Top 10 WordPress Security Plugins: Features, Pricing, and How to Choose the One Right For You

WordPress security plugins are specialized tools that protect websites from malware, brute force attacks, and unauthorized access.

If you’re questioning whether or not you even need a security plugin, the answer will always be yes, you do. Security plugins provide essential, additional layers of protection against cyber threats including malware infections, hacking attempts, and unauthorized access that WordPress core security cannot fully address. While keeping regular backups and using a secure web server are vital components of a full security strategy, dedicated plugins fill critical gaps in defence.

We understand the desire for a one size fits all solution, but a little research is needed to find the right plugins and services:

• Free versions: Many premium security plugins, such as Shield Security PRO and Wordfence, offer free tiers with basic protection like malware scanning and firewall tools. This level of coverage can work for small sites, though it often lacks the depth needed for long-term growth or complex setups.
• Paid versions: For websites that handle higher traffic or sensitive customer data, upgrading to a paid security plugin can offer significant advantages. Shield Security PRO provides real-time threat intelligence, country blocking, and automatic malware removal, helping site owners maintain security with fewer unnecessary alerts. It’s an ideal choice for those who need advanced protection that operates quietly in the background.

How to know whether you can trust a security plugin?

When evaluating a security plugin, start with its community feedback. Reviews on WordPress.org are often the best measure of reliability, giving you a clear view of how well a plugin performs across malware protection, firewall strength, and overall WordPress hardening. Real-world feedback from other users reveals whether the plugin delivers consistent updates, dependable support, and true protection beyond marketing promises.

The highest-rated WordPress security plugins based on WordPress.org reviews include Shield Security PRO, Wordfence, Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security), and All-In-One Security. These leaders all maintain an average rating above 4.5 stars and protect hundreds of thousands of WordPress sites.

At the time of writing, Shield Security PRO is the highest average-rated WordPress security plugin.

Here are 10 things you should look for in a security plugin…

1. Advanced malware scanning detects and removes malicious code from WordPress files.
2. Automatic malware removal eliminates threats without manual intervention.
3. Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site.
4. Plugin security guard protects against vulnerabilities in installed plugins.
5. User account security ensures login protection and user credential safety.
6. Spam protection and removal prevents unwanted content from disrupting your site.
7. Securing important files (such as wp-admin, .htaccess, wp-config, wp-includes) protects sensitive system files.
8. Login & IP protection prevents unauthorized login attempts and blocks malicious IP addresses.
9. Detailed reporting and logs track security activity for easy auditing and response.
10. Fast, helpful, and knowledgeable customer service offers timely assistance when security issues arise.

Based on the 10 items listed above, reviews, pricing, and overall quality we evaluated the options and put together a list of plugins and services that will help keep your site(s) up and running.

Our top 10 picks for free & paid wordpress security plugins

1. Shield Security PRO (free & paid)

Shield Security PRO is a WordPress security plugin offering malware scanning, firewall protection, and login security. The plugin takes the difficulty of fully securing your site out of your hands, making it easy for users to apply recommended security options through a dashboard that lives within the WordPress site. Its most popular features are:

• Automated malware scanning & removal: Shield Security PRO provides automated malware scanning and removal features. The scanner compares every PHP file on your site to the originals on WordPress.org, automatically flagging and repairing/removing potentially malicious code.
• MAL[ai]: The plugin uses unique AI to detect both known and new malware, automatically scanning and removing malicious code from your site as often as every hour.
• ShieldBACKUPS: This offers automated daily backups with up to 6 months of retention, securely storing your data off-site for easy recovery in case of a disaster.
• Two-factor authentication: Offers advanced Two-Factor/Multi-Factor Login Authentication.
• Brute-force protection: Shield Security PRO includes brute-force protection and two-factor authentication options.
• Bot and IP blocking: Features silentCAPTCHA exclusive antibot technology and a points-based system to block bad bots and IPs.

When it comes to performance, Shield Security PRO’s documentation, setup guides, and support are comprehensive. When first installed, it guides users through a thorough setup with videos and articles. Users can sync settings from a ‘master site’ to all other sites with Shield Security PRO installed, simplifying management for multiple installations.

Premium plans start at $129 and vary based on features and the number of sites protected. The plugin offers monthly and yearly plans, with bulk and annual billing discounts. 

2. Wordfence (free & paid)

Wordfence Security is another popular WordPress security plugin with millions of active installations. Wordfence is best for all-in-one website security with a strong focus on firewall and malware scanning. Its features include:

• Endpoint Web Application Firewall (WAF): Wordfence uses an endpoint WAF that runs directly on your server, offering deep integration.
• Malware scanning: Checks your site against WordPress repositories to find code injections. Premium users get real-time malware signature updates.
• Login security: Includes Two-factor authentication and leaked password protection.
• Manual & country blocking: Allows advanced manual blocking of malicious traffic and blocking of countries known for malicious activity (Premium).

