Selecting the perfect WordPress membership plugin can be confusing because there are many choices available. Before we make comparison on MemberPress vs Restrict Content Pro, let’s examine the crucial features you should consider when you need a plugin to control who can see specific content on your website.
MemberPress is a WordPress plugin that helps protect and sell content on your website. It’s packed with lots of useful features and connections, making it suitable for various types of membership websites.
Current Pricing: $179.50 – $399.50
Restrict Content Pro is a WordPress plugin for membership websites. It helps you safeguard and sell your content, and it comes with extra features (add-ons) to meet your specific needs.
Current Pricing: $99 – $249
Restrict Content Pro vs MemberPress: Which is Better?
This is a detailed comparison of membership plugins that are very similar in terms of features, user-friendliness, and support.
If you want to have an affiliate program included in your membership plugin, I recommend MemberPress, which offers it in their $399 plan. However, if you’re looking to save some money, you can go for Restrict Content Pro’s $249 plan and then add their affiliate management software, AffiliateWP, for $99.
If you already have your own affiliate management plugin or use AffiliateWP, which is a popular choice, then Restrict Content Pro might be the better option. It’s actively developed, has a more appealing default design, and offers a lifetime payment option. Plus, you can use it on as many websites as you want.
One downside of MemberPress, in my opinion, is their fake 50% discount offer if you buy within 4 hours. It’s best to avoid these misleading tactics.
MemberPress Pros
Simple and User-Friendly Setup
Drip Feed Content
Multiple Payment Processors
Integration with Email Autoresponders
Affiliate System Included in Premium Plan
Powerful Access Rules
Restrict Content Pro Pros
Provides Lifetime Pricing Choice
Compatible with Multiple Payment Gateways
Seamless WooCommerce Integration – A Big Advantage
Reporting Dashboard
Dedicated Support Team
MemberPress Cons
Outdated and Unattractive Front-End Design
No WooCommerce Support 🙁
Limited Progress and Slow Development Over the Years
Doubtful Marketing Methods: False “Limited-Time Offer”
Restrict Content Pro Cons
Most Users Will Require the $249 Plan or the $499 Lifetime Plan
Lacks Integrated Affiliate System
Although it’s relatively simple to use and set up, be prepared to invest considerable effort in improving the outdated front-end styling to make it more appealing.
This membership plugin is incredibly user-friendly, making it accessible for virtually anyone to set up.
The price is competitive with other solutions, even though it has fewer active installations. Nonetheless, the included affiliate management tool compensates for this.
Although I wish there was a fully-featured plan for under $200, the level of flexibility and capability it provides is almost unmatched.
MemberPress Vs Restrict Content Pro: Final Thoughts
Both Restrict Content Pro and MemberPress are well-known membership plugins for WordPress. But, Restrict Content Pro is often seen as a more budget-friendly and lightweight option.
Working with Restrict Content Pro was straightforward and enjoyable. The core plugin provides all the essential tools to build a simple membership site without unnecessary extras. You can also enhance it by adding features like extra payment options and connections to specific marketing tools.
One thing worth mentioning is that the base plugin lacks a feature called “content dripping,” which is vital for many membership websites. Its absence may seem intentional to encourage users to opt for pricier plans. However, the availability of a lifetime membership option makes up for this.
In summary, Restrict Content Pro is an excellent choice for those who want to create a basic membership site without diving into technical complexities.
Your choice should be based on what you need and what you like the most.
