Membership websites have become one of the most reliable ways to build recurring revenue online. From online courses and digital communities to premium content subscriptions, an increasing number of entrepreneurs and businesses are adopting membership models in 2025. According to industry reports, the subscription economy is projected to surpass $300 billion, showing that this model is here to stay. In this WishList Member Review, we’ll explore whether this plugin still holds its place as one of the best tools for powering membership sites on WordPress.
WishList Member is among the oldest and most trusted membership plugins for WordPress, with over a decade of development behind it. Designed for ease of use, it helps site owners create multiple membership levels, protect content, and manage subscribers without coding. It also integrates seamlessly with payment gateways and email marketing services, making it a comprehensive solution for both beginners and professionals.
In this WishList Member Review 2025, we’ll dive into its features, pricing, pros and cons, and compare it with leading alternatives. By the end, you’ll know if WishList Member is still the best WordPress membership plugin for your business or community project.
What is WishList Member?
WishList Member is a premium WordPress plugin designed to help site owners build and manage membership websites with ease. Launched back in 2008, it is one of the oldest and most established membership solutions for WordPress, trusted by thousands of businesses, educators, and creators worldwide.
At its core, WishList Member allows you to create unlimited membership levels, restrict access to specific content, and manage members from an intuitive dashboard. Whether you’re offering online courses, premium communities, or subscription-based content, the plugin gives you the tools to deliver a secure and user-friendly experience.
The plugin also comes with powerful integrations, including support for popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, and email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and ActiveCampaign. Its long history, reliability, and flexibility make WishList Member a trusted choice for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to monetize their WordPress sites.
Why Choose WishList Member?
When it comes to building a membership site, reliability and ease of use are key, and that’s where WishList Member shines. With more than a decade of development, it has become one of the most trusted solutions for WordPress users who want a stable and feature-rich platform.
One of the biggest reasons to choose WishList Member is its simplicity. Even if you’re not technical, you can set up membership levels, restrict content, and manage members without hassle. The plugin is designed for non-developers, yet it also offers the flexibility that advanced users need through integrations and developer-friendly tools.
Another advantage is its strong ecosystem of integrations. From payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and WooCommerce to email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign, WishList Member works seamlessly with the tools you already use.
Finally, its reputation for long-term stability and support makes it a safe choice for businesses that want to build sustainable membership models without worrying about plugin reliability.
How to Get Started with WishList Member (Step-by-Step Guide)
Setting up a membership site with WishList Member is straightforward. The plugin is designed for ease of use, so even beginners can configure it without coding knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Step 1: Install and Activate WishList Member
Since WishList Member is a premium plugin, you’ll first need to purchase it from the official website. After downloading the plugin file:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, Plugins, Add New.
- Upload the file, install, and click Activate.
- Enter your license key to unlock all features.
Step 2: Configure General Settings
Once activated, the plugin adds its own menu in your WordPress dashboard. Here you can:
- Define global membership settings.
- Customize member login and registration pages.
- Set up default redirects for members after login.
Step 3: Create Membership Levels
WishList Member allows you to create unlimited membership tiers. For example:
- Free or trial level.
- Standard paid membership.
- Premium or VIP subscription.
Each level can have unique pricing, access permissions, and benefits.
Step 4: Protect Your Content
Using the content protection rules, you can restrict access to:
- Posts and pages.
- Categories or custom post types.
- Specific media files or downloads.
This ensures only paying members can access exclusive resources.
Step 5: Integrate Payment Gateways
WishList Member integrates with PayPal, Stripe, WooCommerce, and other gateways to handle subscriptions and one-time payments. Configure your chosen gateway so you can start accepting payments immediately.
Step 6: Connect Email Marketing Tools
Integrate your email service, such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign,n to automate member communication like welcome emails, renewal reminders, and promotions.
Step 7: Launch and Test Your Membership Site
Before going live, test the full signup flow from registration to payment and content access. Once you’re satisfied, promote your membership site and start onboarding members.
