Top WordPress Membership Plugins to Build a Powerful Member Site

You finally launch your WordPress site, you’ve got content ready, and maybe even a few paying readers waiting, but then you hit a wall. How do you control who sees what? How do you protect premium content, manage memberships, and actually get paid for your work? It’s not easy.

That’s where this blog helps. We’ve tested and explored the best WordPress membership plugins that actually do what they promise. Whether you’re building an online course or offering exclusive content. But before we move ahead let’s have a look on how experts at WordPress development companies choose the best plugin based on requirements. So, let’s get started!

How to Choose the Best WordPress Membership Plugin?

Picking the right membership plugin can feel overwhelming—there are so many options! But don’t worry, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Here’s how to find the perfect fit without wasting time or money.

1. Define Your Membership Site’s Purpose

Are you selling courses, running a paid community, or just gating premium content? Some plugins specialize in courses (like LifterLMS), while others handle recurring subscriptions better (like MemberPress). Know what you need before diving in.

2. Check Payment Gateway Support

If you’re charging members, make sure the plugin works with Stripe, PayPal, or other payment processors you prefer. Some free plugins lack this, forcing you to upgrade later.

3. Look for Easy Content Restriction

A good membership plugin should let you lock content easily—whether by posts, pages, or categories. Avoid clunky plugins that require extra steps just to hide a blog post.

4. Consider Scalability

Starting small? A free plugin might work. But if you plan to grow, check if the plugin can handle more members, tiers, and complex rules without slowing your site.

5. Review Integration Options

Need email marketing (Mailchimp), forums (bbPress), or eCommerce (WooCommerce)? Ensure your plugin plays well with other tools you’re using—saves headaches later.

6. Prioritize User Experience

Your members shouldn’t struggle with logins, payments, or accessing content. Test the front-end flow—if it feels confusing for you, it’ll be worse for users.

7. Don’t Ignore Support & Updates

A cheap plugin with no updates or support isn’t a bargain. Check reviews for reliability and customer service—especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

Most premium plugins offer demos or refund periods. Test a couple to see which feels intuitive for you. The “best” plugin isn’t about features—it’s about what works for your site.

Best WordPress Membership Plugins: Quick Look

Plugin	Best For	Pricing
MemberPress	All-in-one membership and LMS solution	Starts from $179.50/year
LearnDash	Course creators needing LMS features	Starts from $199/year
WooCommerce Memberships	WooCommerce-based membership sites	Starts from $199/year
Thrive Apprentice	Course creators wanting drip content and quizzes	Starts from $299/year
Restrict Content Pro	Simple content restriction with add-ons	Free version available; paid plans start from $99/year
MemberMouse	Advanced membership and subscription management	Starts from $149.50/year
WishList Member	Flexible membership management	Starts from $149.50/year
Teachable	Course creators who need an all-in-one platform	Free version available; paid plans start from $39/month
SureMembers	Lightweight content restriction	Starts from $69/year
aMember Pro	Comprehensive membership and subscription management	Starts from $149 (one-time fee)
Paid Memberships Pro	Flexible membership levels and integrations	Free version available; paid plans start from $174/year
S2Member	Content protection with extensive features	Free version available; paid plans start from $89/year
WP-Members	Basic content restriction	Free version available; paid plans start from $59/year
ARMember	Membership management with built-in payment gateways	Free version available; paid plans start from $69/year
Simple Membership	Basic membership functionality	Free version available; paid plans start from $49/year

The Best WordPress Membership Plugins

There are various WordPress membership plugins for you can use for starting a subscription plan on your site. Here are the top plugins you can use:

1. MemberPress

MemberPress is one of the most trusted WordPress membership plugins out there. It’s built for people who want to create a solid membership site without spending weeks figuring it all out. Whether you’re selling online courses, setting up a private community, or offering paid content, MemberPress gives you the tools to do it right from the start.

What really stands out about MemberPress is how beginner-friendly it is. You don’t need to touch code. The setup is clean, the options make sense, and it integrates with the tools most of us are already using—like Stripe, PayPal, and email marketing platforms. It’s like having a full membership business in a box.

