If you’re looking to add a Membership plugin on your WordPress site, you’ve got several options. We’ve got a review of each, along with the general fundamentals of WP membership plugins. If you are considering using WordPress for an ecommerece website, check out this post!
General WordPress Membership Plugins
Different plugins have different features, and not all of them are optimal for creating a membership site. It’s a good idea to ask yourself some questions at the outset:
Do I only need one level of subscriptions or multiple levels?
Do I need a drip content feature to slowly release new content to a user, or will I only be offering hidden content?
What type of payment gateway do I want to use?
Now that you have a general idea of how you want your site to be structured, let’s move on to what else you need to run a successful WP membership site?
Security
A dedicated IP and support line
Plugins like Optinmonster that will make building your membership list much easier
If money isn’t an issue, we suggest WP engine, but if you’re on a budget, Bluehost works great.
We’ve picked 5 WP Membership Plugins, and listed their pros and cons, to help you make an informed choice.
MemberPress
| Pros | Cons |
| Ease of use
A large variety of features Easy Setup Payment Gateways Level of Access/Control Integrations Content Dripping |
Integrations and Payment Options are fairly limited. |
Price Points: Plans range from $99 to $199 per year.
Bottom Line: If you can save up the funds to do it, this plugin is great for beginners (particularly with its user-friendliness and versatility).
Paid Memberships Pro
| Pros | Cons |
| Free version available
More Payment Gateways and Integrations Variety of add-ons available |
Free version features are very limited
Not as user-friendly for beginners You have to buy the pro plan to use most of the add-ons |
Pricing: Plans range from $97 to $197 a month.
Bottom Line: If you can afford the Pro Version, you’ll love the features available on this WordPress Membership Plugin.
Restrict Content Pro
| Pros | Cons |
| Ease of Use
Integrations that aren’t paid add-ons Significant Payment Gateway options Good companion for Easy Digital Downloads Great tech support |
Fewer integration options outside of the ones built in |
Pricing: $99 for one site, $149 for five, $249 for unlimited sites
Bottom Line: This is a great choice if you’re planning on scaling up your business, especially if the built-in integrations are a good fit for your needs.
LearnDash
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy setup
You can sell courses Easy content restrictions Allows drip content Solid integration and payment options Built-in community features |
May not be the best choice if you’re not going to be selling courses |
Pricing: Starts at $159 for a single-site license.
Bottom line: Flexibility and ease-of-use make it a good investment, particularly if you’re selling courses.
S2Member
| Pros | Cons |
| Freebase plugin
Content drip PayPal supported Integrates with MailChimp, bbpress, and BuddyPress Knowledgebase and support |
Free Version features (payment gateways, membership levels, no drip content)
Not as user-friendly as other options |
Pricing: Freebase plugin, $89 single site, unlimited (pro) $189
Bottom line: Maybe a good choice if you’re just starting out, on a budget, and requiring extra support.
Everything we’ve recommended here for WordPress Membership Plugin has some great features, scalability, and integrations. The right choice for you may be a free version, or you may be ready to invest in a Pro package. Whatever you decide, make sure you choose something that meets your goals for what you plan to offer site members, and how you expect your business to grow. We know there are many options. Let us help you make the right choice for your business.
