Download management

If you want to provide files that people can download from your site and need to keep tight control over the downloads then you’ll probably need a download manager or download monitor. My requirements include:

• support FREE and premium downloads
• instant download after receiving payment for premium downloads
• count the number of downloads
• support versions
• support automatic update of plugin versions
• excellent performance
• use custom post types and meta data

Here is a short list of plugins that I looked at.

Plugin name and description	Plugin links	Version, total downloads, last update, tested
Easy Digital Downloads – Simple Ecommerce for Selling Digital Files Sell your digital products the simple way. Easily build an online store complete with a cart system, checkout forms, reports, coupons, and more!	easy-digital-downloads home	2.9.23 3,059,112 April 20, 2020 5.4.2
Download Monitor Download Monitor is a plugin for uploading and managing downloads, tracking downloads, displaying links and…	download-monitor home	4.4.3 2,044,624 June 8, 2020 5.4.2
WordPress Download Manager This File Management & Digital Store plugin will help you to control file downloads & sell digital products from your WP site.	download-manager home	3.1.03 4,031,384 July 2, 2020 5.4.2
WP-DownloadManager Adds a simple download manager to your WordPress blog.	wp-downloadmanager home	1.68.4 265,278 May 20, 2020 5.4.2
Paid Downloads The plugin allows to sell digital content and accept payments via PayPal, Payza or InterKassa. It delivers download link after completed payment.	paid-downloads home	3.15 28,010 August 20, 2012 3.3.2

Other plugins to consider

Plugin name and description	Plugin links	Version, total downloads, last update, tested
WooCommerce WooCommerce is a flexible, open-source eCommerce solution built on WordPress. Sell anything, anywhere and make your way.	woocommerce home	4.2.2 98,081,351 June 23, 2020 5.4.2
eshop	No info available
TheCartPress eCommerce Shopping Cart Native eCommerce integration & interaction with WordPress. Flexibility & Scalability. Ideal for merchants, themes constructors and developers.	thecartpress home	1.5.3.6 202,843 January 12, 2017 4.7.18
s2Member Framework (Member Roles, Capabilities, Membership, PayPal Members) s2Member®—a powerful (free) membership plugin for WordPress®. Protect members only content with roles/capabilities.	s2member home	200301 1,299,497 March 1, 2020 5.4.2