7 Best WordPress Membership Plugins for Community Building

Navigating the vast world of WordPress's best membership plugins can feel overwhelming, right? With countless options, each boasting its own set of features, how do you determine which one truly stands out?

Well, before diving into the nitty-gritty of the best plugins, it's essential to understand what criteria should guide your decision-making. In this blog, we'll initially unravel the key elements to seek in a top-tier WordPress membership plugin.

Following this, we'll journey through the seven standout membership plugins, meticulously exploring each one's claim to fame, its strengths and weaknesses, pivotal features, and its cost value.

With a consistent analysis approach for each plugin, by the end of this article, you'll possess a crystal-clear understanding of which plugins reign supreme and precisely why they deserve your consideration. Your perfect membership solution awaits.

What Should You Look for in a WordPress Membership Plugin?

Numerous membership plugins are available in the market, but not all encompass the specific features essential for comprehensive membership management. It is imperative to select plugins that are highly recommended based on their feature set.

For instance, some plugins offer a 'drip content' feature, which methodically releases new content over time, enhancing user engagement.

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Similarly, it's crucial to have a versatile range of payment gateways, including options like PayPal and credit card processing. However, not all membership plugins support such diverse payment methods.

In the following sections, we will methodically review seven membership plugins that are poised to cater to all your requirements, ensuring both usability and comprehensive feature availability.

1. MemberPress

MemberPress is a premium WordPress plugin designed to facilitate the creation and management of membership-based websites.

It allows users to generate, manage, and track memberships effortlessly while also offering seamless integration with various payment gateways.

Pros and Cons of MemberPress WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of Memberships MemberPress Plugin

These features together make MemberPress plugin features a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to create and manage a membership-based WordPress website effectively.

• Different Membership Levels:

MemberPress allows administrators to create unlimited membership levels with varied pricing, subscription periods, and user privileges. This flexibility helps in catering to different audience segments.

• Content Drips:

The content dripping feature enables the timed release of content. With this, you can schedule content to be accessible after certain durations, ensuring members don't consume all materials at once and stay engaged for longer.

• Different Billing Gateways:

Integration with multiple payment gateways ensures a seamless transaction experience. MemberPress supports popular gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net, allowing for varied payment options and catering to a global audience.

• Restrict Content Pages:

Access can be restricted to certain pages, posts, or custom post types. This ensures that only specific membership levels can access premium content, safeguarding your valuable resources.

• Course Creator:

MemberPress now comes with a built-in course builder, enabling site owners to create structured courses with lessons and topics. This is especially beneficial for e-learning platforms and sites aiming to educate their members.

Rating

Trustscore: 4.3Reviews: 256

Pricing

2. MemberMouse

Premium WordPress membership plugin MemberMouse offers robust features for subscription management, content protection, and payment integration.

It provides tools for drip content, upsells, downsells, and comprehensive analytics to monitor membership growth and activity.

With its rich features and ease of use, MemberMouse Plugin features can certainly be recommended as one of the best membership plugins for WordPress users looking to monetize their content and establish a loyal member base

Pros and Cons of MemberMouse WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of Paid MemberMouse

1. Sell Products:

Facilitates the sale of both physical and digital goods, integrating seamlessly with various payment gateways for smooth transactions.

1. Protect Content:

Robust content protection tools ensure that premium content is accessible only to eligible members, safeguarding valuable resources and promoting exclusivity.

1. Manage Members:

Comprehensive member management features allow for easy onboarding, profile updates, subscription modifications, and more.

1. Build Courses:

With MemberMouse, you can structure and release e-learning courses, ensuring that members get systematic access to lessons and modules.

1. Automation:

Streamline various membership tasks through automation, from welcome emails to subscription renewals, enhancing efficiency.

1. Reporting & Analytics:

Get detailed insights on membership growth, revenue streams, content engagement, and more with in-depth reporting tools, aiding in data-driven decision-making.

Rating

Score : 4.7

Review:  40

Pricing

Elite Membership

• Regular Price: $2,399.00
• Discounted Price: $1,199.50/year
• Savings: $1,199.50

Description: The premier solution tailored for astute business owners.

Features:

• All benefits from Pro tier
• Integration with Sticky.io

Pro Membership (Most Popular)

• Regular Price: $799.00
• Discounted Price: $399.50/year
• Savings: $399.50

Description: Comprehensive features to sculpt the quintessential membership platform.

