Have you ever tried to collect files from website visitors? Maybe you need job applications, customer support screenshots, photo contest entries, or guest posts.
If you’ve ever asked someone to email you attachments, you know how quickly that can lead to a messy, confusing inbox. Additionally, creating a separate user account for every person who needs to upload something is a significant headache and a potential security risk.
That’s where the perfect WordPress file upload plugin comes in. These tools do the heavy lifting for you, allowing your visitors to upload documents, images, and other content directly from the front end of your site, safely and efficiently.
But finding the right fit for your business can feel overwhelming. We know, because we’ve built dozens of file upload forms for our own projects and spent weeks testing popular options.
Ready to simplify your file collection process? In this expert guide, we’ll share our top picks for the best WordPress file upload plugin options available today, covering everything from simple, free tools to advanced, all-in-one form builders.
Why Do You Even Need a WordPress File Upload Plugin?
Think of it this way: WordPress is built to be secure, so by default, only users who are logged into the backend dashboard can upload files. This is a great security measure, but it totally breaks down if you need files from the general public, like a customer sending in a receipt or a job applicant sending a resume.
If you want someone to upload a file, you’d typically have to create a new user account just for them, which is time-consuming and a potential security risk you really don’t want to take.
A dedicated WordPress file upload plugin solves this problem by giving you the functionality to accept files right on the front end of your site.
What’s the big payoff?
Enhanced User Experience and Engagement
Allowing users to submit images, videos, documents, or other files is an excellent way to enhance user interaction and keep them engaged with your site. If a customer needs support, being able to attach a screenshot immediately makes their experience better—and helps you understand their problem faster.
Improved Workflow Efficiency
A reliable WordPress file upload plugin simplifies administrative tasks. Instead of sifting through a crowded email inbox full of attachments, all your uploaded content is organized and easy to manage. This streamlined process means you don’t need to switch between different platforms to manage files; everything is consolidated right into your WordPress dashboard.
For instance, you can easily receive guest posts, quotations from clients, videos, or even collect essays for a scholarship application.
Better Security and Control
File upload plugins are a necessity for security. They can protect your site from malicious files by letting you restrict exactly which file types and sizes are allowed. Plus, since users upload directly via a front-end form instead of logging into your admin area, your dashboard remains secure.
How We Picked and Tested the Best WordPress File Upload Plugins
To give you truly great recommendations, our team of experts—who have over 16 years of experience in WordPress—installed and tested popular file upload plugins on real websites. We didn’t just look at a few options; we tested 29 different plugins, ranging from form builders to dedicated file management tools, over the course of three weeks.
We focused on several key criteria during our testing process:
- Ease of Use: If a plugin is confusing, you won’t use it. We evaluated the interface for its intuitive design, ease of navigation, and overall user-friendliness. As beginners, you should be able to quickly familiarize yourself with the plugin without hitting techie hurdles.
- File Upload Functionality: We checked how well each tool handled various file types, sizes, and formats, especially looking for multi-file upload capabilities.
- Performance: We measured how fast the plugin processes uploads and whether it slowed down the overall website.
- Pricing & Value: We evaluated the cost against the features, ensuring we included excellent free options to accommodate every budget.
- Security: We prioritized plugins with built-in security features, spam protection, and the ability to restrict file types.
Based on these hands-on tests, here are the eight plugins that truly stood out for their features, reliability, and ease of use.
Our Top Picks: The 7 Best WordPress File Upload Plugins
Here is our curated list of the best WordPress file upload plugin solutions, tested and recommended for 2025:
1. WPForms: The All-Around Best
If you’re looking for a powerful, user-friendly WordPress file upload plugin that can handle almost any scenario, WPForms is our top choice. It consistently earns high praise, boasting over 6 million active installs and a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on WordPress.org.
Why We Love It
WPForms is beginner-friendly because it uses a drag-and-drop form builder. You don’t need any coding knowledge to create a form or add a file upload option.
We’ve seen firsthand how reliable WPForms is under heavy use, as our sister companies use it for critical tasks like support tickets and job applications.