Key Features of MemberPress

• Easy access rules: Lock content by post, page, category, tag, or even custom post type.
• Course builder: Built-in LMS features to create and manage online courses.
• Drip content: Schedule when members can access specific content.
• Powerful integrations: Works with tools like ConvertKit, Mailchimp, Zapier, and more.
• Flexible pricing pages: Create beautiful pricing plans without touching design code.
• Built-in reports: Track subscriptions, revenue, and member activity in a simple dashboard.
• Coupon management: Run promotions and discounts without plugins.
• Paywall support: Offer limited content before requiring a subscription.

Pros of Using MemberPress

• Super easy to set up, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
• The built-in course builder saves you from needing a separate LMS.
• Reliable support and detailed documentation.
• Works well with most popular themes and plugins.
• Great flexibility when it comes to content restrictions and pricing.

Cons of Using MemberPress

• No free version, so there’s a cost from the start.
• The design customization options are a bit limited unless you’re comfortable with CSS.
• Some advanced integrations might require higher-tier plans.

Best for: Creators who want a reliable, all-in-one solution for memberships or courses. It’s perfect if you want powerful features without the overwhelm.

2. LearnDash

LearnDash is one of the most powerful WordPress plugins for creating and selling online courses. It’s trusted by universities, entrepreneurs, and big brands—and for good reason. If your goal is to turn your WordPress site into a learning platform, LearnDash has everything you need.

What makes LearnDash stand out is its flexibility. You can design structured courses, offer quizzes, drip content, and even create certificates for learners. It feels professional but doesn’t overwhelm you with a complicated setup. And once you get the hang of it, it really does feel like you’re running your own online academy.

Key Features of LearnDash

• Drag-and-drop course builder: Easily build lessons, topics, and quizzes in a visual interface.
• Drip-feed content: Release course material on a schedule to keep learners engaged.
• Advanced quiz system: Include multiple question types, timers, and scoring rules.
• Certificates and badges: Reward learners with branded certificates or achievement badges.
• Dynamic forums: Create discussion boards for each course to build community.
• Flexible monetization: Sell courses one-time, as subscriptions, or through memberships.
• Focus mode: A distraction-free learning experience that keeps students on track.

Pros of Using LearnDash

• Gives you full control over your course structure and design.
• Clean, distraction-free learning environment for students.
• Great for both solo creators and large teams or institutions.
• Integrates smoothly with popular plugins and marketing tools.
• Detailed reports to track learner progress and performance.

Cons of Using LearnDash

• Can feel overwhelming at first, especially with all the features.
• The visual design may require a bit of tweaking to match your site’s branding.
• No free version, so you need to invest upfront.

Best for: Course creators who want a robust, professional-grade learning platform with tons of customization options.

3. WooCommerce Memberships

WooCommerce Memberships is a powerful extension built specifically for WooCommerce stores. If you’re already using WooCommerce and want to add membership features, this plugin fits right in. It doesn’t try to be a course builder or an all-in-one LMS—it focuses on giving store owners control over who sees what and when.

What makes this plugin a solid choice is how seamlessly it connects with your existing WooCommerce setup. You can restrict content, give special perks to members, and sell memberships as standalone products or tied to purchases. It’s flexible, yet not overwhelming. Everything feels native to WooCommerce, which is a big win if you’re familiar with that environment.

Key Features of WooCommerce Memberships

• Restrict content site-wide: Lock posts, pages, and products based on membership levels.
• Sell or assign memberships: Offer memberships as products or grant them after a purchase.
• Drip content: Schedule content release to keep members engaged over time.
• Member perks: Offer exclusive discounts, free shipping, or early access to products.
• Import/export memberships: Manage member data with ease.
• Integrates with WooCommerce Subscriptions: Add recurring payments for ongoing access.
• Member area: Give users a clean dashboard to manage their account and access content.
• Flexible access rules: Control visibility based on product, category, tag, or custom criteria.

Pros of Using WooCommerce Memberships

• Perfect for those already running a WooCommerce store.
• Simple to create product-based or purchase-triggered memberships.
• Clean integration—feels like a native WooCommerce feature.
• Great for offering member-only products or perks.
• Can be expanded with other WooCommerce extensions.

Cons of Using WooCommerce Memberships

• Not ideal if you’re not using WooCommerce—it really depends on it.
• You’ll likely need WooCommerce Subscriptions for recurring billing, which adds cost.
• The learning curve can be steep for beginners new to WooCommerce.

Best for: Ecommerce store owners who want to build a membership program directly into their existing WooCommerce setup.

