Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) vs Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security (2026): PluginCheck
Quick Verdict
Pick Really Simple Security if you want a lightweight, high-rated plugin that handles SSL, 2FA, and vulnerability detection with minimal configuration. Pick Wordfence Security if you need an application-layer firewall and dedicated 24-hour malware response for a high-traffic or high-risk site.
Both Really Simple Security and Wordfence Security are top-tier WordPress security plugins that cover the core essentials: two-factor authentication, login hardening, and malware detection. The choice typically comes down to whether you want a streamlined, set-and-forget hardening tool or a full security suite with an active firewall. Most site owners weighing these two are looking for the right balance of protection, performance overhead, and ongoing maintenance.
Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL)
Easily improve site security with WordPress Hardening, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Login Protection, Vulnerability Detection and SSL certificate.
- Active installs 3M+
- Rating 4.9/5 (8,864)
- Last updated Sep 15, 2026
- Support resolved 100%
- Tested to WP 7.1
- Requires PHP 7.4
Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security
Firewall, Malware Scanner, Two Factor Auth, and Comprehensive Security Features, powered by our 24-hour team. Make security a priority with Wordfence.
- Active installs 5M+
- Rating 4.7/5 (4,998)
- Last updated Sep 8, 2026
- Support resolved 70%
- Tested to WP 7.1
- Requires PHP 7.0
Where Really Simple Security – Simple and Performant Security (formerly Really Simple SSL) Wins
Higher user ratings
Really Simple Security scores 98/100 across 8,864 reviews, compared to Wordfence's 94/100 over 4,998 reviews, indicating broader satisfaction among a larger reviewer pool.
Better support resolution
Really Simple Security resolves 100% of support threads, while Wordfence sits at 69.9%, which is a meaningful gap if you expect responsive help when issues arise.
Higher overall quality score
Really Simple Security posts a 98.71/100 quality score versus Wordfence's 94.58/100, reflecting stronger performance across the metrics PluginCheck measures.
Where Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security Wins
Larger install base
Wordfence leads with 5,000,000+ active installs against Really Simple Security's 3,000,000+, giving it a longer track record on diverse hosting environments.
Active firewall and 24-hour response team
Wordfence ships an endpoint firewall and live traffic rules with a staffed response team, while Really Simple Security focuses on hardening, 2FA, and vulnerability detection rather than real-time traffic filtering.
Higher popularity score
Wordfence scores 100/30 on popularity versus Really Simple Security at 97/30, reflecting its dominant market presence in the security category.
Score-by-Score Comparison
Wordfence edges ahead with a 100/30 popularity score versus Really Simple Security's 97/30, backed by 5 million installs to 3 million.
Both plugins tie at 100/25 for maintenance, with recent updates within the last two weeks of the comparison date.
Really Simple Security leads on ratings at 98/15 compared to Wordfence's 94/15, drawn from nearly twice as many reviews.
Really Simple Security wins decisively on support with 100% resolution versus Wordfence's 69.9%, translating to a 100/15 versus 70/15 score.
Both plugins tie at the maximum 100/15 for compatibility, indicating broad WordPress and PHP version coverage.
The Bottom Line
For most WordPress site owners, Really Simple Security is the stronger pick: it scores 98.71/100 overall, has the higher user rating at 98/100, and resolves 100% of support threads. Wordfence still makes sense if your threat model specifically calls for an endpoint firewall or you run a site that needs dedicated 24-hour malware response, in which case its 5 million installs and 100/30 popularity score provide reassurance. If you are not sure which category you fall into, start with Really Simple Security and add a host-level firewall or a dedicated WAF if you need more.