Key Features of WishList Member
WishList Member has been around since 2008, making it one of the most established membership plugins for WordPress. Over the years, it has evolved into a feature-rich platform that balances simplicity with flexibility. Whether you’re running an online course, a premium content site, or a community platform, its tools make it easier to build, manage, and grow memberships.
1. Unlimited Membership Levels
WishList Member lets you create unlimited membership tiers, each with its own pricing, access permissions, and benefits. This flexibility means you can design multiple plans, such as free trials, standard subscriptions, or VIP levels, all within one site.
2. Powerful Content Protection
Content restriction is at the heart of any membership plugin, and WishList Member delivers with robust options. You can protect:
- Individual posts or pages.
- Entire categories or custom post types.
- Specific files, downloads, or media.
It also supports partial content display, allowing you to show previews or teasers while reserving full access for members.
3. Drip Content and Sequential Delivery
To keep members engaged, WishList Member offers drip content scheduling. You can release content gradually, such as one lesson per week, or create sequential content delivery where users unlock new material only after completing previous steps. This feature is especially useful for online courses and training programs.
4. Payment Gateway Integrations
WishList Member integrates with leading payment processors, including:
- PayPal
- Stripe
- WooCommerce
This ensures you can accept recurring subscriptions, one-time payments, or free trials. Built-in automation handles renewals, cancellations, and upgrades, reducing manual work.
5. Email Marketing Integrations
Membership sites thrive on communication, and WishList Member connects seamlessly with popular email marketing services like:
- Mailchimp
- ActiveCampaign
- ConvertKit
- AWeber
These integrations allow you to send automated welcome emails, renewal reminders, and promotional campaigns tailored to your membership levels.
6. Member Management Dashboard
The plugin includes a robust admin dashboard where you can:
- View and manage members.
- Track subscriptions and renewals.
- Manually add or remove members.
- Upgrade, downgrade, or cancel subscriptions.
This gives you full visibility and control over your membership base.
7. Partial Content Display and Sneak Previews
One unique feature is the ability to tease premium content. You can display part of an article or video to the public while reserving the rest for paying members. This feature helps convert casual visitors into subscribers.
8. API and Developer Friendly Options
For advanced users, WishList Member offers an API and hooks, making it customizable for developers and agencies building tailored solutions. This is ideal for businesses with specific workflows or large-scale membership sites.
9. Community and Course Compatibility
WishList Member works well with community and learning plugins like BuddyBoss, BuddyPress, and LearnDash, making it suitable for online schools and private communities. You can integrate it with forums or social groups to create a dynamic, members-only environment.
10. Security and Stability
As one of the oldest membership plugins, WishList Member has a reputation for reliability. With regular updates and strong support, it ensures your membership site remains secure and functional as WordPress evolves.
WishList Member Pricing
WishList Member offers three flexible pricing plans, each designed for different types of site owners, from beginners to large-scale businesses. All plans are billed annually and come with a 50 percent discount, making them more affordable than their regular pricing.
1. Basic Plan – $149.50 per year (Regular $299)
The Basic Plan is ideal for beginners or solopreneurs launching their first membership site. It includes:
- Use on 1 site
- Unlimited members, memberships, and upgrade paths
- Flexible content protection with drip and scheduling
- Member-managed dashboard and secure registration pages
- Unlimited courses with CourseCure
- Integrations with Stripe, PayPal, eWay, ConvertKit, Mailchimp, and more
- No transaction or monthly fees
2. Plus Plan – $249.50 per year (Regular $499)
Aimed at growing creators and businesses, the Plus Plan includes everything in Basic, plus:
- Use on up to 2 sites
- CourseCure gamification features
- Webinar integrations
- Integrately support (connect to 1,100 plus apps)
- 30-plus advanced integrations
- Priority support
3. Pro Plan – $349.50 per year (Regular $699)
The Pro Plan is built for scaling businesses and agencies. It includes everything in Basic, plus:
- Use on up to 5 sites
- Team accounts and file and folder protection
- Unlimited CourseCure quizzes
- Advanced integrations with ActiveCampaign, Drip, WooCommerce, and Zapier (5,000 plus apps, including ChatGPT)
- Premium support
Pros and Cons of WishList Member
Like any plugin, WishList Member has strengths and limitations. Understanding both sides will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your membership site.