Here’s what makes WPForms stand out:
- File Upload Options: You get two main ways to accept files. The classic file upload is great for single files, but we especially love the modern drag-and-drop field, which allows users to upload multiple files at once. It even includes an option to accept file uploads with Ajax, meaning the page doesn’t have to refresh.
- Templates for Speed: It offers over 1900 prebuilt, customizable templates. For example, the Job Application template already has fields set up for users to upload their resumes and cover letters, saving you valuable time.
- Control is Key: You can easily restrict uploads to specific file types (like only images or PDFs) and set a maximum file size limit. This prevents server space overloads and keeps your site safe.
- Secure Storage and Access: You can choose whether or not to save the uploaded files directly into your WordPress media library. Crucially, WPForms lets you restrict access to these files using password protection or by user role (so only admins or editors can see them), meaning the download link can’t be publicly shared.
- Advanced Features: Beyond file uploads, WPForms includes spam protection, conditional logic, multi-page forms, and integrations with email marketing and payment services.
Pricing
WPForms has a free version, but you’ll need a premium plan to unlock the dedicated file upload feature. Paid licenses start from $39.60 per year or $49.50 per year, depending on the plan.
2. File Upload Types by WPForms: Fix Those “Forbidden” Files
Have you ever tried to upload a file only to see the frustrating error message: “Sorry, this file type is not permitted for security reasons”?.
This happens because WordPress only allows a specific list of file extensions by default. That’s where File Upload Types by WPForms steps in.
Why We Love It
This plugin is a simple, frictionless solution that lets you accept file types that WordPress blocks natively.
We found setting it up incredibly easy. There are no complicated settings; you just install it and check the boxes for the file types you want to allow in your WordPress admin area.
It immediately opens up support for essential non-default file extensions, including:
- .zip
- .xml
- .svg
- .ai (great for design submissions)
- .csv
- .cad
This plugin works beautifully as a standalone tool, but it’s especially recommended as a perfect complement to other form plugins on this list, like WPForms.
Pricing
This is a completely free plugin, making it a budget-friendly way to expand your site’s upload capabilities.
3. Formidable Forms: For the Advanced Builder
Formidable Forms is another popular drag-and-drop form builder, but it specializes in advanced, complex forms. If you need a form that does more than just collect information—like building a mortgage calculator or a searchable database—this is your go-to.
Why We Love It
During testing, we were impressed with its flexibility. It handled large file sizes easily and allowed users to upload any number of files at once, including images, spreadsheets, PDFs, and guest posts.
A really unique feature we loved is its advanced entry management, including the ability to automatically delete old files when you delete a form entry, which helps declutter your media library over time. It can also automatically resize images.
Like WPForms, files uploaded through Formidable Forms are stored in the WordPress Media Library, making them easy to access and manage. It also comes with comprehensive security features like CAPTCHA protection and options to restrict file sizes.
Pricing
Formidable Forms offers a limited free version, but to get access to the file upload feature and other advanced functionality, you’ll need a premium plan starting at $39.50 per year.
4. Easy Digital Downloads (EDD): Selling Digital Goods Made Simple
If your primary goal is to sell downloadable products like software, eBooks, music, or PDF files, then Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) is the best WordPress file upload plugin for you. It’s essentially an eCommerce solution built specifically for digital products.
Why We Love It
EDD streamlines digital sales with advanced file features. We found the system for handling digital downloads clean and intuitive.
Instead of just collecting files from users, EDD focuses on managing and delivering files to customers securely. Key features include:
- Secure File Delivery: You can password-protect files and only grant download access to customers with active licenses.
- Cloud Storage: You can upload your digital product files to cloud platforms like AWS or Dropbox for added reliability.
- Multi-Vendor Marketplaces: EDD includes functionality that lets you create your own online marketplace (like CreativeMarket), allowing other users to upload and sell their files through your site.
- Custom Orders: If you run a custom-order business (like personalized t-shirts), you can use EDD’s extensions to request files, such as a company logo, as customers check out.
Pricing
EDD has a free option, but the advanced features and the ability for users to upload files often require a Professional license, which starts at $599/year. Premium plans start from $99.50/year.
