Over the last few years, the demand for membership-based websites has exploded. From online courses and digital coaching to exclusive communities and premium content, entrepreneurs everywhere are monetizing their expertise through gated platforms.
But here’s the thing—managing memberships, subscriptions, and user access on WordPress isn’t exactly simple. That’s where tools like WishList Member come into play.
In this detailed WishList Member review, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about this powerful plugin: how it works, its standout features, pricing, pros, cons, and how it compares to other popular membership solutions in 2025.
If you’re planning to build a membership site this year, this review will help you decide whether WishList Member deserves a spot in your WordPress toolkit.
Understanding WishList Member
So, what exactly is WishList Member?
In simple terms, it’s a WordPress membership plugin that helps you create protected content areas, manage subscribers, and sell memberships—all without touching a single line of code.
Launched back in 2008, WishList Member has evolved into one of the most trusted solutions in the WordPress ecosystem. Its user-friendly design allows anyone—whether you’re a coach, blogger, educator, or business owner—to build a thriving online community with ease.
The plugin integrates seamlessly with popular tools like WooCommerce, LearnDash, BuddyBoss, and Elementor, making it an incredibly flexible option for diverse website types.
If your goal is to offer exclusive access to courses, digital downloads, or premium blog posts, WishList Member makes the process smooth and automated.
Why Consider WishList Member for Your WordPress Site
You might be wondering, “Why should I pick WishList Member when there are so many other plugins out there?”
Here’s why this plugin continues to be a strong contender in 2025:
1. Built for Simplicity
WishList Member focuses on making membership site creation simple. Its intuitive dashboard lets you create multiple membership levels, assign access rules, and automate content delivery—all in a few clicks.
2. Proven Track Record
With more than a decade of updates and improvements, WishList Member has proven its reliability. It’s been used by over 100,000 WordPress site owners worldwide.
3. Deep Integrations
Whether you’re using WooCommerce for payments or LearnDash for courses, WishList Member connects effortlessly. This makes it ideal for anyone running an eLearning platform or subscription-based business.
4. Automation for Convenience
Set it once, and let it run. You can automatically add or remove members, send notifications, and deliver drip content, all without manual effort.
In short, if you’re looking for a no-fuss, stable, and trusted membership plugin, WishList Member ticks most boxes.
Getting Started with WishList Member: Step-by-Step Setup
Setting up WishList Member is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Even if you’re new to WordPress, the setup wizard walks you through everything. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Install and Activate
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
- Click on the Upload Plugin button.
- Choose the WishList Member ZIP file from your computer.
- Click Install Now.
- Once installation is complete, click Activate Plugin to enable WishList Member on your site.
Step 2: Create Membership Levels
Define your membership tiers—like Free, Silver, and Premium. You can offer different access and pricing for each level.
Step 3: Protect Your Content
Choose which pages, posts, or categories you want to protect. You can also make “teaser content” public to attract new signups.
Step 4: Connect Payment Gateways
Integrate with popular gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Authorize.net to start collecting payments automatically.
Step 5: Customize Access and Automation
Use the built-in automation tools to send welcome emails, manage renewals, or revoke access automatically when payments lapse.
Within 20–30 minutes, your membership site can be fully operational.
Exploring the Key Features of WishList Member
1. Unlimited Membership Levels
You can create as many membership tiers as you need, each with unique pricing and access permissions. This is perfect for scaling your business over time.
2. Advanced Content Protection
WishList Member gives you total control over what your members can see. You can restrict access to posts, pages, videos, or even custom post types.
Want to offer a “sneak peek” of premium articles? The plugin’s partial content display feature makes it easy.
3. Drip Content Scheduling
Keep members engaged by releasing content gradually. For example, if you’re running an online course, lessons can unlock weekly instead of all at once.
4. Flexible Integrations
WishList Member integrates with dozens of third-party tools, including:
- Email platforms: Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign
- eCommerce: WooCommerce
- Learning Management: LearnDash, Tutor LMS
- Community: BuddyPress, BuddyBoss
These integrations help you create a connected, automated ecosystem.
5. Payment and Subscription Management
Automate everything from billing to renewals. Members can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel subscriptions directly from their account.
6. Member Communication
Built-in tools let you send welcome messages, renewal reminders, or updates automatically. Combine this with your email marketing platform for maximum impact.
7. Analytics and Reports
Get insights into member growth, cancellations, and engagement trends to make data-driven decisions.
WishList Member Pricing Overview
As of 2025, WishList Member offers three main plans:
- 1 Site License – $149/year
- 5 Site License – $249/year
- Unlimited Sites – $399/year
All plans include the same features; the only difference is how many websites you can use it on.
Is It Worth the Price?
Considering what you get—unlimited membership levels, automation tools, and lifetime support—the pricing is fair. Many competitors charge more for similar functionality.