4. Thrive Apprentice

Thrive Apprentice is a course-building and membership plugin built for people who want full control over their content. It’s part of the Thrive Suite, which means it works best if you’re already using other Thrive products—but it can also be used on its own. What stands out the most is how easy it makes creating beautiful, structured online courses.

It’s not just for big learning platforms. Even if you’re a solo creator or small business, Thrive Apprentice helps you build professional-looking courses without the tech overwhelm. You can protect content, sell access, and manage learners—all from your WordPress dashboard.

Key Features of Thrive Apprentice

• Drag-and-drop course builder: Create structured courses without touching code.
• Flexible content protection: Restrict any post, page, or lesson by access level.
• Drip scheduling: Release lessons over time to boost engagement.
• Easily sell access: Native integration with ThriveCart and WooCommerce.
• Login and member dashboards: Customizable and user-friendly for learners.
• Visual editor support: Fully integrates with Thrive Architect for design freedom.
• Built-in reporting: Track course progress and user activity.
• Course completion certificates: Add a nice finishing touch for learners.

Pros of Using Thrive Apprentice

• Extremely easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
• Clean and beautiful course layouts right out of the box.
• Works seamlessly with other Thrive Suite tools.
• Great for solo creators who want control without hiring a developer.
• Offers lifetime access options without needing monthly fees.

Cons of Using Thrive Apprentice

• Best experience requires Thrive Suite subscription, which adds cost.
• Not as advanced in gamification or quizzes compared to full LMS plugins.
• Limited without other Thrive tools like Thrive Architect or ThriveCart.

Best for: Course creators and solopreneurs who want to build, protect, and sell online courses with ease—without dealing with bloated or complex LMS tools.

5. Restrict Content Pro

Restrict Content Pro is a lightweight yet powerful membership plugin that makes it easy to control who can access your content. It’s designed to give you full control without the extra bloat. Whether you’re offering free memberships, one-time payments, or recurring subscriptions, it handles it all in a clean and intuitive way.

You won’t need to wrestle with confusing settings. The interface is smooth, and setting up membership levels or restricting pages takes just a few clicks. It’s ideal if you want a solid membership setup without all the extras you might never use.

Key Features of Restrict Content Pro

• Unlimited membership levels: Create free or paid levels as needed.
• Built-in payment integrations: Works with Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net, and more.
• Content restriction rules: Restrict posts, pages, or custom content types.
• Member management dashboard: Easily view and manage your members.
• Discount codes: Offer coupons and track usage.
• Detailed reports: Keep track of earnings, signups, and churn.
• Drip content and trial access: Release content slowly or offer trial periods.
• Export data: Download member or payment data anytime.

Pros of Using Restrict Content Pro

• Clean and user-friendly interface, great for beginners.
• Lightweight and doesn’t slow down your site.
• Offers just the right balance of features without overwhelming you.
• Built by a team with a good track record (same folks behind Easy Digital Downloads).
• Supports multiple payment gateways out of the box.

Cons of Using Restrict Content Pro

• Doesn’t include advanced course-building features.
• Limited design options unless you use it alongside a page builder.
• Some features (like group accounts or content dripping) are only in higher-tier plans.

Best for: Creators and small businesses who want a simple, reliable way to restrict content and manage memberships—without needing a full LMS or bloated plugin.

6. MemberMouse

MemberMouse is a robust WordPress membership plugin built with serious businesses in mind. It’s designed to help you sell memberships, digital products, and subscriptions without needing to be a tech expert. Once set up, it takes care of the heavy lifting—automating access, handling payments, and delivering content.

What stands out about MemberMouse is its smart automation and built-in tools like 1-click upsells, split testing, and advanced analytics. It feels more like a business solution than just another plugin, which makes it appealing for site owners who want to grow and scale.

Key Features of MemberMouse

• Smart content protection: Restrict content by membership level, bundle, or drip schedule.
• Flexible checkout options: Support for one-time payments, subscriptions, and trials.
• 1-click upsells and downsells: Increase revenue easily during checkout.
• Member management tools: Detailed user profiles and access logs.
• Advanced reporting dashboard: See revenue, churn rate, lifetime value, and more.
• Affiliate tracking: Built-in support for referral marketing.
• Automated emails and notifications: Keep members in the loop.
• Abandoned cart recovery: Helps you capture lost sales automatically.