Features:

• All benefits from Plus tier
• Authorize.Net Payments
• ClickBank Payments
• Manage billing dates
• Comprehensive analytics & reporting suite
• Advanced affiliate settings
• Employee access control
• UserVoice integration
• 3 Months Free Access to OptinMonster & OptinMonster University
• 90 Day Free Trial of TrustPulse

Plus Membership

• Regular Price: $599.00
• Discounted Price: $299.50/year
• Savings: $299.50

Description: Ideal for businesses aspiring to elevate their offerings.

Features:

• All benefits from Basic tier
• PayPal Payments
• Braintree Payments
• Social signup & login functionality
• Incorporate Quizzes & Certificates into courses

Basic Membership

• Regular Price: $399.00
• Discounted Price: $199.50/year
• Savings: $199.50

Description: A foundational toolkit for launching your membership site.

Features:

• Stripe Payments
• Courses for MemberMouse
• 7 email integrations, including ConvertKit, Drip & ActiveCampaign
• Zapier integration
• Simplified 1-click purchases and upsells
• Bulk content protection
• Drip content scheduling
• Coupons & Gifting mechanisms
• Gated content functionality
• Developer tools
• Standard reporting & analytics suite

3. WishList Member

WishList Member is a versatile WordPress membership plugin that facilitates the transformation of any WordPress site into a full-fledged membership platform.

It offers a suite of tools to protect content, manage members, and integrate seamlessly with various payment gateways and email providers.

Because of its ease of use, robust feature set, and adaptability, WishList Member features can certainly be counted among the best WordPress membership plugins for those wanting to offer premium content or services to a dedicated member base.

Pros and Cons of  WishList Member WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of WishList Member

WishList Member's feature set makes it a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to establish and manage a WordPress membership site effectively.

1. Administration Courses:

Efficient tools for structuring and managing e-learning content for members.

1. Member Management:

Comprehensive dashboard for monitoring, adding, or updating member details and subscriptions.

1. Maximum Customization:

Flexible settings allow users to tailor the membership experience and site appearance according to their preferences.

1. Total Content Control:

Robust content protection mechanisms to ensure premium content is available only to eligible members.

1. Easily Collect Payments:

Seamless integration with popular payment gateways for hassle-free transaction processing.

1. 50+ Integrations:

Wide range of integrations with email marketing platforms, CRMs, and other essential tools.

1. LMS & Page Builders:

Compatibility with popular Learning Management Systems and drag-and-drop page builders, enhancing content creation and delivery.

Rating

Trustscore: 3.8

Review: 2

Pricing

Advanced Membership

• Regular Price: $499
• Discounted Price: $249.50/year
• Savings: $249.50

Description: Tailored for scaling your expanding membership sites.

Features:

• All features from the Starter tier are included.
• Use on up to 10 sites.
• Priority Email Support.
• Get 3 months of free access to OptinMonster & OptinMonster University.
• 3 Months Free of TrustPulse.

Starter Membership

• Regular Price: $299
• Discounted Price: $149.50/year
• Savings: $149.50

Description: Equipped with the foundational tools needed to initiate your membership site.

Features:

• Use on a single site.
• Intuitive Setup Wizard.
• Unlimited Members.
• Unlimited Membership Levels.
• Unlimited Courses with CourseCure.
• Zero monthly fees.
• No transaction charges.
• Efficient Subscription Management.
• 20+ payment providers, inclusive of Stripe & PayPal.
• Over 20 CRM Integrations, including platforms like ActiveCampaign and Keap.
• 30+ supplementary integrations, including Zapier.
• Standard Email Support.

4. Paid Memberships Pro

Paid Memberships Pro is a widely used WordPress membership plugin designed to help website owners set up and manage premium content memberships.

Among its many features are customizable membership levels, payment gateway integration, and extensive reporting capabilities.

Recognized for its flexibility and seamless integration with the WordPress environment, Paid Memberships Pro stands out as one of the best plugins in its category. Its scalability and robust functionalities make it apt for both small businesses and large-scale membership sites.

Pros and Cons of Paid Memberships Pro WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of Paid Memberships Pro

Paid Memberships Pro's extensive feature set ensures that it meets a wide range of membership site needs, making it a robust choice for many WordPress users.

