BBQ Firewall – Fast & Powerful Firewall Security

How well this listing is tuned to rank in WordPress.org search, on the factors an owner controls. Not popularity, optimization.

Directory rank vs rivals

wp.org popularity rank over time · higher is better · when a rival's line climbs above yours, they've overtaken you

How often this plugin actually ships. A steady rhythm is the maintenance signal a single "last updated" date can't show.

Share of active installs on each version of this plugin. Green is the current release; a big slice on older versions is a user base that has stopped updating.

Modeled within the band wp.org reports; tightens as we track daily.

No paid tier is visible, so we don't put a figure on revenue or sale value: that would be guessing. The install base is a real asset to an acquirer, just not one public data lets us price. The recent download trend is too spiky to read.

1. ★★★★★ aaronl5420

   2mo ago

   IMO this plugin is essential for running a site on the WordPress platform. Built by a senior wordpress contributor, it is specifically designed to block malicious requests on a site’s server. It is extremely lightweight, the free version provides all the protection you need, and it does not conflict with other popular security plugins. If you’re experiencing an increase in bot traffic (and who isn’t nowadays) this is a MUST add!!!

   Read on wp.org ↗
2. ★★★★★ sw33t

   2mo ago

   I can’t believe I didn’t know about this plugin sooner. I installed the counter and it’s over 1k. Seems like it’s working!

   Read on wp.org ↗
3. ★★★★★ groggy72

   3mo ago

   This is such a smart little plugin that punches far above its weight. I was getting hammered for over an hour by a bot attack from China, and even though WordFence was blocking it, once I installed BBQ the attack stopped completely. I’m so grateful. Thank you, Mr Starr. This topic was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by groggy72.

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4. ★★★★★ Anonymous

   4mo ago

   The only security plugin you need for your website. Great work jeff !

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5. ★★★★★ emd37

   7mo ago

   Installation simple protection max, merci !

   Read on wp.org ↗
6. ★★★★★ mikapin

   8mo ago

   Thanks to @jeff Starr, who is a security expert and shares very useful information on his website. BBQ is a great WordPress security plugin.

   Read on wp.org ↗
7. ★★★★★ nebuldu

   9mo ago

   I have used BBQ Pro plugin for a few years to protect my website, and I appreciate the creators of this plugin. I recommend this plugin to everyone who has a WordPress website.

   Read on wp.org ↗
8. ★★★★★ pgmachtweb

   9mo ago

   Easy setup, strong protection, zero bloat. Ideal for keeping WordPress clean and secure.

   Read on wp.org ↗

Automated install-time checks, tested on PHP 7.4.8 · WP 5.6.1

Translated into 21 languages, 13 at 90% or more

Growth timeline

Install-tier crossings we have observed, and how long each tier took to outgrow

No tier crossings observed yet.

Competes with

The plugins that solve the same job, ranked by shared tags then reach, closest match first. The letter on the right is each plugin's health grade (A best, F worst).

• Security Optimizer – The All-In-One Protection Plugin 1M+ installs · 4.5★ · 3 shared tags A
• Shield Security – Smart Bot Blocking, Brute-Force Login Protection & File Scanning 30K+ installs · 4.8★ · 3 shared tags A
• BulletProof Security 20K+ installs · 4.8★ · 3 shared tags A
• RSFirewall! 4K+ installs · 4.2★ · 3 shared tags A
• Wordfence Security – Firewall, Malware Scan, and Login Security 5M+ installs · 4.7★ · 2 shared tags A
• Limit Login Attempts Security – Login Security, 2FA, Firewall, Brute Force Prevention 1M+ installs · 4.8★ · 2 shared tags A

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Drop a live Pulse card for BBQ Firewall – Fast & Powerful Firewall Security into a readme, a review or a deck. It updates itself.

BBQ Firewall – Fast & Powerful Firewall Security: 100K+ active installs, 4.9★ (160 reviews). Plugin Pulse (WP Mayor), as of 2026-08-25. https://plugins.wpmayor.com/plugin/block-bad-queries