Pros of Using MemberMouse

• Strong focus on automation and conversion optimization.
• Includes advanced business tools out of the box (without needing add-ons).
• Scales well as your membership base grows.
• Great reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions.
• Built-in affiliate and upsell systems are a big plus.

Cons of Using MemberMouse

• Not a free plugin—pricing is subscription-based, starting at a higher tier than others.
• Slightly steeper learning curve due to its depth.
• Doesn’t use native WordPress users (uses its own system), which may affect integrations.

Best for: Online businesses and entrepreneurs who want a powerful, all-in-one membership system with advanced features and built-in tools for maximizing revenue.

7. WishList Member

WishList Member is a well-established and reliable WordPress membership plugin that’s been around for years. It’s built for creators, coaches, and businesses who want to turn their WordPress site into a fully functioning membership platform—without coding headaches.

What’s great about WishList Member is its flexibility. You can build anything from simple gated content to complex multi-level membership systems. It’s also known for playing nicely with a wide range of third-party tools like email marketing platforms, payment gateways, and learning management systems.

Key Features of WishList Member

• Unlimited membership levels: Create as many levels and types of access as you need.
• Content dripping and scheduling: Release content over time to keep members engaged.
• Easy integrations: Works with Stripe, PayPal, ConvertKit, Zapier, and more.
• Flexible access control: Restrict posts, pages, files, or even categories.
• Member management dashboard: Easily view and manage users and their status.
• Login redirection and custom welcome pages: Personalize member experience.
• Partial content display: Tease content with “sneak peeks” to non-members.
• Bulk actions: Efficiently manage large numbers of users at once.

Pros of Using WishList Member

• Clean and user-friendly interface.
• Excellent integration support with both payment and marketing tools.
• Great for both beginners and advanced users.
• Frequent updates and strong community support.
• One-time and recurring payments supported.

Cons of Using WishList Member

• The interface, while functional, can feel a bit dated in places.
• Initial setup might require a bit of guidance for total beginners.
• No built-in affiliate system—you’ll need third-party plugins.

Best for: Content creators, course makers, and business owners who want a solid, flexible, and integration-friendly membership plugin that can grow with them.

8. Teachable

Teachable is an all-in-one platform designed for anyone who wants to share knowledge and make money doing it. Whether you’re a coach, course creator, or business owner, Teachable helps you turn your skills into an online course or coaching product without needing to worry about tech.

It handles everything—from building your sales page to processing payments and managing students. You don’t need to install plugins or set up hosting. It’s all cloud-based, which means you can focus more on creating content and less on troubleshooting your site.

Key Features of Teachable

• Drag-and-drop course builder: Easily organize videos, quizzes, and downloads.
• Built-in payment processing: Accept payments via credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more.
• Student management: Track progress, issue certificates, and engage with learners.
• Customizable sales pages: No coding required to create pages that convert.
• Coaching product support: Not just courses—Teachable also supports 1:1 or group coaching.
• Mobile-optimized: Your course looks great on any device.
• Analytics and reporting: See exactly how your courses and sales are performing.
• Email marketing tools: Keep students engaged with built-in email features.

Pros of Using Teachable

• Extremely beginner-friendly and quick to set up.
• Handles hosting, updates, and security for you.
• Clean and modern student experience.
• Great for selling both courses and coaching.
• Trusted by thousands of creators worldwide.

Cons of Using Teachable

• Limited design flexibility if you want something fully custom.
• Transaction fees on lower-tier plans.
• Not as deeply integrated with WordPress if you already have a WP site.
• Advanced features are locked behind higher plans.

Best for: Course creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs who want a no-fuss, professional-looking platform to host and sell digital products—without dealing with WordPress or plugins.

9. SureMembers

SureMembers is a simple yet powerful WordPress plugin designed to help you create and manage membership sites. Whether you’re looking to offer content behind paywalls, set up subscription-based access, or restrict content to members only, SureMembers has you covered.

It integrates seamlessly with WordPress, making it easy to control who sees your content. You can customize membership levels, set pricing, and manage your members with ease. This plugin is a great choice for those who want a no-fuss solution for building and managing a membership site.

