Have you visited the sites that ask for membership payments before accessing their content? These sites make money online by rendering online services like courses, content, etc. using Membership plugins.
Do you wish to make money through these plugins? WordPress offers exceptional Membership plug-ins to help you with the same.
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Membership sites are rapidly becoming one of the most effective ways to monetize your expertise, content, or community online.
Read this article to know about some of the best WordPress Membership plug-ins. This guide will help you find the best wordpress membership plugins for your site, with a small guide on choosing these plugins for your site:
What exactly is a Membership Sites?
A membership site is a website where access to premium content, services, or products is restricted to registered members, often in exchange for a recurring fee.
This model allows you to offer exclusive value, such as online courses, digital downloads, or private forums, while building a loyal audience around your brand.
Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, launching a membership site can help you generate predictable recurring revenue and foster deeper engagement with your community.
With the right approach, membership sites can transform your WordPress website into a thriving hub for your most dedicated followers.
Benefits of Using a Membership Plugin
Implementing a membership plugin on your WordPress site can streamline the entire process of building and managing a membership site.
The best membership plugins make it easy to control access to your premium content, manage member subscriptions, and export member data for analysis or marketing.
With features like content dripping, you can schedule when members receive new material, keeping them engaged over time. Most membership plugins also support multiple membership levels, so you can offer different tiers of access and pricing to suit your audience’s needs.
Integration with popular payment gateways ensures you can accept payments securely and efficiently, while connections to email marketing platforms help you nurture relationships and promote new offers.
Plugins like Paid Memberships Pro, MemberPress, and Restrict Content Pro are popular choices for their robust features and flexibility, making it simple to launch and grow paid memberships with just a few clicks.
Key Features to Look for in Membership Plugins
When evaluating membership plugins for your WordPress site, it’s important to focus on the features that will help you deliver the best experience for your members and streamline your workflow.
Look for plugins that support multiple membership levels, so you can create tiered access and pricing structures. Content restriction is essential, allowing you to control exactly who can view your premium content.
Seamless integration with payment gateways is a must for accepting payments and managing subscriptions. Advanced features like drip content, member directories, and discussion forums can enhance engagement and foster a sense of community.
If you plan to sell online courses or digital downloads, choose a membership plugin that includes course builders or supports digital product delivery.
Integration with email marketing platforms is also valuable for automating communication and marketing efforts. By prioritizing these key features, you’ll be well-equipped to create a successful and scalable membership website.
Choosing the Best WordPress Membership Plugin
With so many WordPress membership plugins available, finding the best fit for your site can feel overwhelming. Start by identifying your core needs: Do you require multiple membership levels, advanced features like content dripping, or integration with specific payment gateways?
Are you planning to offer digital downloads or sell online courses? Consider whether you need a simple membership plugin for basic access control or a more robust solution with advanced analytics and customization options.
Popular membership plugins like Paid Memberships Pro and Restrict Content Pro offer a wide range of features and are highly customizable, while others like MemberPress are known for their user-friendly interfaces and built-in course creation tools.
Ultimately, the best membership plugin for your WordPress site will be the one that aligns with your business goals, technical skills, and the experience you want to deliver to your members.
1. Ultimate Membership Pro WordPress plug-in
Ultimate Membership Pro is a plugin that you can integrate with your website along with WooCommerce. Its well-organized design and features let you leave an excellent impact on your prospects. The plugin helps you provide your audience with multiple levels of payments for the membership.
This ensures that your audience pays for what they require from your business. Further, the developers also offer regular discounts on the plugin to help you save on your expenses.
Reach out to your WordPress hosting experts to get this plugin integrated with your WordPress site.
Features:
- Successful integration of multiple payment gateway options like PayPal, Mollie, Authorize.net, etc.
- Restriction on WordPress pages and posts using detailed access rules until your audience makes the payment.
- Comprehensive membership features including content protection, subscription management, and integrations.
- Ability to manage subscriptions for members, including multiple tiers and recurring payments.
- Supports unlimited membership levels for scalable membership site growth.
- Sending email notifications
- Creating customized fields for registration
- Regular updates of multiple features
Pricing:
You can get this plugin for $29/ 6 months and extend it to one year by adding $9 to this price.
