Membership sites are perfect for building a steady cash flow and creating a loyal community around your content. Imagine being able to release special recipes, secret ingredients, and behind-the-scenes peeks to your most dedicated fans.
And the easiest way to build a membership site? Use a WordPress membership plugin.
WordPress membership plugins make it easy to set up everything from payment methods to content restrictions.
In this guide, I'll break down:
- What WordPress membership plugins are
- How to find the right WordPress membership plugin
- The top 8 WordPress membership plugins for bloggers
So, are you ready to turn your blog into a VIP experience? Let's get to it.
What are WordPress membership plugins?
WordPress membership plugins let you easily create a special members-only area on your website.
They take care of everything from setting up payment gateways to managing member subscriptions. That way, you can focus on creating whatever content you want paying subscribers (and only them) to see! 👀
Offer exclusive courses, behind-the-scenes content, or even a private community forum. The options are limitless — all in exchange for a membership fee.
How to find the right WordPress membership plugin
Choosing the perfect WordPress membership plugin is a bit like trying to find the perfect avocado. 🥑
You want one that's ripe, but not too ripe. And definitely not bruised!
Here's the lowdown on what to look for:
- Features: Do you need different membership levels, drip content, or a community forum?
- Easy to use Look for a plugin that's user-friendly.
- Support: Make sure the plugin has excellent customer support, just in case.
- Integrations: Does it work with your email marketing platform and WordPress plugins?
- Pricing: Think about your budget and the features you need.
Asking these questions is exactly how I came up with this list of the best WordPress membership plugins.
Now, onto the top picks!
8 Best WordPress membership plugins
1. MemberPress
MemberPress is the best WordPress membership plugin for bloggers who are serious about turning their content into profit.
Offering exclusive recipes, online courses, or a private community for your biggest fans? MemberPress you create and manage a successful membership site.
👍🏻 MemberPress perks
- Easy to set up
- Create coupons, different paid membership levels, and more
- Easily restrict access to specific posts or pages
- Works with your favorite tools, like email marketing platforms and payment methods
⛔️ What to reconsider
- With so many features, there can be a bit of a learning curve
- No free version
How much is MemberPress?
MemberPress recommends the Basic plan for bloggers. It starts at $179.50 per year.
Why bloggers love MemberPress
It's perfect for building a membership community and generating recurring revenue. If you're a food blogger, you can use it to start a recipe membership site!
2. Formidable Forms
Formidable Forms is one of the most popular plugins for WordPress. It's primarily a WordPress form builder. But it's about way more than just login forms!
It's also a useful tool for creating membership sites. Formidable Forms lets you easily restrict content based on membership levels.
👍🏻 Formidable Forms perks
- Drag and drop builder for forms and membership pages
- Lock specific posts, pages, or even entire courses behind a membership wall
- Accept payments for memberships with PayPal and Stripe
- Works with WooCommerce for selling digital products
⛔️ What to reconsider
- Not a dedicated membership plugin
- You need the Business plan to create gated content
How much is Formidable Forms?
Formidable Forms has a free and premium plugin. You can grab the Business plan for $199.50 for the first year.
Why bloggers love Formidable Forms
It's the perfect starter kit for building a simple membership site with all the essentials.
3. MemberMouse
MemberMouse is another one of the top WordPress membership plugins made to help you create a membership site in WordPress.
It has lots of advanced features like smart marketing automation, A/B testing, and in-depth analytics.
👍🏻 MemberMouse perks
- Easily create targeted email campaigns, upsells, and downsells
- Test different versions of your membership pages, sales funnels, and offers
- In-depth stats into your membership site's performance
- Create a secure, private space for your members to get exclusive content
⛔️ What to reconsider
- MemberMouse has a lot of powerful features, which can take some time to master
- No free option
How much is MemberMouse?
MemberMouse starts at $199.50 per year.
Why bloggers love MemberMouse
It has tons of tools to help you bring in new members, keep them engaged, and turn your WordPress site into a fun side hustle.