1. Content Restrictions:

Precise control over which content is accessible based on membership level.

1. Membership Management:

Comprehensive tools for handling member subscriptions, renewals, and expirations.

1. E-commerce, Payment Options, and Invoicing:

With a wide range of payment gateways, offering flexible billing options and detailed invoicing.

1. Admin Reports:

Insightful reports and analytics to monitor membership growth, revenue, and activity.

1. Administration Tools:

Intuitive backend tools for effortless site management, content control, and member handling.

1. Seamless Member Experience:

Provides members with a smooth, user-friendly interface, ensuring a pleasant user journey.

1. Popular Site Enhancement:

Features to improve site engagement, including content dripping, social logins, and more.

1. Integrate with Top Plugins:

Compatibility with many popular WordPress plugins, enhancing functionality and integration capabilities.

1. Developer Friendly:

Open architecture and a wealth of documentation for developers looking to customize and extend functionality.

Rating

Trustscore : 5

Review: 11

Pricing

Builder Membership Tier

• Price: $697/year
• Description: Ideally suited for agencies and developers overseeing multiple sites.
• Features:
• License for 5 Sites
• Inherits all features from the Plus tier
• Premium Customer Support
• Advanced Customization Recipes
• Automatic Software Updates
• Access to all Free, Standard, and Plus Add Ons

Most Popular: Plus Membership Tier

• Price: $397/year
• Description: Perfectly tailored for the construction of sophisticated membership sites.
• Features:
• License for 2 Sites
• Inherits all features from the Standard tier
• Premium Customer Support
• Advanced Customization Recipes
• Automatic Software Updates
• Access to all Free and Standard Add Ons
• Plus, 29 exclusive Plus Add Ons

Standard Membership Tier

• Price: $247/year
• Description: An excellent choice for newcomers and DIY membership site enthusiasts.
• Features:
• License for a Single Site
• Inherits all features from the Free tier
• Premium Customer Support
• Advanced Customization Recipes
• Automatic Software Updates
• Access to all Free Add Ons
• Plus, 20 exclusive Standard Add Ons

Free Membership Tier

• Price: $0 (Always Free)
• Description: Core functionalities supplemented with 33 complimentary add-ons.
• Features:
• Unlimited Restricted Content Access
• Infinite Membership Levels & Members
• Options for both Free or Paid Subscriptions
• Integrations: Stripe, PayPal Express, among others
• Plus, 34 Free Add Ons

5. Restrict Content Pro

Designed for creating and managing membership websites, Restrict Content Pro is a premium WordPress plugin. It allows site owners to restrict content access based on membership levels and provides tools for handling payments, member management, and more.

Its user-friendly interface, combined with robust features, such as built-in integrations, reporting tools, and customizable templates, makes it a top choice among many WordPress users.

Thus, its reliability and scalability contribute to its recognition as one of the best membership plugins in the WordPress ecosystem.

Pros and Cons of Restrict Content Pro WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of Restrict Content Pro

This format emphasizes the key features of the Restrict Content Pro plugin while offering concise explanations that appeal to potential users.

1. Powerful Content Restriction

Elevate your site's security with comprehensive restriction settings. Define access by membership level, user role, and more.

1. Unlimited Membership Levels

Scale without limits! Craft countless membership plans, tailoring access to specific site content seamlessly.

1. Easy Content Paywalls

Entice potential members with content sneak peeks and customizable call-to-action messages urging full access.

1. Member Access Controls

Full reign over content accessibility. Restrict pages, posts, archives, and even WordPress blocks based on membership details.

1. Easy Member Management

A clear dashboard for member insights: From the active enthusiasts to the expired users, see all at a glance.

1. Built-in Member Account Dashboard

Members enjoy a holistic dashboard experience, enabling them to manage their accounts effortlessly.

1. Customizable Member Emails

Craft the perfect email journey: welcoming newcomers, sending payment receipts, and timely account expiry reminders.

1. WooCommerce Integration

Sync seamlessly with WooCommerce. Determine product viewership and purchasing capabilities.

1. Popular Payment Integrations

Ensure frictionless transactions with Stripe, Braintree, 2Checkout, PayPal Standard, and Express integrations.

1. Discount Codes

Boost conversions with enticing discount codes. Offer flat rates or percentages to appeal to every prospective member.

