Best Membership Plugins for WordPress

September 8, 2025
Best Membership Plugins for WordPress

Membership plugins allow you to create exclusive content, online courses, or subscription-based communities on WordPress. Whether you want to sell premium content, restrict access, or manage recurring payments, these plugins provide the tools to build a full-featured membership site. Here are the best membership plugins for WordPress.

1) MemberPress

Best all-in-one membership solution.

  • Easy setup with simple membership level creation.
  • Restrict content by posts, pages, categories, or tags.
  • Built-in payment gateway support (Stripe, PayPal, Authorize.net).
  • Course creation with built-in LMS features.
  • Paid only: Premium plugin with powerful integrations.

2) Restrict Content Pro

Lightweight yet powerful plugin for content restriction.

  • Create unlimited subscription levels.
  • Detailed reporting and member management tools.
  • Supports Stripe, PayPal, Braintree, and more.
  • Developer-friendly with add-ons for extra functionality.
  • Paid only: Focused on simplicity and flexibility.

3) Paid Memberships Pro

Best free membership plugin with premium add-ons.

  • Unlimited membership levels and flexible pricing models.
  • Supports recurring payments and discount codes.
  • Detailed member reports and analytics.
  • Free version: Core features included.
  • Pro version: Adds advanced integrations and premium support.

4) LearnDash

Best for membership sites focused on online courses.

  • Full-featured Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Sell memberships with recurring subscriptions.
  • Drip-feed lessons and quizzes for students.
  • Integrates with payment gateways and membership add-ons.
  • Paid only: Great for educators and training websites.

5) WooCommerce Memberships

Best for eCommerce stores using WooCommerce.

  • Restrict products, categories, and content for members only.
  • Integrates with WooCommerce Subscriptions for recurring payments.
  • Offer member discounts and perks.
  • Paid only: Perfect for combining eCommerce with memberships.

6) S2Member

Popular free option with advanced customization.

  • Supports PayPal integration out of the box.
  • Restrict content by post, category, or custom capabilities.
  • Pro version adds Stripe, Authorize.net, and ClickBank support.
  • Free version: Basic features for small sites.
  • Pro version: Advanced payment and integrations.

Comparison Table

Plugin Free Version Premium Features Best For
MemberPress LMS, payment integrations, advanced rules All-in-one solution
Restrict Content Pro Flexible restrictions, developer-friendly Lightweight sites
Paid Memberships Pro Advanced add-ons, integrations Free starter, scalable
LearnDash LMS tools, quizzes, drip content Course memberships
WooCommerce Memberships Product restrictions, member discounts eCommerce stores
S2Member More payment gateways, pro rules Free/basic sites

Summary

If you want an all-in-one premium solution, MemberPress is the top choice. For lightweight but flexible content restriction, Restrict Content Pro is excellent. If you prefer a free plugin, start with Paid Memberships Pro or S2Member. For course-based sites, LearnDash is the best option, while WooCommerce Memberships is ideal if you’re running an online store with memberships.

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Written by

satoshi

I’ve been building and customizing WordPress themes for over 10 years. In my free time, you’ll probably find me enjoying a good football match.