5. WordPress File Upload: Quick and Easy Shortcode Uploads
Sometimes, you don’t need a full form builder; you just need a simple box where a visitor can drop a file. If that sounds like your situation, WordPress File Upload is an excellent choice.
Why We Love It
This is a no-frills, dedicated file uploader. It allows visitors to upload content to virtually any spot on your website—a blog post, a landing page, or even a sidebar widget—simply by adding a shortcode.
Once a file is uploaded, you can view it easily in the Uploaded Files menu in your WordPress dashboard, which simplifies content management.
We liked its simplicity and found it super easy to use. You can customize the form appearance, add extra fields (like checkboxes), and set file upload filters based on user roles. It’s also GDPR-compliant.
Pricing
WordPress File Upload offers a free version. There is a premium version available for around $20 or €20.00 for those who need more features.
6. Big File Uploads: Conquering Massive Files
One of the most common frustrations with file uploads is hitting the default WordPress size limit, which is usually set by your hosting provider (typically 2 MB to 150 MB). If you need to accept large videos, high-resolution images, or extensive data packets, you need Big File Uploads.
Why We Love It
As the name implies, this plugin is developed explicitly to handle large files. It allows you to increase your upload size limit to literally hundreds of GBs with just a few clicks.
It achieves this by using file chunking to bypass standard server timeout errors. This means you can upload large media files directly to your media library without resorting to complicated FTP or SFTP clients.
What impressed us most was the extra layer of control: you can customize the maximum file upload size based on specific user roles, like setting different limits for administrators, authors, and editors.
A crucial note: Big File Uploads doesn’t include the front-end form functionality itself; it just raises the file size ceiling. You’ll still need a form plugin (like WPForms or Formidable Forms) to actually accept the files from visitors.
Pricing
Big File Uploads is a fantastic value because it is completely free to use and download from the WordPress repository.
7. File Manager: The Backend Helper
File Manager is a popular plugin that significantly enhances the default WordPress Media Library. While its primary strength lies in backend management, it also functions as an effective wordpress file upload plugin through its front-end shortcode feature.
Why We Love It
If you’re tired of using a separate FTP client or cPanel just to manage site files, File Manager is a dream come true. It integrates seamlessly with your WordPress dashboard, allowing site admins to edit code, download, upload, delete, copy, and move files all in one place.
For front-end uploads, you can simply embed the file manager interface using a shortcode on any page. You also get granular control over permissions, allowing you to hide certain features or files based on user roles, which is excellent for security.
Pricing
File Manager offers a free version with basic file operations. The Pro version, which unlocks advanced features, starts at $25 for a single site.
Bonus Plugin Shoutout: MonsterInsights (Tracking Downloads is Crucial!)
While MonsterInsights doesn’t actually handle the file uploading, we’re including it because it is an essential companion to any wordpress file upload plugin.
MonsterInsights is the best analytics solution for WordPress. Why should you care? Because it helps you track how users interact with your forms and files.
If you offer content that users can download, like videos, PDFs, or documents, you need to know which files are the most popular. MonsterInsights automatically tracks file downloads in Google Analytics without you having to touch any code.
It’s also invaluable for form optimization. Abandoned forms equal lost revenue, and MonsterInsights helps you understand why users might be leaving your file upload forms, allowing you to optimize them for better conversions. You can even see the form tracking reports and file download data right inside your WordPress dashboard.
Key Considerations Before Choosing Your Plugin
Choosing the right WordPress file upload plugin isn’t just about features; it’s about understanding your needs, budget, and security requirements.
Free vs. Paid Plugins: What’s the Difference?
When you look at the options above, you’ll see a mix of free and paid tools. The main differences come down to functionality and support.
| Feature | Free Plugins (e.g., File Upload Types) | Paid Plugins (e.g., WPForms Pro) |
| Functionality | Basic file upload fields, limited customization. | Advanced features like multi-file uploads, conditional logic, spam protection, and payment integrations. |
| File Limits | Often have tighter file size limitations. | Allow for larger file sizes and custom limits. |
| Security | Basic security relies more on you. | Better built-in security features, including CAPTCHA and file type restrictions. |
| Support | Community-based or limited support. | Dedicated, prompt customer support and regular updates. |
| Integration | Limited integration capabilities. | Integrations with cloud services (Dropbox, Google Drive) and email marketing. |
If you have straightforward needs and a small budget, a free option might be fine. But if you run a business with complex requirements or handle sensitive data, paid plugins offer better reliability and the support you need.
