costs $ 59 a year. If you want a cheaper version, there are $ 39 and $ 29 packages that don’t include some extensions.
Overall, we think this download manager plugin is best for individual users who need something cheap and professional without many settings.
6. CM Download Manager
The outstanding feature of CM Download Manager is the virtual wallet that converts real money into points to buy items on your website. However, that’s an exclusive feature of the paid versions: Pro ($ 39), Client Zone ($ 59), and Ultimate ($ 99).
Other premium options include BuddyPress integration, which allows users to have their own profiles to socialize with others.
If you insist on choosing the free version, you’ll still get image previews, download categories, and limited template customization.
7. Groups File Access
This plugin assigns files to specific user groups – only members will be able to access files. Owners can limit the download number of each member.
The owner can give an authentication key to allow specific users to download files without having to log in.
This download manager plugin costs $ 29 with 6 months of customer support. You can extend it to 12 months by paying US $ 9 more. This is a very specific download manager, which offers a good price if those are the functions you are looking for.
8. WooCommerce
Using WooCommerce as a download manager is pretty easy. You must assign an expiration date, access restrictions and download limits for each file through a simple interface. There is a built-in invoice generator, so you won’t have to install other plugins.
We are glad to see WooCommerce expanding and growing. The download manager feature is great for both existing and new users.
9. WP-Download Manager
This is a simple but powerful plugin. If you don’t need designs or customization, WP-Download Manager will do the job perfectly. On the other hand, it requires having some programming knowledge.
If you are familiar with programming this plugin will work without problems.
After all, WP-Download Manager is free and open source, ideal for developers who want to explore the possibilities of the plugin.
10. File Manager Plugin for WordPress
This plugin works as a file manager for your WordPress site. But if you want to use it to manage downloadable files, it will definitely come in handy.
You can define access restrictions for individual files or folders, preview files or integrate Google Drive to allow larger files and storage space.
However, remember that this plugin does not offer common e-commerce features. You won’t find an invoice generator, a shopping cart or social media integration. Instead, you will get a familiar Windows-like graphical interface. All in a package of US $ 19.
conclusion
Now you know what a WordPress download manager or download manager is for. Take the price and features into account when choosing the most suitable for you. Which do you think is the best?