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Really Simple CAPTCHA

Free#31 of 32 in CAPTCHA Software

Really Simple CAPTCHA: A free, open-source visual CAPTCHA for WordPress sites that can use Contact Form 7. Ranked #31 of 32 in CAPTCHA Software by our editors (5.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for wordPress sites needing a basic free image CAPTCHA.

5.8/10Editor score
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Really Simple CAPTCHA5.8 Visit site

At a glance

  • Editor score
    5.8 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    WordPress sites needing a basic free image CAPTCHA
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • CAPTCHA modes
    Visual
  • Facts checked
    22 Oct 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Generates image challenges with matching answer files.
    • Offers configurable image colors and sizes plus a developer API.
    • Integrates with Contact Form 7 and other WordPress plugins.

  • Where it doesn't

    • Supports visual challenges only, with no audio challenge.
    • Has no listed accessibility features.
    • Requires the PHP GD and FreeType libraries on the site’s server.

Our verdict on Really Simple CAPTCHA

Really Simple CAPTCHA is a free, open-source WordPress plugin that generates visual CAPTCHA challenges for use with form plugins, originally Contact Form 7. It is aimed at solo operators and small sites that want a self-hosted image challenge rather than a separately hosted CAPTCHA service. The plugin creates an image and a corresponding answer file in a temporary directory, then validates responses by comparing hashes. Its focus is narrow: it supplies image CAPTCHA functionality for WordPress integrations rather than a broader set of challenge modes.

The implementation gives site owners and developers some control over the challenge. Image colors and sizes are configurable, and the developer API covers random-word generation, image creation, response checking, and temporary-file cleanup. CAPTCHA state is stored in temporary files rather than PHP sessions. The plugin runs on the site’s own server, so image creation depends on the PHP GD and FreeType libraries being available. Contact Form 7 is the named integration, and the plugin is also described as working with other WordPress plugins; its platform fit is therefore strongest for WordPress sites with compatible form workflows.

The main trade-off is accessibility and challenge coverage. Really Simple CAPTCHA provides visual challenges only, with no audio CAPTCHA or listed accessibility features. Contact Form 7 documentation prefers reCAPTCHA over this plugin because of limitations that include the lack of audio CAPTCHA. That makes Really Simple CAPTCHA a fit for site owners who specifically want a free, open-source, self-hosted image CAPTCHA and can meet the server requirements. Sites that need audio challenges or accessibility features should choose another CAPTCHA option instead. Support is through community and documentation.

Your product? Our editors can test Really Simple CAPTCHA in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Really Simple CAPTCHA pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on wordpress.org

Really Simple CAPTCHA fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
CAPTCHA modesVisual
Audio challengeNo
Accessibility optionsNo
Monthly verificationsNot verified
SDK platformsWeb
Privacy controlsNot verified
DeploymentSelf-hosted
PlatformsWeb
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations1 integrations: Contact Form 7
PricingFree plan
Websitewordpress.org
Facts checked22 Oct 2026

Really Simple CAPTCHA integrations

Really Simple CAPTCHA lists 1 integrations on its own site.

  • Contact Form 7

Alternatives to Really Simple CAPTCHA

See all Really Simple CAPTCHA alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Really Simple CAPTCHA 5.8/10

Really Simple CAPTCHA is listed in our CAPTCHA Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

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