Wordfence operates directly on your server. While this offers high integration, Wordfence can be resource-intensive during scans on lower-end hosting plans. Unlike Sucuri’s cloud-based approach, Wordfence operates directly on your server, offering deeper integration but potentially higher resource usage. Users can manage multiple sites using the Wordfence Central dashboard.

Pricing starts at $149/year with slight bulk discounts for multiple licenses or multi-year purchases. No free trial of the paid software is offered.

3. All in One WP Security (free)

All-In-One Security is a feature-rich plugin offering firewall rules, login protection, and database security without cost. All-In-One Security is best for beginners looking for comprehensive free security hardening features:

• Database security: Features one-click database backup and restore functionality.
• Firewall functionality: The firewall is designed to stop malicious scripts before they reach your WordPress code.
• Brute-force protection: Includes robust brute force login attack prevention.
• File system & scanning: Includes file change detection alerts and the ability to set recommended secure permissions on files/folders with a click.

AIOS provides extensive functionality in its free version. It has low impact when using basic features, though advanced features can sometimes cause conflicts on sites with complex code infrastructure. Support is freemium, provided mainly through the WordPress repository forum.

The plugin has a free option, with premium features starting at $84.00 /per site annually.

4. Sucuri (free & paid)

Sucuri Security is good for high-performance business and enterprise sites needing strong off-site protection. Its features include:

• Remote malware scanning & auditing: Scans run on an automatically set basis, displaying audit logs of file modifications and code vulnerabilities.
• Effective security hardening: Offers one-click hardening optimizations within the dashboard.
• File integrity monitoring: Uses a DIFF feature to show exactly what in a file has been altered.
• cloud-based firewall (premium): The Web Application Firewall is only available in paid plans and operates outside your hosting environment.

Sucuri uses a cloud-based WAF that operates outside your hosting environment. This results in minimal impact on site performance because scans run on Sucuri’s external servers. Premium plans include unlimited malware cleanups and DDoS mitigation. However, they may require an extra fee for malware removal if your site is already down due to a hack, even with a paid account.

Paid accounts are generally expensive, starting at $229 a year and no free trial is offered.

5. MalCare (free & paid)

MalCare Security focuses on rapid automated malware detection and removal using cloud-based scanning. MalCare is best for quick malware removal and site cleanups with minimal site speed impact. Its features include:

• Cloud-based malware scanning: Deep scanning covers files and the database with minimal load on your server.
• Instant malware removal (paid): MalCare offers instant one-click malware removal in premium plans.
• Firewall: Includes both cloud-based and plugin-based firewall options.
• Real-time updates (paid): Firewall rules update every 5 minutes in the paid plan versus every 7 days in the free version.
  

Cloud-based scanning means minimal load on your server. However, while the free plugin allows basic settings control, the Pro version requires logging into their independent dashboard, adding extra clicks to security management.

The plugin starts off free, but pricing then starts at $99 a year. If you want to know more about how MalCare compares to Wordfence (and ShieldPRO) read our article: Wordfence or MalCare: Which Should You Use?

6. Solid Security PRO (iThemes) (free & paid)

Solid Security PRO, formerly iThemes Security, is best for beginners wanting an easy-to-use interface for login security. The features of this plugin are:

• Brute-force protection: Includes WordPress Brute Force Protection and strong password enforcement.
• File change detection: Notifies users when any files in the WordPress system have changed.
• Two-factor authentication: Adds an extra security layer to user logins.
• Away mode & lockout: Features like “Away Mode” and the ability to lock out bad users.

The plugin runs on your server with moderate performance impact. It covers the basics of protection, including automatically applying solutions for known vulnerabilities in the Pro version. However, it lacks advanced AI capabilities for deep code-level malware scanning and remediation.

Pricing for paid packages starts at $99 a year. 

7. Defender (free & paid)

Defender claims to be a security ‘superhero-suite’ offering one-click hardening and regular security scans. Features include:

• One-click hardening: Offers quick and easy application of hardening tools.
• Two-factor authentication: A standard feature for added login security.
• Audit logging: Tracks activity for monitoring and auditing.
• Vulnerability reports: Provides reports on potential issues in themes and plugins.
  

It provides regular security scans and audit logging. While it offers a firewall, it’s generally considered less robust than the WAFs offered by top competitors. Paid tears add features such as backups and access to WPMU DEV’s suite of other WordPress tools.

Prices start from $180 for the year. 

8. Anti-Malware Security and Brute-Force Firewall (free & paid)

Anti-Malware Security and Brute-Force Firewall is one of the simplest but effective tools for malware detection, removal, and firewall protection, and its features are pretty good:

• Malware detection: Effective at identifying malicious files.
• Brute-force firewall: Simple yet effective protection against brute-force attacks.
• Threat definitions: Access to download definitions of new threats and patches requires registration on their website (GOTMLS.NET).
• Quarantine: Moves repaired files to a quarantine section for review.