1. Detailed Sales Reports

Get actionable insights from intuitive reports. Analyze monthly performance, year-to-date stats, and more.

1. Prorated Memberships

Empower members to switch subscription levels, ensuring they only cover the cost difference.

1. Data Export

A data-driven approach is made simple. Export detailed CSVs for members across subscription levels or specific payment records.

Rating

Trustscore: 4.5

Reviews: 64

Pricing

Free Tier

• Content Restriction: Safeguard your valuable content.
• Membership Levels: Categorize and manage member access.
• Member Dashboard: A centralized hub for member interactions.
• Stripe Payments*: Streamlined transactions for convenience.
• Basic Member Emails: Stay connected with your community.
• Invoices: Transparent billing and record-keeping.
• Plugin Updates: Always stay ahead with the latest features.

Pro Features

• Site Licenses:
• Single Site: Enhance one website with premium capabilities.
• Multi-Site: Expand up to 5 websites.
• Unlimited: Ultimate scalability for all your web platforms.
• Annual Subscription: Priced at $99/year.
• Features:
• All foundational content restriction and membership tools.
• Exclusive Pro-Only functionalities.
• 34 Pro Add-Ons: Unlock a monumental value of $2220!
• Continuous Plugin Updates: Keep your platform up-to-date.
• Private, Ticketed Support: Personalized assistance when you need it.
• License for one site: Protect and enhance a primary website.

6. Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member is a comprehensive WordPress membership plugin renowned for its ease of use and range of features. It allows website owners to create and maintain online communities with advanced user profiles, user registration, and login features.

Its extensibility via add-ons, combined with its versatility in allowing both free and premium membership setups, has made it a favorite among many WordPress website owners.

Thus, Its seamless integration and customizable nature ensure a tailored user experience, marking it as a top choice in the membership plugin category.

Pros and Cons of Ultimate Member WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of Ultimate Member Plugin

These features highlight the versatility and comprehensiveness of the Ultimate Member Plugin, designed to cater to a wide array of membership site requirements.

1. Registration: Enables streamlined and user-friendly sign-up processes with customizable forms tailored to your site's requirements.
2. Login: Offers secure and intuitive login options, enhancing user convenience and wordpress site security.
3. User Profiles: Allows the creation of dynamic and detailed user profiles, providing members with personalized spaces to showcase their information.
4. User Roles: Define specific roles and capabilities, ensuring users have appropriate permissions in line with their responsibilities or membership level.
5. Member Directories: Organize and display member listings effectively, making community navigation a breeze.
6. User Accounts: Empower users with individual account settings and preferences, giving them control over their information and privacy.
7. Access Controls: Implement advanced content restriction, determining who can see or interact with specific site sections based on roles or criteria.
8. Custom Fields: Flexibly add custom fields to profiles and forms, capturing specific information tailored to your community's needs.
9. Form Builder: Design and implement forms with a drag-and-drop builder, optimizing for both functionality and aesthetics.
10. Nav Menu Visibility: Control the visibility of navigation menu items based on user roles, enhancing user experience by presenting relevant options.

Rating

Over 200,000 websites have already chosen Ultimate Member to enhance their online platforms. This isn't just a number, t's a testament to the trust and confidence that website owners around the world place in our product.

By joining this vast community, you're not only gaining access to a powerful tool, but you're also becoming a part of a global network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts.

These are individuals and businesses that have experienced firsthand the transformative power of Ultimate Member in building and growing their online communities.

Pricing

Core Plugin

Price: Free

• Begin your journey at no cost.
• Benefits include:
• User profiles
• User registration & login
• Content restriction
• Member Directories

Extensions Pass

Price: $249/year

• Unlock 23 premium extensions for a holistic experience.
• Package offers:
• Access to all extensions
• License for unlimited sites
• 1-year of updates
• 1-year of email support
• Significant savings in value

Extensions + Theme Pass

Price: $299/year

• Elevate your site with comprehensive access to all extensions and the exclusive Ultimate Member Theme.
• This package includes:
• Access to all extensions
• License for unlimited sites
• 1-year of updates
• 1-year of email support
• Substantial monetary savings

7. LearnDash

More than just a membership plugin, LearnDash is a comprehensive Learning Management System. It's tailored for online course creators with features like advanced quizzing, drip-feed content, and detailed reporting.

