When it comes to protecting your WordPress website, choosing the right security plugin is not just a technical decision—it’s strategic. In 2025, Wordfence vs Solid Security (previously iThemes Security) remain two of the most trusted and widely used plugins for WordPress protection. But which one actually delivers better performance, value, and peace of mind?
We tested both across 10 core factors, from firewalls to usability, and here’s how the two contenders stack up.
1. Firewall Protection
Wordfence comes with a built-in Web Application Firewall (WAF). It runs at the endpoint, directly on your server, which allows it to block malicious traffic before it even touches your site’s core files. On the premium plan, you also get real-time updates to the firewall rules.
Solid Security, on the other hand, doesn’t include a firewall. Instead, it recommends pairing with external solutions like Cloudflare or Sucuri. This requires extra setup and, often, extra cost.
🔒 Advantage: Wordfence
2. Malware Scanning
Wordfence scans your core files, themes, plugins, and database for known malware signatures and suspicious code. Premium users get real-time updates, so the scanner is always working with the latest threat data.
Solid Security uses the Sucuri SiteCheck scanner, which performs remote scans from outside your server. While it’s fast and simple, it doesn’t dig as deep as a server-level scanner like Wordfence’s.
🦠 Advantage: Wordfence
3. Login Security
Both plugins offer strong login protections:
- 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
- CAPTCHA / reCAPTCHA integration
- Brute force protection
- Password strength enforcement
However, Solid Security goes a step further with Magic Links for temporary password-free login, user-level lockdowns, and login masking.
🔐 Advantage: Solid Security
4. Usability & Interface
If you’re a developer or tech-savvy site owner, Wordfence gives you full control—but the dashboard can feel overwhelming.
Solid Security takes a modular approach, guiding users with a setup wizard and prioritizing clarity. For agencies or users managing multiple sites, it’s the easier choice to configure.
🧭 Advantage: Solid Security
5. Real-Time Alerts
Wordfence delivers detailed real-time alerts via email and includes a live traffic view, showing who’s attacking and from where.
Solid Security also sends alerts, and it connects well with Solid Central (their multi-site dashboard), but the notifications aren’t as detailed or dynamic.
📡 Advantage: Wordfence
6. Server Performance
Because Wordfence runs scans on your server and monitors live traffic, it can use more system resources—especially on shared hosting plans.
Solid Security offloads many checks to the cloud and uses lighter processes, which makes it more performance-friendly.
🚀 Advantage: Solid Security
7. Pricing & Plans
| Plugin | Free Version | Premium Price | Notable Premium Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wordfence | Yes | $119/year | Firewall, malware scan, real-time updates |
| Solid Security | Yes | $99/year | 2FA, lockouts, user roles, Solid Central access |
Wordfence offers more in-depth protection, while Solid Security offers smoother workflows and is priced slightly lower.
💰 Advantage: Tie
(It depends on whether you need more control or better usability)
8. Support & Community
Wordfence has a large, active community and technical support that’s responsive and detailed (for premium users). Their documentation is extensive.
Solid Security offers friendly support and straightforward documentation, but advanced support requests often take longer and may refer users to third-party tools.
📞 Advantage: Wordfence
9. Coverage & Features
Both plugins offer:
- 2FA
- File change monitoring
- Scheduled scans
- User management tools
- Blocklist support
But Wordfence adds:
- Country blocking (premium)
- Rate limiting
- Live traffic visualization
- Native firewall
- Real-time malware signature updates
📋 Advantage: Wordfence
10. Best Fit Use Case
- Choose Wordfence if you’re running a large, high-traffic site (eCommerce, membership, etc.) and want maximum protection—even if it’s a bit heavier on resources.
- Choose Solid Security if you manage multiple client sites, want fast and guided setup, and prioritize a lightweight, smooth user experience.
🎯 Advantage: It depends on your role
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
Wordfence dominates in raw security firepower: firewall, deep scans, real-time updates, and data-rich dashboards. It’s ideal for users who want to be in full control of their site’s protection.
Solid Security wins in simplicity, speed, and smart defaults. It’s perfect for agencies, freelancers, or business owners who want great protection without getting stuck in the weeds.
| Feature | Winner |
|---|---|
| Firewall | Wordfence |
| Malware Scanning | Wordfence |
| Login Security | Solid Security |
| Ease of Use | Solid Security |
| Real-Time Alerts | Wordfence |
| Performance | Solid Security |
| Pricing | Tie |
| Support | Wordfence |
| Features | Wordfence |
| Best Fit Use Case | Tie |
🔚 Overall Winner: Wordfence (for security-focused users)
🌐 Runner-Up: Solid Security (for ease and efficiency)