Introduction
Creating a membership site is one of the most effective ways to generate recurring revenue and build a devoted following. The correct WordPress membership plugin can help your website become a successful subscription platform for premium content, online courses, or exclusive products.
How do you choose the best membership plugin for WordPress? Keeping in mind all the available plugin options out there. Choosing the best WordPress membership plugin is as easy as comparing features, pricing, and expert tips to grow subscriptions and revenue. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top WordPress membership plugins, their pricing, and what makes each one worth considering.
MemberPress—A Complete WordPress Membership Plugin
Marketers and site owners regard MemberPress as the best WordPress membership plugin, offering an extensive range of features. It allows you to build subscription sites, sell courses, and restrict access to premium content.
- Key Features: Built-in course builder, advanced access rules, recurring payments, and coupon support.
- How It Helps: Makes it easier to start a WordPress membership site plugin, so you don’t have to use as many add-ons.
- Recent Improvements: Elementor Integration with PayPal Commerce Expansion.
- Trial & Pricing: Prices start at $179 per year, with no free plan available.
- Worth It? Yes. If you require a cost-effective but professional WordPress membership site plugin.
Restrict Content Pro—Lightweight but Powerful
If you need a WordPress plugin that is both flexible and beginner-friendly, Restrict Content Pro is a strong choice.
- Key Features: Various membership tiers, comprehensive report, discount code and Stripe-PayPal integration.
- How It Helps: Best suited to sites that have simple membership.
- Recent Improvements: New WooCommerce support add-ons and a better dashboard for reports.
- Trial & Pricing: Starting at $99/year. No free trial, 14-day refund.
- Worth It? Yes. If you need a professional WordPress membership site tool that won’t break the bank, this is it.
LearnDash – Best for Course Creators
The best WordPress membership plugin for online instructors is LearnDash. This tool is for e-learning sites.
- Key Features: Better course creation, drip content, quizzes, certificates, and game-like features.
- How It Helps: With subscriptions, it turns your WordPress blog into a professional e-learning site.
- Recent Improvements: Added native Zoom integration and new reporting features.
- Trial & Pricing: Starts at $199 per year. No free version.
- Worth It? Absolutely. It’s the best WordPress plugin for online learning platforms.
Paid Memberships Pro – Flexible and Open Source
Paid Memberships Pro is a WordPress membership plugin designed for growth. It is free, developer-friendly, and includes a large variety of add-ons.
- Key Features: Infinite levels of membership, personalized checkout, Mailchimp, WooCommerce, and BuddyPress integrations.
- How It Helps: Gives you the most freedom to run any size membership business.
- Recent Improvements: The enhanced checkout process and new recurring donation add-ons.
- Trial & Pricing: A free version is available. Paid plans start at $247 per year.
- Worth It? Yes, when you need scalability and can customize.
WooCommerce Memberships – Best for Online Stores
For individuals who operate an e-commerce site, WooCommerce Memberships is the top WordPress membership plugin.
- Key Features: Memberships tied to WooCommerce products, content dripping, and member discounts.
- How It Helps: Ideal for online subscription services, membership sites, and exclusive product stores.
- Recent Improvements: Better member management and a new way to connect with Woo Subscriptions.
- Trial & Pricing: Starts at $199 per year. No free version.
- Worth It? Yes, if your site already uses WooCommerce.
WP-Members – Best Free Option
For small websites, WP-Members is the most accessible WordPress membership plugin.
- Key Features: Content restriction, custom registration, and basic membership management.
- How It Helps: Allows you to set up a simple WordPress membership site plugin without incurring any costs.
- Recent Improvements: Better compatibility with modern WordPress editors.
- Trial & Pricing: Free with optional premium add-ons starting at $59.
- Worth It? Yes, for beginners who want a free choice.
How to Choose the Best WordPress Membership Plugin
When picking the best membership plugin for WordPress, consider:
- Budget: Plugins can range from free to expensive.
- Ease of Use: Some plugins are beginner-friendly, while others need coding.
- Features: Course creation, subscriptions, content dripping, or WooCommerce integration.
- Growth: Choose a plugin that grows with your site.
| Plugin | Best For | Free Trial / Version | Starting Price | Overall Value |
| MemberPress | All-in-one solution | ❌ No free version | $179/year | Best overall WordPress membership plugin. |
| Restrict Content Pro | Beginners, simple use | ❌ No trial, refund | $99/year | Budget-friendly and professional. |
| LearnDash | Course creators | ❌ No free version | $199/year | Best plugin for e-learning platforms. |
| Paid Memberships Pro | Scaling businesses | ✅ Free version | $247/year | Flexible, open-source, scalable. |
| WooCommerce Memberships | Online stores | ❌ No free version | $199/year | Best for WooCommerce-based websites. |
| WP-Members | Beginners, free use | ✅ Free version | $0 (addons $59) | Great no-cost option for small websites. |
Conclusion
A membership site turns your WordPress website into a steady income source. The right plugin enables you to sell courses, run communities, and generate recurring revenue.
MemberPress is the best all-rounder, LearnDash is the educator, and WooCommerce Memberships is suitable for online stores. Restrict Content Pro and Paid Memberships Pro are scalable and flexible solutions that offer a range of features. At the same time, WP-Members is a free option to get started.
The best WordPress membership software will keep members active, ensure your site runs smoothly, and help it grow. Start now to maximize your site.
FAQs on WordPress Membership Plugins
Q1. What is a WordPress membership plugin?
A WordPress membership plugin is a tool that lets you restrict content, manage members, and sell subscriptions on your website.
Q2. Which is the best membership plugin for WordPress in 2025?
The best membership plugin for WordPress depends on your needs. MemberPress is great for all-in-one features, LearnDash is ideal for courses, and WooCommerce Memberships works best for online stores.
Q3. Can I create a WordPress membership site for free?
Yes. Two membership plugins for WordPress that enable you to start for free are WP-Members and Paid Memberships Pro (free version). On the other hand, premium subscription apps for WordPress at a higher level have more functions.
Q4. Do I need coding skills to use a WordPress membership site plugin?
No. Drag-and-drop tools make most WordPress membership plugins easy to use. No coding required to set up subscriptions or restrict material.
Q5. How much does a WordPress membership plugin cost?
Prices are different. You can get free versions, but MemberPress and LearnDash cost $179 to $199 a year. What you buy depends on your budget and the features you want.