Key Features of SureMembers

• Easy membership level management: Create and customize unlimited membership levels.
• Content restriction: Lock content based on membership levels and control access.
• Subscription options: Offer one-time payments, recurring payments, or free memberships.
• User-friendly interface: Setup and management are simple, even for beginners.
• Email notifications: Keep members updated with automated emails for sign-ups, renewals, and cancellations.
• Integrates with popular payment gateways: PayPal, Stripe, and others for easy transactions.
• Member management dashboard: Track member activity, renewals, and payments in one place.

Pros of Using SureMembers

• Straightforward setup that doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge.
• Excellent value for the price, especially for small to medium-sized sites.
• Works well for a variety of membership types (subscriptions, one-time access, etc.).
• Flexible content restriction options to keep your content private.
• Good customer support that responds quickly to queries.

Cons of Using SureMembers

• Lacks some advanced features that other membership plugins offer (like gamification or advanced integrations).
• Limited customization options for the membership site design.
• The user interface could use a more modern touch.
• Some integrations may require additional setup or third-party plugins.

Best for: Small to medium-sized membership sites looking for a simple, easy-to-use solution. Great for creators, coaches, and businesses that want to monetize content with minimal setup.

10. aMember Pro

aMember Pro is a robust membership management plugin for WordPress that allows you to create and manage membership sites with ease. With this tool, you can sell digital products, subscriptions, and access to exclusive content while managing your members efficiently. It supports multiple payment gateways, integrates well with email marketing tools, and even lets you protect and organize your content based on membership levels.

Designed for flexibility, aMember Pro is ideal for business owners, content creators, and educators who want to monetize their content and engage their audience. The plugin offers a straightforward user interface, making it accessible for users with limited technical skills.

Key Features of aMember Pro

• Multiple membership levels: Set up different membership levels with unique access and pricing.
• Payment gateway integration: Supports PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and more.
• Digital product sales: Sell eBooks, software, courses, and other digital content.
• Content protection: Restrict access to content based on membership levels.
• Affiliate program integration: Set up and manage affiliate programs for additional revenue.
• Customizable member dashboard: Personalize the member area to enhance the user experience.
• Automated email notifications: Send automatic welcome emails, renewal reminders, and more.
• Reports and analytics: Track membership growth, revenue, and member activity with built-in reports.

Pros of Using aMember Pro

• Highly flexible, with various payment and content restriction options.
• Great for managing large membership sites and digital product sales.
• Easy to set up and integrates with many third-party services.
• Customizable member dashboard and email notifications enhance user experience.
• Offers built-in affiliate marketing tools for added revenue streams.

Cons of Using aMember Pro

• The setup process can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.
• Some advanced features may require additional configuration and technical knowledge.
• The interface feels a bit outdated compared to other modern plugins.
• Customer support response time can be slow at times.

Best for: aMember Pro is perfect for businesses, content creators, and educators who need a flexible solution for managing memberships. It’s ideal for users who want to scale their membership sites and monetize their content effectively.

11. Paid Memberships Pro

Paid Memberships Pro is a powerful WordPress plugin that helps you build and manage membership sites with ease. Whether you’re running a small online course or a large-scale membership program, this plugin has all the tools you need. It lets you create multiple membership levels, protect content, and accept payments through various gateways. Plus, it offers built-in features for managing members and tracking subscriptions.

This plugin is highly customizable, giving you full control over the way you charge, manage, and deliver content to your members. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced users, offering a straightforward setup and plenty of room to grow as your membership site expands.

Key Features of Paid Memberships Pro

• Multiple Membership Levels: Create unlimited membership levels, each with different pricing and access rules.
• Payment Gateway Integrations: Supports PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and other popular gateways.
• Content Protection: Restrict access to content based on membership level or specific rules.
• Advanced Reporting: Access detailed reports on members, revenue, and subscription status.
• Customizable Checkout: Customize the checkout process to match your site’s design and branding.
• Email Notifications: Send automatic emails for new memberships, renewals, and cancellations.
• Integrations: Works well with tools like WooCommerce, Zapier, and email marketing services.
• Unlimited Members: No restrictions on the number of members you can have.

Pros of Using Paid Memberships Pro

• Highly flexible and customizable to suit various types of membership sites.
• Easy to set up and user-friendly interface.
• Affordable compared to some other premium membership plugins.
• Includes built-in reporting tools to monitor membership growth and revenue.
• Extensive documentation and a large community of users for support.

