If your website offers several downloadable files to your visitors, there is a high chance that it will be challenging to manage them. If you want to track the downloads, manage the files in one place, and control the downloads, all these functionalities require advanced tools, and the WordPress download manager lacks them. But you do not need to worry anymore.

In this simple guide, we will look at 10 WordPress Download Manager plugins that offer an organized and easy-to-use file system can make file download management a breeze. The plugins included in this guide are free and premium. Depending on your choice, you may get password protection for your downloadable files, download counters, file tracking, file organization, and more features.

Some plugins also allow you to restrict access to authorized users only. There are many plugins available in the market. Here, we have gathered only the top 10 that offer the best functionality compared to the competition. Let’s look at the top 10 WordPress download manager plugins. Though they are not arranged in any particular order, it is best to look at each to choose the best option for your case.

How to Choose a WordPress Download Manager Plugin

Choosing the best WordPress download manager plugin can take time and effort, with many options present online. Still, you should be able to arrive at a better decision by keeping the things listed below at the back of your mind:

• Download lock: It’s crucial to have the ability to manage and restrict file downloads, regardless of the source—social sharing, membership, or form subscription.

• File organization: A WordPress download manager plugin must include an easy-to-use interface that can use tags and categories to create and organize files.

• Download history: Logs and statistics indicate the total number of files downloaded over time, and a download counter for each file makes it easier for website owners to see how many downloads a particular file has.

• Simple embedding: The plugin should include a shortcode or Gutenberg block to facilitate inserting downloadable files into a post or page.

Most of these plugins can be installed on a WordPress website for free or at a discounted price if they work on a freemium model.

Top 10 WordPress Download Manager Plugins

1. WordPress Download Manager (Free)

The free edition of WordPress Download Manager includes multiple domain support, viewing restrictions, and password protection. With the password protection package, users can use passwords to secure an entire package of files or just a single file within a package. 

It’s an easy-to-use WordPress download manager. Additionally, it receives the most frequent updates compared to the other WordPress Download Manager plugins.

There are both free and premium versions of the WordPress Download Manager plugin. The premium solution enhances value by providing better customer support and additional features.

Features:

• An uploader for files that can be dropped.
• For every package you download, download the reports.
• There are three ways to lock content: CAPTCHA, password, and conditions agreement.
• Unauthorized downloads are prevented using the IP block feature and download link masking.
• An asset manager for files that have been uploaded.

Price: Freemium model with the premium version costing $59

2. Shared Files for WordPress (Free and Premium)

Shared Files for WordPress allows you to list and manage files on your WordPress website. Anyone you allow access to can download and use any file shared on your website. 

The process involves uploading files to your WordPress admin and embedding a shortcode on your website so viewers can download the file. Additionally, you also can arrange the files that users will download. To make things easy for users, create a list or classify files. 

You can get password security and priority customer assistance with the premium option of the plugin. This gives you peace of mind that your files are always secure and that there is a person to talk to in case something seems wrong.

Overall, the plugin offers an easy-to-use interface that is clear and uncomplicated for all users. The majority of the settings are preset by default, so you usually don’t need to make any changes for it to function.

While the pro edition provides better file searching, the free version allows you to track download counts and explore different file kinds in your browser. With the pro version, you may also limit the amount of file downloads and automatically construct filters.

The best thing about the plugin is that you may personalize your file download management using this plugin’s multitude of fields and layout options. For those interested in the additional features but would want to test the waters before committing, there is also a 7-day Pro trial available.

Features: 

• It gives a shortcode that can be used to add a download button to a website.
• Users can access and manage the files through the backend easily.
• You may list all your downloads on any WordPress website with the plugin.
• Files from external storage providers like Dropbox and Google Drive can be shared.
• The administrator receives notifications whenever a file is downloaded.
• Functions, such as file sorting and file loading counters, are included in the Pro edition.
• When you are about to exceed your bandwidth restrictions, the plugin estimates.
• Expiration dates for downloads can be set.
• Set a limit on how many times users can download a given file.

Price: Freemium model, with premium cost starting at $19.99

3. File Manager (Free + Premium)

Unlike other WordPress download manager plugins, File Manager primarily focuses on granting file browser access to the back end of your WordPress website.

Users may download, upload, remove, and edit website files and folders straight from the dashboard, eliminating the need for a file manager. The plugin’s interface can be accessed by going to WP File Manager.

The plugin’s built-in code editor lets you open and modify files directly. Before saving the file, the syntax checker will review the code to ensure everything runs smoothly.

With features like multiple operations, maximum file size limitations, and email notifications for any changes made to the file manager, the premium File Manager Pro enhances the usability of the file manager.

Features:

• An integrated file manager on the WP dashboard.
• Multiple interface themes with several toolbar styles.
• A shortcode for front-end access.
• Effortless Front-End Integration
• Developer friendly

Price: freemium model, with the premium version starting from $25

4. Advanced File Manager (Free)

By eliminating the need for cPanel and FTP, the Advanced File Manager plugin offers a practical and user-friendly solution for adding and changing your site files. You can alter the path of the root directory completely. Also, the plugin enables you to add a shortcode to your website so that certain visitors can access complete file management features.

