Comparison
WPIDE vs WP File Manager: A WordPress File Manager Comparison
WP File Manager is the most installed file manager plugin for WordPress. Both let you manage files without FTP. They differ in how they protect your site when you edit code, and in what else they do.
Last checked October 29, 2026. Prices in US dollars, as listed by each vendor.
The short answer
Choose WPIDE if
- You edit theme and plugin code and want automatic backups and a recovery wizard
- You want WordPress and PHP autocomplete in a tabbed editor
- You also want code snippets, a database manager or conversion tracking in one plugin
Choose WP File Manager if
- You need a file manager for visitors or members on the front of the site
- You need per-user file permissions or cloud drives such as Google Drive and Dropbox
- You want RAR, TAR and GZIP archives, or a one-time license
WPIDE vs WP File Manager, feature by feature
| Feature | WPIDE | WP File Manager |
|---|---|---|
| On WordPress.org | ||
| Active installs | 40,000+ | 1,000,000+ |
| Rating | 4.8/5 (306 ratings) | 4.6/5 (1,492 ratings) |
| Files | ||
| Upload, download, copy, move, rename, delete | Included | Included |
| Archives | Zip | Zip, RAR, TAR, GZIP |
| Search and folder sizes | Included | Search |
| Image, video and audio preview | Included | Included |
| Front-end file manager for visitors | Not included | Pro |
| Per-user and per-role file permissions | Not included | Pro |
| Cloud drives (Google Drive, Dropbox, S3…) | Not included | Pro add-ons |
| Built on | WordPress Filesystem API | elFinder |
| Editing code safely | ||
| Code editor | ACE, in tabs | Included |
| WordPress and PHP autocomplete | Included | Not included |
| PHP syntax check before saving | Included | Included |
| Automatic backup of each PHP file before saving | Included | Manual backup tool |
| Recovery from a broken site | File Recovery Wizard | Not listed |
| Beyond files | ||
| Code snippets with conditions and a 3,000+ library | Included | Not included |
| Database manager | Every paid plan | Pro add-on |
| Image editor | Every paid plan | Pro |
| wp-config.php manager | Every paid plan | Not included |
| Conversion tracking | Plus and up | Not included |
"Not listed" means the vendor does not describe the feature on the pages we checked.
Pricing
| Feature | WPIDE | WP File Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Free | Free |
| 1 site | Basic: $49 first year, then $99/year (1 site) | $39 one-time, lifetime updates |
| More sites | Pro: $199 first year, then $249/year (25 sites) | 10 sites $199; 25 sites $399 (one-time) |
WPIDE's prices are live from its pricing page; the other plugin's are as listed on its site on the date above.
Editing code: backups and a way back
Both plugins check PHP syntax before saving a file. WPIDE also backs up every PHP file automatically before it changes, and when a change still breaks the site, its File Recovery Wizard replaces the white screen and restores the backup. WP File Manager offers a manual backup and restore tool instead.
A note on security
File managers are a target because they can write files. In September 2020 an unauthenticated upload flaw in WP File Manager 6.0 to 6.8 (CVE-2020-25213) was exploited on a large scale before version 6.9 fixed it. Whichever plugin you choose, keep it updated and give administrator access only to people who need it.
Where WP File Manager is ahead
WP File Manager Pro can share files with visitors through a front-end file manager, set permissions per user and role, connect cloud drives, and handle more archive formats. Its Pro license is a one-time payment. If you manage files for other people rather than edit code, it covers more.
How to switch from WP File Manager to WPIDE
- Install the free WPIDE plugin from WordPress.org and activate it.
- Open WPIDE from the dashboard; it starts in wp-content, with no setup.
- Deactivate the other file manager when you no longer need it, so fewer plugins can write files.
WPIDE vs WP File Manager: questions
Is WPIDE a good WP File Manager alternative?
For working on your own site's files and code, yes: it adds automatic PHP backups, a recovery wizard, autocomplete and code snippets. For sharing files with visitors, WP File Manager Pro's front-end features fit better.
Do both work without FTP?
Yes. Both manage files from the WordPress dashboard without FTP or cPanel.
Can I use both?
You can, but every plugin that can write files is one more thing to keep updated. Most sites need only one.
Sources
Checked on October 29, 2026. WP File Manager and its logo are trademarks of their owner; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Get Started with WPIDE
Install the free plugin from WordPress.org, or try any paid plan free for 14 days.