Security: Protecting Your Site from Malicious Uploads
Security is paramount when you allow outside users to upload files. An improper configuration can, unfortunately, leave your site vulnerable to malware or viruses.
To ensure the security of file uploads on your WordPress site, always follow these best practices:
- Use a Reliable Plugin: Choose a plugin, like WPForms, that has built-in security features and spam protection (such as CAPTCHA).
- Restrict File Types: Only allow specific file formats (.pdf, .jpg, etc.) to prevent users from uploading malicious file types. File Upload Types by WPForms can help you manage these restrictions easily.
- Implement Size Limits: Set a maximum file size limit. This reduces the risk of massive files slowing down or harming your server.
- Use a Firewall: Consider adding a firewall plugin for an extra layer of defense, filtering out harmful traffic before it reaches your site.
Which WordPress File Upload Plugin is Truly the Best for You?
After rigorously testing nearly 30 plugins, we stand by our recommendation.
In our expert opinion, WPForms is the overall best WordPress file upload plugin available on the market today. Its user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop builder, extensive pre-made templates, and robust security features make it an ideal choice for beginners and professionals alike. Plus, the ability to view all uploaded files and entries right in your WordPress dashboard is a massive time-saver for site administrators.
However, the “best” choice really depends on your specific goal:
| If you need to… | We recommend… | Because… |
| Create flexible forms that accept files (resumes, documents, photos). | WPForms | It offers the best balance of features, ease of use, and security for front-end uploads. |
| Allow unusual file types (.svg, .zip, .ai) that WordPress normally blocks. | File Upload Types by WPForms | It’s a free, simple solution that expands your allowed file extensions instantly. |
| Build advanced forms, calculators, or searchable directories with uploads. | Formidable Forms | It excels at complex solutions while still providing reliable file upload features. |
| Sell digital files (eBooks, software, music) securely. | Easy Digital Downloads | It’s tailor-made for managing product files, licenses, and secure customer downloads. |
| Simply raise the maximum file size limit for large uploads. | Big File Uploads | It’s a free, easy tool that lets you accept files up to hundreds of gigabytes. |
| Add a quick, basic upload box using a shortcode (no full form builder needed). | WordPress File Upload | It’s a dedicated, simple, and free solution for posts, pages, or sidebar widgets. |
Ready to get started? Stop dealing with that messy email inbox and integrate a powerful WordPress file upload plugin today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I upload PDFs to WordPress?
Yes, absolutely. As an admin, you can upload PDFs directly through the Media menu just like images. If you want visitors to upload PDFs from the front end, you must use a dedicated file upload plugin like WPForms.
How do I allow users to upload files to WordPress?
To allow front-end users to upload files, you need to install a dedicated WordPress file upload plugin. Plugins like WPForms or Formidable Forms allow you to create a form, drag in a file upload field, and publish that form on any page or post.
Is 50 MB the maximum upload file size in WordPress?
No, the maximum upload file limit is usually set by your hosting provider, typically ranging between 2 MB and 150 MB. If you need to increase or decrease this limit, you can contact your hosting provider, or you can use a plugin like Big File Uploads to set a higher limit.
What is the best free file upload form plugin for WordPress?
If you need a form plugin that is entirely free, we recommend WordPress File Upload because it allows you to add a file upload field to any post, page, or sidebar using a shortcode. However, if you want a free plugin to expand the types of files WordPress accepts, use File Upload Types by WPForms.
Can I set different upload limits for different user roles or file types?
Yes, you can. Big File Uploads offers the easiest way to set different maximum upload limits based on user roles (like Administrator, Editor, Author) in just a few clicks. Most premium form builders like WPForms allow you to restrict file types within the form settings.
WordPress file upload PLugins 