The root directory and other files on your website provide access to files. Numerous tasks are possible, including uploading, generating files, renaming, and archiving. PDF previews are accessible, so you don’t have to open each file separately.

Beginners will find the simple yet attractive user-helpful interface, and you can quickly inspect files in your directory with the help of the audio and video previews. Increasing efficiency is also greatly aided by the file search feature. 

The Advanced File Manager plugin also offers multiselection capabilities and keyboard shortcuts for those looking for a reliable method to handle file transfers, uploads, and deletions.

Features:

• You may grant logged-in users access using an advanced file manager shortcode.
• The shortcode provides private folder paths, themes, and user role constraints.
• Your browsing history is kept so you may review previous actions.
• All files have thumbnails and previews displayed,
• This plugin saves your website from lagging or becoming slow.
• With the help of the plugin’s file-searching module, you may find items quickly.
• With a single button click, file directory sizes may be calculated.
• The plugin allows for image manipulation.

Price: Free

5. Download Monitor

With the help of the free plugin Download Monitor, you can start selling and distributing digital files on your WordPress website. It is compatible with all WordPress themes.

In addition, Download Monitor has sophisticated report features. You may use it to instantly examine your downloads over any time frame, view your top downloads, including the most downloaded file from your store, calculate your average daily download count and much more.

All the features listed below can be unlocked by purchasing all its premium extensions as part of the Complete bundle at a discounted price.

Features: 

• It helps distribute and sell your digital content with a few simple clicks.
• All digital file types like PDFs, software packages, audio files, video files, digital art, etc., and their versions can be easily uploaded, categorized, tagged, and managed.
• Include several file versions in your downloads, each with a unique data set, such as the number of downloads and file links.
• Thanks to automatic download file tracking, you won’t need to create events in Google Analytics to track the downloads of your different files and versions.
• It accepts PayPal and soon-to-be-supported payment gateways.

Price: Freemium model with premium version starting at $39/month

6. Simple Download Manager

You can set password protection for documents and files and manage downloadable files straight from the WordPress admin dashboard with Simple Download Monitor. 

After that, the plugin will keep track of the files downloaded and the number of times they are downloaded. A log of the user’s IP address, the download date and time, and other details will also be available.

Simple Download Monitor began as a side project but now has 30,000 active installations. You must be using WordPress 5.5 or higher.

This plugin has a straightforward, user-friendly interface with native support for English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Russian translations.

Features:

• Downloads can be added, edited, and removed via a user-friendly interface.
• Drag and drop uploading of files and documents.
• Use shortcodes to add a download button to a WordPress page or post.
• Anywhere on your website, display buttons for trackable downloads.
• A download counter for every file.
• There is an option to adjust the download count for every file.
• Keep tabs on the IP addresses of anyone that downloads your stuff.
• Keep note of the time and date of each file download.
• Please keep track of who is downloading the files and their usernames.
• To determine which page is causing the downloads, follow the Referrer URL.
• The ability to enable safe file downloads for your files (with a hidden download URL).

Price: Free

7. Lana Downloads Manager (Free)

It doesn’t get any simpler than the Lana Downloads Manager. This free and open-source utility allows you to monitor, manage, and log local and remote files on your WordPress website. Even though there are now just 2,000 installs, it has received five stars in reviews, and updates are made regularly to guarantee compatibility.

The plugin’s most remarkable feature is how simple it is to use. It is now ready to use after installing Lana Downloads Manager. This plugin has a counter system and log capabilities to help track download quantities.

 Features

• It’s a highly lightweight plugin. 
• Enables quick transfer of your download links to your websites.
• Shortcodes can add Download buttons to any part of your website. 
• You can review the history of uploads and downloads using the log system.
• Each file has a download count shown next to it. 
• The settings are ready to use without any modifications.
• Every download has a name and is categorized to make searching simple.
• Options for managing and uploading files from distant devices as well as locally are provided by the plugin.

Price: Lana Downloads Manager is free to download and use.

8. Download Manager (Free)

You can monitor, manage, and regulate file downloads from your WordPress website using Download Manager. Administrators can use the plugin to track which files are downloaded, establish download speeds, define the total number of downloads for each user, and block undesired users using IP blocks or captcha locks.

This plugin requires WordPress version 5.3 or later, and it is available for free download and usage. It has over 100,000 active installations.

This plugin can be used as an e-commerce solution to sell digital products and provide capabilities for managing and tracking downloads. You can use license-based prices on your website or establish separate prices for each item.

Features:

• Drag and drop file upload, custom post type, and taxonomy; adding a download is similar to making a post.
• Support for chunk uploads to override the http maximum upload limit
• Use the server file browser to attach a file straight from your server.
• File protection for media libraries
• Combined document viewer (Powerpoint, PDF, and DOC)
• When editing a post or page, you may quickly add a panel with a TinyMCE editor button to easily build and insert a download.
• Users can save their files on Google Drive (15 GB of free space available).
• DropBox allows you to save files in its 2 GB of free space.