2. ARMember
You can restrict your users from paid content on your site using this WordPress plugin. It has a free version that offers limited features and limited add-ons for membership plans.
To unlock advanced functionalities like drip content, multiple payment options, and more, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. The dashboard is very well organized for you to view the current memberships, inquiries, plans, and expiring subscriptions.
You can use the demo section of this plugin to customize your registration, login, and membership setup forms.
Features:
- Integration of multiple payment gateways like PayPal
- Integration of active campaigns and affiliate pro-plug-in for generating revenue.
- Shortcode for hiding the desired content on your site
- Customized redirects to the membership offer and payment gateways
- Integration with third-party plugins like WooCommerce, Mailchimp, etc.
- Create and manage membership subscriptions with recurring payments.
- Support for multiple membership levels, allowing you to set up different access tiers for your members.
- Restrict access to custom post types for advanced content control beyond standard posts and pages.
Pricing:
The plugin is available for free if you choose the basic version, but if you need some extra extensions and features you will have to pay $29 for the premiere version.
3. MemberPress
MemberPress offers a full fledge membership suite for digital products, coupons, as well as drip content. It is especially popular for building and managing client sites, thanks to its ease of use and robust features. It helps you build affiliate programs with no extra charges.
They provide one-time solutions with further add-ons in the premier versions. Signing up for their newsletters will let you know about the upcoming discounts on the features.
You can avail of them from time to time to save more on the Membership plugins. Our WordPress Membership Plugin experts will notify you from time to time regarding the offers. You can choose any of the managed WordPress hosting services for better integration, customization, and savings.
MemberPress – Building WordPress membership sites
WordPress plugin that enables you to build a sustainable online business through paid membership programs.
Features:
- Integration with email marketing tools like Mailchimp, Aweber, etc.
- Easy content restriction for posts, creatives, videos, etc.
- Built-in course builder to create informative and valuable educational content.
- Integration of payment gateways including PayPal.
- Coupon generation, custom pricing, analytics, and content dripping.
- Flexible controls for managing memberships, including multiple membership levels and member access.
- Excellent customer support to help you manage your membership site effectively.
Pricing:
You can purchase a single site license for MemberPress at $129/year.
4. Teachable
Teachable is another WordPress plugin that offers you to drive income from your WordPress website. As an all-in-one platform, Teachable consolidates course creation, membership management, analytics, email marketing, and sales tools into a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
You can manage your memberships, content, payment, and much more using this plugin. If you using managed WordPress hosting, installing this plugin also becomes easier for you. Further, you will get regular updates about coupon discounts and special saving offers.
Teachable – Create and sell online courses. Also, read this comprehensive Thinkific review to compare other leading course platforms.
Teachable – Create and sell online courses
Teachable helps to customize eLearning courses and get leads on your website.
Features:
- Creation of stunning membership sites with a variety of content including text, audio, video, images, infographics, and much more.
- Easily create courses with features like content dripping, assessments, quizzes, and downloadable materials.
- Integration of learning tools like quizzes, and surveys for regular assessments.
- Features to build affiliate programs, marketing campaigns, offering discounts and coupons, etc. for sales and marketing.
- Simple and well-organized dashboard for managing the members availing of your plans.
- Sell courses directly to your audience with flexible pricing and paywall options.
- Integration of international payment gateways accepting multiple currencies.
- Includes all the features needed for a comprehensive membership and course site, such as content protection, subscription management, analytics, integrations, and monetization options.
Pricing:
Teachable costs around $29/month with all the exciting features.
5. LearnDash
This WordPress membership software is exclusively for creating and monetizing your courses. You can create valuable courses for your users and restrict selected content using advanced content access controls for different membership tiers.
This allows you to manage what users can see, offer drip content, and provide excerpt previews to encourage engagement. LearnDash supports unlimited members, making it a scalable solution for course creators.
Managed WordPress hosting experts offer this plugin and also help you curate exciting courses on your WordPress website that can drive revenue.
Features:
- Creation of various types of courses like video training, professional and educational skills development, higher education training, etc.