Cons of Using Paid Memberships Pro

• Some advanced features are locked behind the paid versions, which can be pricey.
• The default design is basic, so customization may require extra time or a developer.
• Some users may find the configuration process a bit overwhelming at first.

Best for: Paid Memberships Pro is best for small to medium-sized businesses, bloggers, and content creators who want a flexible and cost-effective membership solution. It’s great for those looking to build a membership site with a range of membership tiers and content protection options.

12. S2Member

S2Member is a popular WordPress membership plugin that helps you create and manage membership sites. Whether you’re selling access to premium content, running a course, or building a community, S2Member has you covered. It offers both free and pro versions, so you can start with basic features and then upgrade as needed.

It’s a great tool for anyone looking to monetize content without complicating the process. Its straightforward setup makes it easy for beginners, while its advanced features cater to more experienced users. Overall, S2Member is a reliable choice for building a membership site.

Key Features of S2Member

• Content Protection: Restrict access to specific posts, pages, or categories based on membership level.
• Payment Gateway Integrations: Supports PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net for seamless payment collection.
• Customizable Membership Levels: Create unlimited membership levels with different access permissions.
• Advanced Shortcodes: Use shortcodes to control content display and access rules.
• File Download Protection: Secure downloadable files, so only paying members can access them.
• Email Notifications: Send automated email notifications for renewals, cancellations, and new memberships.
• Integrations with Popular Tools: Works with email marketing tools, affiliate plugins, and more.
• Pro Version for Enhanced Features: The Pro version unlocks even more advanced functionality, including custom registration fields and multiple payment gateways.

Pros of Using S2Member

• The free version is packed with useful features for basic membership sites.
• Affordable, especially when compared to other premium membership plugins.
• Highly customizable, with lots of settings to fine-tune how memberships and content are managed.
• Supports a wide range of payment gateways.
• The Pro version offers even more flexibility and powerful features.

Cons of Using S2Member

• The user interface isn’t the most modern, which may feel a bit outdated to some.
• Requires a bit of technical knowledge for advanced configurations.
• Some users may find the Pro version expensive compared to other options.
• Limited support for integrations with third-party tools unless you’re on the Pro plan.

Best for: S2Member is ideal for those who need a flexible, customizable membership plugin without the hefty price tag. It’s best for users who have some technical know-how or are willing to invest time in learning the system.

13. WP-Members

WP-Members is a simple yet powerful membership plugin designed to work seamlessly with WordPress. If you want to restrict content and control who sees what without dealing with overly complex settings, this plugin makes it easy. It’s a great option for bloggers, coaches, or businesses that want to offer members-only content directly on their existing site.

What’s great is that WP-Members is built to be user-friendly from the get-go. It doesn’t require you to completely redesign your site or use a different theme. Everything integrates smoothly. You can restrict posts, pages, or even entire categories, and then choose who gets access.

Key Features of WP-Members

• Content Restriction: Easily hide posts, pages, or custom content types from non-registered users.
• Built-In Registration/Login: Add login and registration forms directly into your content or sidebars.
• Custom Registration Fields: Collect more than just names and emails with flexible custom field options.
• Moderation Tools: Approve new user registrations manually if needed.
• Email Notifications: Send custom emails to users when they register or update their info.
• Shortcodes & Widgets: Display login, registration, and profile forms anywhere on your site.
• Hooks and Filters for Developers: Great for those who want to tweak or expand the plugin’s functionality.
• No Need for a Separate Theme: Works with your existing WordPress theme out of the box.

Pros of Using WP-Members

• Simple to set up and doesn’t mess with your current theme or layout.
• Good balance of features in the free version.
• Lightweight and fast: doesn’t slow down your site.
• Highly customizable if you know a bit of code.
• Actively maintained with solid support from the developer.

Cons of Using WP-Members

• The design of the forms is basic out of the box: may need some styling to match your site.
• Some advanced features require coding or purchasing premium extensions.
• Lacks built-in payment gateway support (needs third-party tools or add-ons for selling memberships).
• Not as visually polished as some premium plugins.

Best for: WP-Members is best for creators or small businesses who want to control access to content without building a full-blown membership site. It’s ideal for those comfortable with a bit of WordPress customization or who want a lightweight, no-frills membership tool that just works.

14. ARMember

ARMember is a full-featured WordPress membership plugin that gives you everything you need to manage memberships, restrict content, and accept payments—all in one clean, user-friendly package. Whether you’re building a subscription-based blog, selling digital content, or creating a members-only community, ARMember makes it simple.