Price: Free to download

9. Easy Digital Downloads (Free)

Easy Digital Downloads can handle multiple file downloads for each downloaded product, but its primary function is an e-commerce solution for any digital download.

This makes it a fantastic choice when your products are grouped or have varying costs. The default payment methods that come with it are PayPal and Manual Payments; more alternatives can be added for an additional cost. 

The main plugin incorporates features into WordPress so that visitors to your website can purchase digital products. First, you may upload these files to your website, list them as an e-commerce product, and then set up an automated email system to deliver download links to customers as they make purchases. 

Many file kinds, including ebooks, software, documents, and artwork, can be uploaded. The plugin integrates payment gateways, including native PayPal Standard and Amazon Payments support. The free edition is sufficient to sell and organize digital items so customers can quickly locate the correct files.

Features:

• The plugin can be translated into languages other than English.
• Prevent certain users from downloading content.
• Provide a limitless number of file downloads for your products.
• Clients can customize their account pages so they may retrieve previously purchased items and review download history.
• Monitor every download through the admin dashboard.
• The plugin connects with an accounting app and provides comprehensive reporting statistics to help you determine how well your downloads are selling.
• Providing download links to your customers and processing payments swiftly are two excellent uses for the whole shopping cart.
• Advanced options, including email marketing features and the capacity to sell download memberships, are available with the premium plans.

Price: freemium (a premium plan starts from $99.50/year, while premium extensions start from $29)

10. WooCommerce (Free)

With the help of the free e-commerce plugin WooCommerce, you can sell anything on your WordPress website. One of the top e-commerce platforms globally, WooCommerce was created to work seamlessly with WordPress and offers total freedom to developers and store owners.

How does it work as a plugin for WordPress download manager? It’s comparable to Easy Digital Downloads, where you may arrange and upload your digital files for online sale.

WooCommerce functions as an e-commerce platform in addition to file management. Thus, if you require both capabilities, that is the most sensible course of action.

When managing file downloads, WooCommerce supports digital items, such as when you want to sell your music or ebooks. What you can upload to WordPress usually determines what the plugin supports, which is most major file kinds. 

You’ll be ready to organize and sell your digital files when you discover a reliable WooCommerce theme and connect it to your payment gateways.

Features:

• A setting for uploading digital goods and designating them as downloadable is included in the plugin.
• These files can be easily added to your website as well-formatted product pages.
• You may view important indicators like product downloads on the single dashboard.
• Opt for instant downloading for customers and consider offering your files for free. 
• Two accessible payment gateways are already available. As extensions, dozens more are offered.
• All of your downloads can have user limitations applied to them. These restrictions can either limit the number of downloads per item or ban specific users altogether.
• WooCommerce provides the exceptional capability of arranging digital downloads as an ecommerce collection.

Price: Free (optional add-ons starting from $6/month)

Conclusion

WordPress download manager plugins offer users greater control over the files they download than the WordPress file download tool, which is much more essential.

Each plugin’s capabilities vary, so selecting the one that best suits your demands is essential. Our brief assessment of the top WordPress download manager plugins is provided below:

Download Manager for WordPress is the best all-around download manager plugin. The free edition has a lot of helpful features.

Thanks to its basic eCommerce features, extensive download reports, payment gateways, and additional optional add-ons, Simple Downloads for Digital Content is the best solution for selling downloadable products.

Simple Download Monitor is the most excellent free download manager plugin and has many sophisticated features that other plugins charge extra for.

WordPress Download Manager, the most feature-rich premium download management plugin available. Its integrated file manager provides a unique method of organizing downloaded data.

Distributed Documents is the best file-sharing WordPress download manager plugin. This plugin allows users or visitors to post downloaded files to your website.

I hope this list helps you narrow the choices for the best WordPress download manager plugins. In the comments below, let me know which one you prefer the most.

FAQs

Are Download Manager Plugins Compatible with E-commerce Sites?

Yes, many download manager plugins are compatible with e-commerce sites. Some, like Easy Digital Downloads included in our list above, are specifically designed for selling digital products. They integrate seamlessly with payment gateways, providing good compatibility with e-commerce websites.

Do WordPress Download Manager Plugins Provide Download Statistics?

Yes, many WordPress download manager plugins include features to track download statistics. This information can be valuable for understanding user engagement, popular downloads, and overall site performance.

Are the WordPress Download Manager Plugins Secure?

WordPress Download manager plugins are generally secure, but security also depends on factors like regular updates, using reputable plugins, and following best security practices. It is ideal to always keep your plugins, themes, and WordPress core up to date to ensure the latest security patches are applied.

Can I Customize the Look of Download Links?

Yes, many download manager plugins offer customization options for the appearance of download links. You can often customize button styles, text, and other aspects to match your site’s design.