- Interactive templates for launching and selling the courses
- Well-organized dashboard for you as well as the audience to track the progress of the course
- Feature for distribution of certificates and rewards for students’ accomplishments
- Multi-tier course creation with the clear bifurcation of topics and integration of assessments like quizzes and assignments
Pricing:
The pricing plans for this plugin start from $159 per annum and the amount raises depending on the additional features and number of sites.
6. Paid Membership Pro
Paid Membership Pro is a leading membership plugin for WordPress that enables you to launch a variety of Membership websites to generate revenue online. Be it a course, content, or group membership, you can use this plugin to manage your plans.
If you are using hosting services by Kinsta, you will definitely find this plugin in the list of your WordPress add-ons. It has a free version that can be updated to premium for additional services. This plugin is highly recommended for creating simple membership sites.
Features:
- Integration of email marketing tools like Mailchimp
- Email marketing templates
- WooCommerce and AbbPress integration
- Multi-level membership pricing systems, including support for unlimited membership tiers for flexible site structure
- Insertion and customization of advertisements under the plugin
- Ability to create and manage membership subscriptions with recurring billing
Pricing:
The basic version is available for free. If you wish to avail yourself of premium features, you can go for the $249/ annum plan.
7. s2Member
S2 Member is a valuable WordPress Membership plugin that has no recurring payments. It offers precise content protection and integrates payment gateways, allowing you to sell access to premium content, courses, or digital products.
With s2Member, you can easily create and manage different membership levels, giving you full control over who can access specific content. Build your own membership site and customize it to fit your business needs.
Managed WordPress Hosting experts offer services for installing and customizing this plugin to make the maximum out of your Membership plans. Avail of the pro plan of this plugin to get optimum benefits.
Features:
- Open registration setups
- Giving out discounts and coupons to the audience
- Automated email marketing through the integration of email list
- Tailormade login and registration fields
- Security badge with the plugin to build trust among users
Pricing:
The plugin is free for the basic plan and if you wish to shift to pro, you need to make a one-time payment of $89.
8. BuddyBoss
BuddyBoss is known for exciting themes that can also integrate with your WordPress themes. Managed WordPress Hosting services also allow you to launch a completely new Membership site using the exclusive themes of this plugin.
Although they don’t have a free version, you can go to the demo section to get an idea about the output. You can launch customized online membership programs using this plugin, and enhance your online store by adding membership features.
Features:
- Improved flexibility with exciting themes
- Features for handling multi-level membership plans
- Linking the membership plans with the WooCommerce platform
- Integration of quizzes, assessments, and reports
- Integration with page builders like Gutenberg, Elementor, etc.
Pricing:
The plugin can be purchased for $228/ annum with yearly renewals.
9. WP-Members
WP-Members is the WordPress Membership plugin that most managed WordPress hosting recommends for cost-effective solutions. The plugin doesn’t have a premium version but you can upgrade the free version by adding extra features.
Restriction of the desirable content on your WordPress site becomes easier with this plugin, as it allows you to set detailed access rules to control which users can view specific content.
The management interface is quite basic with all the necessary features for tracking your membership plans and managing different membership levels if your site requires tiered access.
Features:
- Flexibility to enhance your site’s functionalities
- Customizable registration and login forms
- Integration of login module to multiple spaces on your website
- API integrations
- Automated generation of teasers for your blogs
- Ability to create and manage membership subscriptions for recurring revenue
- Support for access rules to restrict content based on membership level
Pricing:
The basic plan is available for free. If you wish to go for add-ons, it can range from $59 to $125 per year.
10. Ultimate Member
Another cost-effective solution recommended by most of the managed WordPress Hosting experts is the Ultimate Member plug-in. The basic version is available for free with extra charges only if you shift to the premium plugin.
The premium plugin consists of a variety of extensions such as Social media integration, User reviews, Mailchimp, etc.
Features:
- Variety of extensions for upgrading your plugin and Membership functionalities
- Comprehensive membership features including access control, content dripping, multiple membership levels, and integrations with payment gateways
- Ability to handle unlimited members, allowing your site to scale without restrictions
- Exceptional interfaces that engage your audience
- Features like drag and drop builder and Gutenberg integration
- Exciting WordPress themes
- Excellent customer support with 24*7 assistance
Pricing:
The basic version is free with some extensions. But if you wish to avail yourself of a bundle of extensions, go for the $249 per year plan.