4. Restrict Content
Restrict Content and Restrict Content Pro are straightforward WordPress membership plugins that focus on one thing: controlling access to your content.
👍🏻 Restrict Content Pro perks
- Content protection for posts and pages
- Create unlimited membership levels
- Connect with popular payment methods like PayPal and Stripe
- Keep track of your members and their subscriptions in one place
⛔️ What to reconsider
- Free version only lets you use Stripe as your payment method
- Pro version is needed for drip content, group memberships, or advanced reporting
How much is Restrict Content Pro?
The free version gets you protected content and basic membership features. Pro plans start at $99 per year for one site.
Why bloggers love Restrict Content Pro
It's a simple and effective way to restrict content and create a basic membership site.
5. LearnDash
LearnDash is a powerful WordPress LMS (Learning Management System) plugin that doubles as a WordPress subscription plugin.
It gives you the ability to create and sell online courses, quizzes, assignments, and certificates directly from your WordPress website. Whether you're a teacher, tutor, or homeschooling parent, LearnDash gives you what you need to share what you know.
👍🏻 LearnDash perks
- Drag-and-drop course builder
- Drip-fed content, games, and discussion forums
- Sell courses, subscriptions, or create bundles
⛔️ What to reconsider
- Slight learning curve
- No free version
How much is LearnDash?
LearnDash starts at $199 per year for a single-site license.
Why bloggers love LearnDash
Bloggers who are educators can use LearnDash to create online courses to add to their in-person teaching or reach new students.
6. Thrive Apprentice
The Thrive Apprentice membership plugin for WordPress makes it easy to build courses. It's complete with lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking.
👍🏻 Thrive Apprentice perks
- Drag and drop builder
- Add quizzes, assignments, certificates, and more
- Drip content options
⛔️ What to reconsider
- Limited membership features
- No free version
- More of a course builder
How much is Thrive Apprentice?
Thrive Apprentice starts at $149 per year.
Why bloggers love Thrive Apprentice
It's easy to create and sell online courses without tech headaches.
7. WooCommerce Membership
Already selling products on your blog with WooCommerce? WooCommerce Memberships is like the ultimate membership pro pass for your store!
It lets you create a members-only area where you can give special discounts, early access to products, or even free shipping.
👍🏻 WooCommerce Memberships perks
- Works with WooCommerce
- Flexible memberships
- Control what members see
⛔️ What to reconsider
- Need WooCommerce
- Not for courses
How much is WooCommerce Memberships?
WooCommerce Memberships is $199 per year.
Why bloggers love WooCommerce Memberships
It's the perfect way to add a membership section to your online WooCommerce store.
8. Easy Digital Downloads
Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) is a popular plugin for selling digital products like ebooks, printables, and online courses. But guess what? It can also help you create a membership site!
With a few extra add-ons, you can restrict access to your digital goodies based on membership levels and give exclusive discounts to your members.
👍🏻 Easy Digital Downloads perks
- Easy to set up and use
- Sell all sorts of stuff
- Run sales and create special offers
- Track your sales
⛔️ What to reconsider:
- Need to buy some extra add-ons
- Does not have all the features of a membership plugin
How much is Easy Digital Downloads?
The main plugin is free, but you have to pay for the add-ons to create a membership site. Paid plans start at $99.50 per year.
Why bloggers love Easy Digital Downloads
It's great for selling digital products and creating a basic membership area. Food bloggers can use it to showcase exclusive recipe ebooks, meal plans, or online cooking classes.
Which WordPress membership plugins are right for you?
There you have it – the top WordPress membership plugins to turn your blog into a thriving community and a profitable venture. Remember, the best membership plugin for you depends on your needs and goals.
Now it's up to you! Choose your membership plugin, create awesome content for your members, and watch your community grow!
Need more ideas on how to make money from your blog? What about affiliate marketing? Check out our guide on building an affiliate marketing side hustle. It's full of helpful tips!
