WordPress is an exceptional platform for blogging. However, it has grown into so much more than that. As it is now a powerful content management system which powers over 35% of the web, and thanks to some external plugins can handle a mixture of various file download needs.
The native user interface of WordPress does have the capacity to manage file downloads. Still, this is not the easiest nor most efficient way to manage files, and the native function does not have half the features of many WordPress download manager plugins that are available to help you manage files.
Depending on what your needs are, you can easily add password protections, track the number of downloads, organise files and stop unregistered users from obtaining files. Additionally using a file download WordPress plugin you can track file revisions and even collaborate with a team furthermore you can also use file management plugins to manage and sell digital products.
1. Easy Digital Downloads
Easy Digital Downloads is primarily an eCommerce solution for any type of digital download, but it can also manage multiple file downloads per downloaded product. This plugin has a good option if you have different prices for multiple products or have bundled products. It comes with PayPal and Manual as the default payment options, but others can be added for a fee.
Features
- Cart system for purchasing multiple downloads at once
- User purchase history and ability to re-download files
- Multiple files per downloadable product
Price: Free
2. Download Monitor
Download Monitor has an intuitive UI that allows you to easily upload and manage downloadable files plus you can insert download links to files in posts. The goal of Download Monitor is to help users keep files organised and to provide a way to track files.
Features
- Tracks download counts and logs user download attempts
- Member-only downloads
- Quick-add panel for adding files while you are editing posts
- Add multiple file versions to downloads
- Has shortcodes to output downloads in different formats including plain text links, buttons and boxes
Price: Free
3. WordPress Download Manager
The third plugin is the free version of WordPress Download Manager it includes password protection, limited viewing and it works on multiple domains. The password protection package allows users to protect a full package of files, or each specific file in a package by using passwords. It’s a simple, easy-to-use download manager and is also one of the most actively updated WordPress download manager plugins.
Price: Free
4. WP-Download Manager
WP-Download Manager is a simple download manager plugin developed by Lester Chan. It doesn’t have a long list of features but is still a viable option for webmasters who don’t need/want all the bells and whistles.
Price: Free
5. WordPress Download Manager Pro
WordPress Download Manager Pro packed with all features you will ever need to manage your files and documents, protecting documents with password, document access control based on members roles and capabilities, detailed access log, selling digital products, licensing and many more features.
Price: $45.00 to $215.00