What I really like is that it’s all drag-and-drop. You don’t have to be a developer to build custom registration forms or manage memberships. It also supports multiple membership tiers and recurring payments, which is great if you’re planning to grow over time. And if you’re looking for style? ARMember actually looks good right out of the box.

Key Features of ARMember

• Built-In Form Builder: Create sign-up, login, and forgot-password forms using an easy drag-and-drop editor.
• Content Restriction: Lock down posts, pages, custom post types, or specific sections within a page.
• Multiple Membership Levels: Create unlimited free or paid plans with flexible access control.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Supports PayPal, Stripe, and more for one-time or recurring payments.
• Member Management Dashboard: View, filter, and manage your users from a clean backend panel.
• Drip Content: Schedule content to be released gradually after signup.
• Email Notifications: Customize emails for registrations, expirations, payment success/failure, etc.
• Built-In Security: Comes with anti-spam, captcha, and brute-force protection.
• Built-In Analytics: Track membership activity and plan performance right from your dashboard.

Pros of Using ARMember

• No need for third-party form plugins—everything’s built-in.
• Clean user interface that feels modern and smooth.
• Offers both free and paid options, so you can test the waters before committing.
• Includes many advanced features in the core version that others charge extra for.
• Good documentation and video tutorials for getting started.

Cons of Using ARMember

• The number of options can feel overwhelming at first.
• Some users may find the design customization a bit limited without CSS tweaks.
• The free version is solid but lacks drip content and payment gateways.
• Support response times can vary, especially on the free plan.

Best for: ARMember is best for creators, coaches, educators, and online businesses looking for an all-in-one, affordable membership solution. If you want a plugin that looks good, works out of the box, and grows with your business, it’s a solid pick.

15. Simple Membership

Simple Membership is exactly what the name suggests—a lightweight, easy-to-use WordPress plugin that helps you protect content and manage memberships without any bloat. If you’re new to membership sites or just want something that works without a steep learning curve, this is a solid option to start with.

It’s free, actively maintained, and surprisingly flexible for what it offers. You can create free and paid memberships, restrict content to logged-in users, and even integrate payment gateways like PayPal with minimal setup. No complicated configurations. Just install, set it up, and you’re good to go.

Key Features of Simple Membership

• Unlimited Membership Levels: Create as many tiers as you want, whether free or paid.
• Content Protection: Easily restrict posts, pages, or parts of your content to members only.
• PayPal Integration: Accept one-time payments with PayPal built right in.
• Member Login Widget: Add a simple login form to your sidebar or any page.
• Shortcodes for Everything: Display forms, messages, and member-only content using shortcodes.
• Manual Account Approval Option: Approve members manually if you want more control.
• Email Notifications: Send automated emails on signup, payment, or password reset.
• Translation Ready: Works well for multilingual sites with built-in translation support.

Pros of Using Simple Membership

• Truly beginner-friendly—perfect for non-tech users.
• It’s free and open-source, with no hidden paywall.
• Lightweight and won’t slow down your site.
• Offers the essential tools you need without overcomplicating things.
• Quick setup with clear documentation and how-to guides.

Cons of Using Simple Membership

• Not ideal if you need advanced features like content dripping or multiple payment gateways.
• Limited design customization unless you know CSS.
• The interface is very basic—functional, but not flashy.
• You may need to install add-ons for extra features like Stripe or recurring billing.

Best for: Simple Membership is great for bloggers, educators, or small businesses who want a no-fuss way to lock content behind a login. If you’re starting out or building a lean, lightweight membership site, this plugin hits the sweet spot between simplicity and functionality.

FAQs on Best Membership Plugins for WordPress

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right membership plugin really comes down to how you want to manage access, content, and users on your site. Some tools are built for simplicity and speed, while others offer more advanced features like multiple payment gateways and custom user roles. It helps to think about what your audience needs, how you plan to scale, and how much control you want over the experience.

Ask, whether you go for something lightweight like Simple Membership or need more depth with something like MemberPress? The key is picking a solution that fits your workflow—not the other way around. Test what feels right. Look for flexibility, support, and how easy it is to grow with the plugin. That’s what makes the difference in the long run.

Want to take your membership site to the next level? Explore the best WordPress development agencies you can partner with to build a high-converting experience!