If you’re planning to create a membership site in WordPress, you’ll need a reliable membership plugin. Membership plugins let you:
- Restrict content to paying members.
- Manage subscriptions and recurring payments.
- Offer digital downloads, courses, or premium communities.
- Build a scalable business model around memberships.
But with so many options, you might be asking:
👉 “What is the best membership plugin for WordPress?”
This guide will compare the top WordPress membership plugins, their features, pricing, pros & cons, and which one is best for your needs.
Key Features to Look for in a WordPress Membership Plugin
Before choosing, check if the plugin supports:
- Flexible Membership Levels – Allow multiple tiers (e.g., Basic, Premium, VIP).
- Content Restriction Options – Restrict posts, pages, categories, videos, or downloads.
- Payment Gateways – Stripe, PayPal, WooCommerce integration.
- Recurring Subscriptions – Automatic renewals and billing management.
- Ease of Use – Setup wizard, simple UI for non-technical users.
- Scalability – Can handle thousands of members if your business grows.
- Integrations – Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, ConvertKit), CRMs, LMS plugins.
Best Membership Plugins for WordPress (2025 Edition)
1. MemberPress (Most Popular & All-in-One)
Key Features:
- Easy setup with a membership rules system.
- Content restriction by pages, posts, categories, or tags.
- Built-in course builder (LMS features).
- Supports recurring payments via Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net.
- Coupon codes, trial periods, and drip content options.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly setup.
- Great for online courses & communities.
- Excellent support and documentation.
Cons:
- Premium-only (no free version).
- Slightly higher price than competitors.
👉 Best for: Businesses, course creators, and anyone who needs a reliable all-in-one membership solution.
2. Restrict Content Pro (Flexible & Lightweight)
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use content restriction system.
- Unlimited subscription levels.
- Stripe, PayPal, Braintree support.
- Discount codes and reporting tools.
- Developer-friendly with hooks and APIs.
Pros:
- Clean and lightweight compared to MemberPress.
- Works well for simple membership setups.
- Transparent pricing with add-ons included.
Cons:
- Lacks built-in course features (requires add-ons or LMS integration).
👉 Best for: Developers or site owners who want a flexible, lightweight plugin.
3. Paid Memberships Pro (Feature-Rich & Community Friendly)
Key Features:
- Free core plugin with paid add-ons.
- Multiple membership levels.
- Advanced reporting and analytics.
- Integrations with Mailchimp, WooCommerce, and BuddyPress.
- 100+ add-ons available.
Pros:
- Free version available for small sites.
- Highly customizable.
- Good choice for community sites and forums.
Cons:
- Can feel overwhelming with too many add-ons.
- Some features require paid extensions.
👉 Best for: Membership communities, clubs, and nonprofits.
4. LearnDash + MemberPress (Best for Online Courses)
Key Features:
- Full Learning Management System (LMS).
- Course drip scheduling.
- Certificates and quizzes.
- WooCommerce and Stripe integration.
- Membership protection via MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro.
Pros:
- Perfect for creating and selling online courses.
- Scalable for large eLearning sites.
- Flexible course management system.
Cons:
- Requires pairing with a membership plugin.
- Learning curve for beginners.
👉 Best for: eLearning websites, online schools, and digital course creators.
5. WooCommerce Memberships (Best for eCommerce)
Key Features:
- Turns WooCommerce into a membership site.
- Restrict products, categories, or downloads.
- Sell memberships as products.
- Content dripping for product access.
- Integrates with WooCommerce Subscriptions for recurring billing.
Pros:
- Great for stores selling digital or physical products.
- Seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce ecosystem.
Cons:
- Requires WooCommerce Subscriptions for recurring payments.
- Not ideal if you don’t run an eCommerce store.
👉 Best for: Online shops, digital product sellers, or subscription box businesses.
6. s2Member (Budget-Friendly Option)
Key Features:
- Free and Pro versions available.
- Restrict posts, categories, and files.
- Integrates with PayPal (Pro supports Stripe, Authorize.net).
- Custom capability restrictions.
Pros:
- Free version works for small sites.
- Highly customizable for developers.
Cons:
- Outdated interface compared to modern plugins.
- Learning curve for beginners.
👉 Best for: Budget users or developers who don’t mind a dated UI.
Comparison Table: Best WordPress Membership Plugins
| Plugin | Best For | Payment Support | Courses | Ease of Use | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MemberPress | All-in-one, courses | Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net | Yes | ★★★★★ | $179+ / year |
| Restrict Content Pro | Lightweight, flexible | Stripe, PayPal, Braintree | No | ★★★★☆ | $99+ / year |
| Paid Memberships Pro | Community sites | Stripe, PayPal, 100+ add-ons | No | ★★★★☆ | Free – $247+ / year |
| LearnDash + MemberPress | Online courses | Stripe, PayPal, WooCommerce | Yes | ★★★★☆ | $199+ / year |
| WooCommerce Memberships | eCommerce stores | WooCommerce gateways | Limited | ★★★★☆ | $199+ / year |
| s2Member | Budget-friendly | PayPal (Stripe in Pro) | No | ★★★☆☆ | Free – $89 / year |
So, What is the Best Membership Plugin for WordPress?
It depends on your website goals:
- ✅ Best All-in-One Solution: MemberPress
- ✅ Best for Online Courses: LearnDash + MemberPress
- ✅ Best for Community Sites: Paid Memberships Pro
- ✅ Best for eCommerce Memberships: WooCommerce Memberships
- ✅ Best Lightweight Option: Restrict Content Pro
- ✅ Best Free Option: s2Member (Free Version)
If you want simplicity and power, MemberPress is the most recommended overall. For online courses, go with LearnDash + MemberPress, and for eCommerce, WooCommerce Memberships is unbeatable.
Final Thoughts
The best membership plugin for WordPress depends on your site type, budget, and technical comfort. No matter which you choose, focus on:
- Clear membership structure.
- Reliable payment gateways.
- Scalable features for future growth.
Start simple, then expand as your membership business grows.