Last updated: August 11, 2026 · Skill level: beginner to intermediate.
The best WordPress membership and LMS plugin depends on your goal: MemberPress is the best all-round choice for paid memberships, while LearnDash and Tutor LMS lead for online courses. This guide compares six top plugins for selling memberships, courses, and gated content — ideal for creators, coaches, and educators.
Best membership & LMS plugins at a glance
| Plugin | Best for | Free | Paid from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MemberPress | All-round memberships | No | ~$179/yr |
| 2. LearnDash | Serious online courses (LMS) | No | ~$199/yr |
| 3. Tutor LMS | Feature-rich free LMS | Yes | ~$199/yr |
| 4. LifterLMS | Flexible course + membership | Yes | Add-ons |
| 5. Paid Memberships Pro | Free, developer-friendly | Yes | ~$300/yr |
| 6. Restrict Content Pro | Simple content restriction | No | ~$99/yr |
1. MemberPress — best all-round memberships
MemberPress is the most complete membership plugin, with content protection, subscriptions, and built-in course tools. Paid from around $179/year. Best for creators who want reliable membership and payment management in one place.
2. LearnDash — best dedicated LMS
LearnDash is the leading WordPress LMS, with advanced course builders, quizzes, drip content, and certificates. Paid from around $199/year. Best for schools and course creators who need serious learning features.
3. Tutor LMS — best free LMS
Tutor LMS offers an unusually capable free version with a drag-and-drop course builder, quizzes, and a frontend dashboard. Pro from around $199/year. Best for creators who want strong LMS features without paying up front.
4. LifterLMS & 5. Paid Memberships Pro & 6. Restrict Content Pro
LifterLMS blends courses and memberships with a modular add-on model. Paid Memberships Pro is free and developer-friendly with many add-ons. Restrict Content Pro keeps things simple for straightforward content gating. Each fits a specific workflow.
The bottom line
Choose MemberPress for all-round paid memberships, LearnDash for a serious LMS, or Tutor LMS for the best free course features. LifterLMS suits those who want courses and memberships together, while Paid Memberships Pro is great for developers. Match the plugin to whether you sell courses, memberships, or both. Prices are approximate as of 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best WordPress membership plugin?
MemberPress is the best all-round WordPress membership plugin, with strong content protection, subscriptions, and course tools. For course-first sites, LearnDash and Tutor LMS are better suited.
What is the difference between a membership and an LMS plugin?
A membership plugin gates content and manages subscriptions, while an LMS (learning management system) adds course structure, lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking. Many creators combine both to sell courses behind a membership.
Is there a free LMS plugin for WordPress?
Yes. Tutor LMS and LifterLMS offer capable free versions, and Paid Memberships Pro is free for membership features. Tutor LMS packs the most course functionality into its free tier.
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