Pros of WishList Member
1. Long-standing Reputation: WishList Member has been around since 2008, making it one of the oldest and most trusted WordPress membership plugins. Its longevity demonstrates stability and reliability.
2. Unlimited Membership Levels: You can create as many membership tiers as you need, whether it’s free, paid, trial, or VIP. This flexibility makes it easy to serve different audience segments.
3. Strong Content Protection: The plugin offers granular control, allowing you to protect entire posts, pages, categories, or even partial content previews. Drip content and sequential delivery keep members engaged.
4. Seamless Integrations: WishList Member works with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and WooCommerce, as well as email services like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and ActiveCampaign.
5. Beginner Friendly: Its setup is designed for non-technical users. You don’t need coding knowledge to build a professional membership site.
6. Developer Options: Advanced users benefit from its API and hooks, making it customizable for agencies or large projects.
Cons of WishList Member
1. Premium Only: Unlike competitors such as Paid Memberships Pro, WishList Member doesn’t have a free version, which may deter beginners from testing out membership sites.
2. Outdated Interface: While functional, its user interface looks older compared to modern plugins like MemberPress or Restrict Content Pro.
3. Add-ons May Be Needed: Although it covers most essentials, some advanced workflows may require additional integrations or customization.
4. Pricing: At $149 per year for a single site, it’s more expensive than some alternatives, which may be a drawback for smaller projects.
Also Read: MemberPress Review 2025: Is It Still the Best WordPress Membership Plugin?
WishList Member vs Alternatives
While WishList Member has been a trusted membership plugin for over a decade, the WordPress ecosystem is full of strong competitors. Let’s compare it with some of the most popular alternatives.
WishList Member vs MemberPress
Features: MemberPress is often praised for its modern interface, built-in course builder, and powerful automation tools. WishList Member focuses more on membership levels and content protection, without offering native course creation.
Ease of Use: Both are beginner-friendly, but MemberPress feels more polished. WishList Member’s interface is functional but slightly dated.
Best For: MemberPress is ideal for educators or entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one solution. WishList Member suits businesses looking for stability and a proven track record.
WishList Member vs Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro)
Features: PMPro is open source and offers a free version, which makes it attractive for startups. However, many advanced features require paid add-ons. WishList Member provides a comprehensive set of tools in its base license.
Ease of Use: WishList Member is generally easier for non-technical users, while PMPro offers more flexibility for developers.
Best For: PMPro is great for those wanting to test a free solution. WishList Member is better for those ready to invest in a premium plugin from the start.
WishList Member vs Restrict Content Pro (RCP)
Features: RCP is lightweight and focuses on clean, simple membership management. WishList Member provides more built-in tools, like drip content and partial content display.
Ease of Use: Both are user-friendly, though RCP is slightly simpler due to fewer options. WishList Member may feel more comprehensive, but also a bit heavier.
Best For: RCP is perfect for smaller sites with straightforward membership needs. WishList Member works better for growing businesses that need advanced protection and delivery options.
Who Should Use WishList Member?
WishList Member is a versatile plugin that works for a wide range of businesses and creators. Long-standing reputation, ease of use, and strong integrations make it suitable for anyone serious about launching or scaling a membership website.
Coaches and Course Creators
Educators, trainers, and coaches can use WishList Member to deliver online courses, coaching programs, or premium learning content. Features like drip content and sequential delivery are ideal for structuring lessons over time.