If you’re running a single site, the entry-level plan offers excellent value. For agencies or developers managing multiple clients, the 5-site or unlimited license is a steal.
Pros and Cons of WishList Member
Pros
1. Simple setup: You don’t need to be a developer. The interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly, allowing quick setup without any coding.
2. Powerful integrations: Works seamlessly with popular tools and learning management systems (LMS) like LearnDash, BuddyBoss, and WooCommerce.
3. Flexible access control: You can easily protect posts, pages, videos, or even custom post types, giving you total control over what your members can access.
4. Automation made easy: It’s “set and forget” automation handles renewals, upgrades, and notifications without manual effort.
5. Reliable performance: Built for long-term use, it’s stable, lightweight, and regularly updated to stay compatible with the latest WordPress versions.
Cons
1. No free version: The plugin is premium-only, so you’ll need to make an upfront investment.
2. Slight learning curve: Some advanced features (like automation rules) may take beginners a little time to master.
3. Limited design customization: Styling and layout depend heavily on your WordPress theme or page builder.
4. Outdated interface: The dashboard works well, but doesn’t look as polished or modern as competitors like MemberPress.
WishList Member vs. Alternatives
1. WishList Member vs. MemberPress
MemberPress is a premium option with a sleek interface and advanced analytics, but it comes at a higher cost. WishList Member offers similar features, like drip content, tiered memberships, and automation at a more affordable price. While MemberPress looks flashier, WishList Member is more flexible and reliable for long-term growth.
2. WishList Member vs. Restrict Content Pro
Restrict Content Pro is lightweight and simple, but lacks advanced automation, multiple payment options, and LMS integrations. WishList Member is better for growing communities or course-based platforms, offering more power and scalability.
3. WishList Member vs. Paid Memberships Pro
Paid Memberships Pro is feature-rich but can be more technical and requires extra add-ons for some functionality. WishList Member is easier to use, with built-in automation and simpler access rules, making it ideal for beginners seeking an all-in-one solution.
Also Read: Paid Memberships Pro Review 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
Comparison Table
| Feature | WishList Member | MemberPress | Restrict Content Pro | Paid Memberships Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Pricing | Affordable | Higher | Affordable | Medium |
| Integrations | Excellent | Good | Limited | Strong |
| Drip Content | Yes | Yes | Basic | Yes |
| Support | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
Who Should Use WishList Member?
- Course creators who want to release lessons gradually.
- Coaches or consultants offering paid programs or resources.
- Community builders using BuddyPress or BuddyBoss.
- Bloggers are adding a paid “members-only” section.
- Digital entrepreneurs managing recurring subscriptions.
Basically, if your website involves gated content, paid access, or subscriber management, WishList Member is a fantastic choice.
Tips to Grow a Membership Site Using WishList Member
- Use Teaser Content: Offer partial access to attract free users who might upgrade later.
- Automate Onboarding: Send a warm welcome sequence via email.
- Add Community Features: Use BuddyBoss or bbPress for discussions and engagement.
- Offer Tiered Pricing: Let users choose between basic and premium memberships.
- Track Engagement: Use analytics to see which content drives retention.
The key to success? Deliver consistent value so members feel motivated to renew month after month.
Why WishList Member Continues to Be Trusted
With so many new membership plugins entering the market, it’s impressive that WishList Member continues to thrive after more than a decade. Its longevity and reliability are key factors—it has been battle-tested and continually improved over the years to meet the evolving needs of WordPress users.
The plugin also offers strong support, with a responsive team and detailed documentation to guide users through setup, troubleshooting, and advanced features. On top of that, WishList Member provides seamless integrations, allowing it to adapt easily to a wide range of WordPress setups, including eLearning platforms, online communities, and eCommerce sites.
If you’re serious about building a membership business that grows with you, WishList Member remains one of the most dependable and versatile plugins available.
Is WishList Member Worth It?
After testing and analyzing it for this WishList Member review, one thing is clear—it’s a solid, dependable choice for anyone building a WordPress membership site. It may not have the flashiest interface, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in performance, integrations, and long-term reliability. If you’re looking for a membership plugin that just works, WishList Member is absolutely worth the investment in 2025.
FAQs
1. Can I integrate WishList Member with WooCommerce?
Absolutely! WishList Member integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, allowing you to sell memberships as products.
2. Does WishList Member work with page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg?
Yes, it works perfectly with both. You can design pages using your favorite builder while still controlling access with WishList Member.
3. Is WishList Member suitable for online courses?
Definitely. It integrates well with LMS plugins like LearnDash and Tutor LMS, making it a top choice for eLearning platforms.
4. Does WishList Member support multiple payment gateways?
Yes, it supports major gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net, for flexible payment handling.
5. Can I migrate from another membership plugin?
Yes! WishList Member includes tools and guides to help you migrate existing members and data from other platforms smoothly.
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