Platform · course membership
MemberPress
WordPress plugin for memberships, paywalls and course access
The verdict
MemberPress turns a WordPress site into a membership and course business with rules-based content paywalls. It fits owners who already run WordPress and want full control.
What it is
MemberPress adds membership tiers, content protection, course building and payment rules on top of an existing WordPress install. Because it lives inside WordPress, it inherits that ecosystem's flexibility and its maintenance burden in equal measure. Owners get fine-grained access rules and own their data, but they also own updates, hosting, security and the integration glue between plugins.
Strengths
- Rules-based content protection gates posts, pages, files and feeds at a granularity hosted platforms rarely match
- Runs on self-hosted WordPress, so the owner keeps their data, URLs and full theme control
- Includes a course builder and access groups, avoiding a second LMS subscription for many sites
Trade-offs
- Requires the owner to manage WordPress hosting, updates and plugin conflicts themselves
- Initial setup of rules, payment gateways and email is materially harder than a hosted all-in-one
- Email automation and AI features depend on stacking other plugins, which adds cost and breakage points
Best for
An existing WordPress site that needs rules-based content access and subscription membership billing
Not for
Creators who want a hosted, maintenance-free platform and have no interest in running WordPress
AI tools that fit MemberPress
Scored on how well each tool actually works with MemberPress — integration depth, workflow fit, and real adoption. Higher is better.
Pricing
Annual licenses roughly $179-$399+/yr (Basic to Pro/Plus) by site count and add-ons; the Plus/Pro tiers bundle Courses and other add-ons. WordPress hosting is separate.
Basic
Custom
- one site
- core membership rules
Plus
Custom
- multiple sites
- course features
Pro
Custom
- all add-ons
- priority support
What people build with it
Frequently asked
- Does MemberPress include AI features?
- Not natively. MemberPress focuses on access rules and billing; AI writing or automation comes from third-party tools you connect.
- What email tools work with MemberPress?
- MemberPress integrates with platforms such as Kit and ActiveCampaign, so membership events can trigger email sequences.
- Do I need WordPress to use MemberPress?
- Yes. MemberPress is a WordPress plugin and cannot run as a standalone hosted platform.
- Can MemberPress drip course content over time?
- Yes. It supports scheduled drip rules so lessons or resources unlock on a timeline after a member joins.
- Is MemberPress harder to set up than a hosted platform?
- Generally yes. You manage hosting, gateways and plugins yourself, which trades convenience for control.