Subscription Content Publishers
Bloggers, podcasters, and media outlets can monetize premium content by protecting articles, videos, or downloads. The partial content display option also helps tease content to encourage signups.
Community Builders
When paired with BuddyBoss or BuddyPress, WishList Member can power private communities or networking groups. Members-only forums or groups foster engagement while keeping access exclusive.
Businesses and Agencies
Agencies and entrepreneurs can rely on WishList Member to create professional membership sites for clients. Its stability and support make it a safe option for long-term projects.
Tips to Grow a Membership Site with WishList Member
Setting up a membership site is only the first step. Long-term success depends on how well you engage and retain members. With WishList Member, you have powerful tools at your disposal. Here are some practical tips to maximize growth and sustainability.
1. Offer Tiered Membership Levels
Create different membership plans such as free, standard, and premium. This allows you to appeal to a wider audience while giving members the flexibility to upgrade for more benefits.
2. Use Drip Content for Engagement
Instead of releasing all your content at once, use drip content to schedule lessons, videos, or resources over time. This keeps members engaged and encourages them to stay subscribed longer.
3. Combine with Email Marketing
Integrate WishList Member with platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or ActiveCampaign. Use automated sequences to send welcome emails, content updates, and renewal reminders to keep members active.
4. Provide Exclusive Perks
Go beyond protected content by offering perks like private Q and A sessions, bonus downloads, or discounts on products. These extras increase perceived value and retention.
5. Leverage Community Features
Pair WishList Member with BuddyBoss or BuddyPress to build a members-only community. Forums, groups, and social features make your site more interactive and create a sense of belonging.
6. Track and Improve
Use reporting tools to monitor member activity and revenue. Identify what’s working and refine your membership strategy accordingly.
Why WishList Member Remains a Trusted Choice
After analyzing its features, pricing, strengths, and limitations, this WishList Member Review makes it clear why the plugin continues to be a reliable option for building membership sites. With more than a decade of development and a strong reputation for stability, WishList Member has earned its place as a trusted tool for WordPress users.
Its ability to create unlimited membership levels, restrict content with precision, and integrate with leading payment and email platforms makes it versatile for educators, coaches, creators, and businesses. While the interface may feel slightly outdated compared to newer competitors, its functionality and long-term reliability outweigh cosmetic drawbacks.
In the end, this WishList Member Review confirms that it remains one of the best choices for anyone seeking a WordPress membership plugin that is both dependable and scalable. For those ready to invest in a proven solution, WishList Member is still a smart and safe choice in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is WishList Member free to use?
No. WishList Member is a premium-only plugin. Unlike some competitors, it does not have a free version, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. How much does WishList Member cost?
As of 2025, pricing starts at $149 per year for a single-site license. Multi-site and agency licenses are also available, with higher limits on the number of supported sites.
3. Can I create unlimited membership levels with WishList Member?
Yes. You can create unlimited membership tiers, including free, paid, trial, and VIP plans. Each level can have custom pricing and access rules.
4. Does WishList Member support recurring payments?
Absolutely. WishList Member integrates with gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and WooCommerce, making it easy to manage subscriptions, renewals, and one-time payments.
5. Can I drip content using WishList Member?
Yes. The plugin includes drip content and sequential delivery, so you can release lessons, videos, or resources gradually over time.
6. What integrations are available with WishList Member?
It integrates with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and ActiveCampaign, payment processors such as Stripe and PayPal, and community and LMS tools like BuddyBoss and LearnDash.
7. Is WishList Member beginner-friendly?
Yes. The plugin is designed for non-technical users, with simple setup steps. Advanced users and developers can also take advantage of its API and hooks.
8. How does WishList Member compare to alternatives like MemberPress or PMPro?
While MemberPress offers a modern interface and built-in course builder, WishList Member stands out for its stability, integrations, and unlimited membership levels. PMPro is attractive for its free version, but WishList Member is more comprehensive out of the box.
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