Pros and Cons of LearnDash WordPress Membership Plugin

Key Features of LearnDash

• Course Builder: Intuitive drag-and-drop course creation tool that helps in structuring content.
• Advanced Quizzing: Offers various question types, quiz timers, and question banks. Also provides detailed reporting on quiz outcomes.
• Drip-Feed Content: Allows you to schedule and release content over time instead of all at once.
• Lesson Timers: Restrict how long users need to wait before they can access the next lesson.
• Flexible Prerequisites: Set course, lesson, and quiz-based prerequisites.
• Dynamic Forums: Offer course-specific forums where participants can interact with each other.
• Gradebook: Tracks user grades and course progress.
• Certificates & Badges: Award custom certificates and badges based on user performance.
• Course Points: Enable a points system to foster competition and encourage learning.
• Email Notifications: Automated email triggers based on user actions.
• Assignment Management: Allows for the upload and commenting on assignments, much like a traditional LMS.
• Group Management: Organize users into groups and allow for better course management.
• Detailed Reporting: In-depth reporting to get insights about user registration, course progress, and quiz performance.
• Multi-Tier Courses: Break courses into lessons, topics, quizzes, and categories.
• Integrations: Works well with popular tools and services like WooCommerce, Stripe, PayPal, BuddyPress, etc.
• Mobile Compatibility: Courses are accessible on various devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
• Retainable Content: Offers features like "Content Protection" to make certain parts of your course content accessible to members only.

Rating

Trustscore:4

Review: 43

Pricing

1. LEARNDASH PLUGIN

Elevate your WordPress experience by integrating the LearnDash plugin. Installation is seamless, empowering you to begin curating courses promptly.

• Pricing:
• 1 Site: $199/year
• 10 Sites: $199/year
• Unlimited: $199/year
• Package Benefits: Includes timely updates and dedicated support.

2. MEMBERDASH PLUGIN

(New Release) Introducing MemberDash: A premier and versatile membership plugin. Monetize your digital assets and foster a thriving online community.

• Pricing:
• 1 Site: $199/year
• 10 Sites: $199/year
• Unlimited: $199/year
• Package Benefits: Features updates and unwavering support.

3. LEARNDASH CLOUD

Embark swiftly with LearnDash Cloud. This package not only includes hosting but also offers a comprehensive, ready-to-launch website outfitted with exquisite templates and tools tailored for branding.

• Bonuses: ProPanel (worth $49) and our acclaimed analytics solution.
• Included:
• LearnDash LMS Plugin
• iThemes Security Pro
• Object Cache Pro
• Hosting
• Pricing Plans:
• Starter: $25/month (Billed as $299 annually)
• Offer: Ideal for novices aiming to craft courses and nurture their audience. Comprehensive updates and support are included.

4. ENHANCE YOUR COURSES WITH ADD-ONS:

• PROPANEL ADD-ON: $49/year
• Empower your platform with refined analytics. Track course enrollments, oversee assignments, and pinpoint learners in need of attention.
• GRADEBOOK ADD-ON: $49/year
• Amplify your assessment prowess with Gradebook. Design tailored report cards and institute weighted grading metrics.
• NOTES ADD-ON: $49/year
• Engage students by allowing them to annotate course content, fostering a dynamic dialogue with instructors.
• GROUPS PLUS ADD-ON: $49/year
• Refine your group management capabilities. Establish organizations, appoint team captains, inaugurate message boards, and more.

5. OPTIMIZE WITH BUNDLES:

• ULTIMATE COURSE CREATOR BUNDLE:
• Includes: LearnDash LMS, ProPanel, Groups Plus, Notes, Gradebook.
• Pricing:
• $299/year (Save $96)
• Value when items are purchased separately: $395/year.
• STUDENT SUCCESS BUNDLE:
• Includes: LearnDash LMS, Notes, Gradebook.
• Pricing:
• $249/year (Save $48)
• Value when items are purchased separately: $297/year.

Wrapping Up

The WordPress ecosystem offers a myriad of membership plugins, each with its own strengths.

The best membership plugin choice largely depends on individual needs, whether you're looking to set up a complex e-learning platform, a simple content-restricted blog, or a bustling online community.

The above plugins cater to a wide range of requirements, ensuring there's a solution for every prospective membership site owner.