While detection is good, it lacks in automatic removal capabilities, even in the Pro version, requiring the user to manually click to repair files. Support is fast and knowledgeable, available on their WordPress repository and website FAQ section.

Access to premium features is a one-time fee, or a simple ‘donation’ to the plugin. 

9. Hide My WP Ghost – Security Plugin (free & paid)

Hide My WP Ghost is a security through obscurity plugin, working on the idea that if hackers can’t find you, they can’t attack you as effectively. Therefore, its features are slightly different:

• URL/path customization: Hides common WordPress paths and files using database redirects.
• Script & SQL injection firewall: Adds security layers to prevent specific types of attacks.
• User activity logs: Tracks user actions and alerts for suspicious activity.
• Brute force protection: Includes basic brute force defense.

While these features can help obscure your site and mitigate certain risks, Hide My WP Ghost may not provide the same depth of protection as more comprehensive security plugins, which include additional layers like real-time threat detection, malware removal, and broader protection against a wider range of attacks.

This plugin is designed to be used in conjunction with other security plugins that offer core features like firewalls, malware scans, and backups. It does not change your actual code but creates redirects to hide sensitive areas. It can be paired with tools such as the MalCare scanner for added malware detection. The developer also offers a free online website security audit tool. 

Pricing starts at $29.99 a year. They offer lifetime discounts and allow users to continue using the plugin at the last updated version after the subscription expires. 

10. Jetpack VaultPress Backup (free & paid)

Jetpack VaultPress Backup is a real-time backup and security scanning service designed by Automattic that works with the JetPack plugin. Its features include:

• Real-time off-site Backups: Offers automated, real-time backups and unlimited site storage.
• One-click restores: Simplifies the process of recovering a site after an attack or error.
• Automated scanning: Provides daily or real-time security scanning services.
• Comment and form protection: Includes protection against spam and malicious form submissions.

VaultPress is focused on backup and scanning; it is not a robust security hardening plugin and lacks key features like auto malware removal, a dedicated firewall, and deep login protection. It is most useful for users already integrated into the JetPack ecosystem.

Pricing starts at $4.95 a month when buying annually. 

Comparing WordPress security plugin features

Firewall implementations vary significantly across the top-rated plugins, which is one of the biggest differentiators you should consider for performance and protection:

• Firewall implementations: Firewall implementations vary: Wordfence uses endpoint server-based protection, running directly within your WordPress environment. In contrast, cloud-based competitors like Sucuri employ a cloud-based WAF that processes traffic before it hits your server.
• Performance impacts: Performance impacts differ: Cloud-based solutions like Sucuri and MalCare minimize server load because scans and filtering happen off-site. Server-based tools like Wordfence can be resource-intensive during heavy traffic or full scans.
• Malware removal approaches: Malware removal approaches range from MalCare’s rapid one-click automated removal to Sucuri’s expert cleanup services. Other tools, like Shield Security PRO, offer file-level repair by comparing compromised files against the original WordPress repository versions.

Choosing the right security plugin for your WordPress site

Ultimately, the best WordPress security plugin depends on your technical expertise, budget, and specific security needs. There is no single best option for every user (or one-size-fits-all as people often dream of!) Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri offer specialized, market-leading protection in their respective domains (server-side WAF vs. cloud WAF). Solid Security and All-In-One Security (AIOS) are excellent entry points for comprehensive security hardening.

For those looking for an all-in-one solution that emphasizes automated file-level repair and a high degree of control, we recommend exploring the features of Shield Security PRO. You can snag their 14-day risk-free trial to see if it meets your requirements today! 

FAQs

Are premium WordPress security plugins worth the money?

Yes, for business-critical and high-traffic sites, premium plugins are highly recommended. Premium security plugins offer advanced features like real-time threat detection, automated malware removal, dedicated customer support, and expert cleanup services. These features often provide essential speed, efficiency, and peace of mind that free versions cannot match.

Can I use multiple security plugins together?

It’s strongly discouraged. Running multiple security plugins that offer overlapping functionality (like multiple firewalls or malware scanners) can cause severe conflicts, security holes, and performance issues. It is best to choose one comprehensive solution and leverage its full feature set rather than combining several plugins.

Which security plugin is best for WooCommerce sites?

E-commerce sites, such as those running WooCommerce, require the highest level of security due to payment data processing and high traffic volume. They benefit most from plugins with strong firewall protection (WAF) to prevent transactional fraud and automated backups to ensure rapid recovery after a breach. Many top-tier plugins offer the level of protection needed for e-commerce, making a solution with real-time threat detection a priority.