SiftWP vs Patchstack

Virtual patching for known flaws, or a weekly check of your actual site?

Patchstack protects against vulnerabilities that have already been found in WordPress plugins and themes. SiftWP looks at what is actually on your server each week and fixes the safe problems. They answer different questions, and some sites run both.

We make SiftWP, so read this with that in mind. Details about Patchstack come from its own public pages, last checked October 11, 2026. Plans and prices change, so confirm them on the vendor's site.

Written by Mohamed Mostafa, founder · Last updated October 11, 2026
Side by side

SiftWP and Patchstack compared

 SiftWPPatchstack
Question it answersIs anything wrong on my server right now?Is a known vulnerability in my plugins or themes exposed, and can it be blocked?
How it connectsA dedicated SSH key. Nothing is installed in WordPress.A WordPress plugin that reports to a vulnerability database service.
What it looks atCore files, database, uploads, configuration and malware patternsInstalled plugin, theme and core versions, matched against its vulnerability database
When a plugin flaw is disclosedFlags outdated core and plugins when updates are availableOffers a virtual patch for matched vulnerabilities, according to Patchstack
Malware already on the siteScanned weekly. Suspicious files are quarantined.Not Patchstack's stated focus
Problems that are not a known flawInvestigated by the agent, for example a stolen password or an injected adminOutside a vulnerability database
FixesSafe fixes applied automatically. Risky ones wait for your approval.A virtual patch applied for matched vulnerabilities
Pricing$9, $29 or $49 per site per month, with 100 free credits to startPatchstack's pricing page lists a Developer plan at $69 a month, billed annually, with extra sites added in blocks of five for $12.50 a month. Confirm current prices.

The difference, with an example

Say a popular plugin has a flaw announced on Tuesday. Patchstack matches your plugin version against its database and can block the exploit with a virtual patch until you update. That protects you before anything bad happens.

Now say the flaw was exploited on Monday, before the announcement. A virtual patch added on Tuesday does nothing about the file the attacker already planted. SiftWP's weekly scan is built for that case. It looks for the leftover file, the new administrator, the changed database row, and tells you what it found and what it did. One tool works before the damage, the other after it.

Where Patchstack is stronger

  • Speed on known flaws. A virtual patch can arrive before you have time to update a plugin. SiftWP runs weekly and cannot block an exploit as it happens.
  • A dedicated vulnerability database. Matching versions against curated vulnerability data is its core job. SiftWP flags outdated plugins but does not keep its own database of flaws.
  • Built for hosts and agencies at volume. Its plans are priced for many sites at once.

Where SiftWP is stronger

  • It checks the real state of the site. Entry through a stolen password, a pirated theme or a weak hosting login never appears in a vulnerability database. A scan of files and database can still catch what followed.
  • Nothing to install in WordPress. A plugin is more code that can itself be attacked.
  • It explains and asks. Each finding is investigated, safe fixes are applied, and anything that could break the site, such as deactivating a plugin you may rely on, waits for your yes. Flagged files are quarantined, never deleted.
  • Server-level problems get a ready message. If the fix needs your host, it drafts the exact request to send.

Using both

The two do not conflict. SiftWP installs nothing in WordPress, so it will not interfere with the Patchstack plugin. A sensible split: let Patchstack block known flaws as they appear, and let SiftWP verify weekly that the site underneath is still clean.

What you need for SiftWP

Your hosting has to allow SSH access, which most cPanel hosts do. Setup takes three steps: create a free account (100 credits, no card), import the SSH key SiftWP generates into your hosting panel, and verify the connection. You can revoke access at any time by deleting that key. If your host does not offer SSH, SiftWP cannot scan the site.

Which fits you

Which one fits your site?

Choose Patchstack if...

  • You want known plugin flaws blocked as soon as they are disclosed
  • You run many sites and need protection priced for volume
  • You are comfortable adding a plugin and want coverage tied to a vulnerability database

Choose SiftWP if...

  • You want the real state of your files and database checked every week
  • You would rather not add another plugin to WordPress
  • You want findings investigated and the safe ones fixed, with approvals for the rest
Questions

Questions about SiftWP and Patchstack

Can I run SiftWP alongside Patchstack?
Yes. SiftWP installs nothing in WordPress, so it does not interfere with the Patchstack plugin. Many setups use Patchstack to block known flaws and SiftWP to check the site weekly.
Does SiftWP stop an exploit while a plugin flaw is unpatched?
No. SiftWP runs weekly and does not filter traffic, so it cannot block an attack as it happens. Update the plugin or use a virtual patch for that.
Does Patchstack remove malware?
Patchstack presents itself as vulnerability protection rather than malware cleanup. Check its current feature list for details.
How do the prices compare?
Patchstack's pricing page lists a Developer plan at $69 a month, billed annually, with extra sites added in blocks of five for $12.50 a month. SiftWP is priced per site, from $9 to $49 a month. Confirm current prices on both sites.
Do I need SSH access to use SiftWP?
Yes. SiftWP connects over SSH with a key you generate and can revoke at any time. If your hosting does not offer SSH, it cannot scan the site.

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