11. Restrict User Access
Experts offer this free Restrict User Access membership plugin if you have a restricted budget for your membership site. You can restrict selective content on your site, integrate registration and login forms, and set up payment methods for generating revenue through the membership site.
The plugin allows you to create detailed access rules to control which members can view specific content, pages, or features. If you want to upgrade your features, the same developer also offers some paid plugins for your membership website.
Features:
- Unlimited access
- Setting up expiry dates for memberships
- Shortcodes for restricting desired contents
- API integration for customizable plans
- Integration with other plugins like Pods, BuddyBoss, etc.
- Advanced access rules for flexible content protection
- Restrict custom post types for advanced content management
- Support for multiple membership levels to manage tiered access
Pricing:
The plugin is absolutely free.
12. Simple Membership
Simple Membership is another free WordPress Membership plugin with exceptional features for your Membership site. It supports multiple languages enabling you to spread your business across many countries.
It integrates multiple payment methods to collect membership fees from the global audience. You can easily create and manage membership subscriptions for recurring payments, and sell access to premium content, courses, or members-only areas.
The plugin also supports unlimited members, allowing your site to grow without restrictions.
Features:
- Multiple add-ons that are essential for your membership site
- Multi-tier memberships with varying payments and membership subscriptions for recurring payments
- Selective content restriction to sell access to premium content
- Multi-language support
- Generating teasers for your content
- Supports unlimited members for scalable site growth
Pricing:
The plugin is absolutely free.
Creating a Membership Site with a Plugin
Building a membership site on WordPress is easier than ever with the right plugin. Begin by selecting a membership plugin that matches your needs and install it on your WordPress site.
Configure essential settings such as payment gateways, membership levels, and content restriction rules to control access to your premium content. Use the plugin’s tools, like a drag and drop builder or pre-designed templates, to create a professional-looking member dashboard and registration forms.
Once your content is ready, restrict access so only paying members can view it. Promote your new membership site through your website, email marketing, and social media to attract new members and start generating recurring revenue.
With just a few clicks, you can transform your WordPress site into a powerful membership platform, offering exclusive value and building a thriving online community.
Comparison Table of WordPress Membership Plugins
| Plugin Name | Pricing | Free Version | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Membership Pro | $29 for 6 months + $9 to extend | No | Multiple payment gateways, content protection, subscription management, unlimited membership levels | Flexible membership tiers |
| ARMember | Free basic; $29 for premium | Yes | Content restriction, multiple payment options, drip content, WooCommerce integration | Customizable membership plans |
| MemberPress | $129/year (single site license) | No | Built-in course builder, payment gateways, coupon generation, content dripping, multiple levels | Client sites, course creators |
| Teachable | $29/month | No | All-in-one platform, course creation, drip content, assessments, international payment gateways | Course creators and educators |
| LearnDash | Starting at $159/year | No | Multi-tier courses, drip content, quizzes, certificates, unlimited members | Educational courses |
| Paid Memberships Pro | Free basic; $249/year premium | Yes | Email marketing integration, multi-level pricing, ad customization, recurring billing | Simple to advanced membership sites |
| s2Member | Free basic; $89 one-time pro | Yes | Content protection, payment gateway integration, customizable login/registration fields | Cost-effective content protection |
| BuddyBoss | $228/year | No | Themes integration, unlimited levels, quizzes, assessments, page builder compatibility | Communities and online courses |
| WP-Members | Free basic; paid add-ons | Yes | Customizable login/registration, content restriction, API integration | Cost-effective membership solutions |
| Ultimate Member | Free basic; $249/year premium | Yes | Access control, content dripping, unlimited members, drag and drop builder | Scalable membership sites |
| Restrict User Access | Free | Yes | Unlimited access, expiry dates, API integration, advanced access rules | Budget-friendly content restriction |
| Simple Membership | Free | Yes | Multi-tier memberships, selective content restriction, multi-language support | Basic membership sites |
Conclusion
Generating revenue online is now easy with WordPress Membership plugins. Go through the above-mentioned list to get an idea about the variety of plugins available.
Some of these plugins provide an all in one solution for managing memberships, payments, and content, making it simple to run your site without extra tools. Choose any of them depending on your requirements to build a successful WordPress membership site.
