23 Best Membership Site Software Reviewed In 2024
10 Best Membership Site Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 23 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Membership site software is a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can enhance user engagement and improve content monetization. However, finding the right membership site software can be challenging, especially with so many available options.
Using my experience with marketing software, I tested and compared several of the top membership site software available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Membership Site Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top membership site software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Thinkific | From $39/user/month | Website |
| Weebly | From $10/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Teachable | From $39/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Wix | From $36/month | Website |
| Patreon | From $82/month + transaction fees | Website |
| Uscreen | From $149/month | Website |
| MemberSpace | From $39/month | Website |
| WooCommerce Memberships | From $199/year | Website |
| Mighty Networks | From $99/month (billed annually) | Website |
| AccessAlly | From $82/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Membership Site Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business needs? |
| Integrations | Does it connect with your existing tools and platforms? |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the software to fit your brand and user experience? |
| Ease of Use | Is it user-friendly for both the team and your members? |
| Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints while offering the necessary features? |
| Security Safeguards | Are there strong measures in place to protect your user’s data? |
| Support | Is customer support available when you need it? |
| Content Delivery | How effectively can you deliver and manage your content through the software? |
Best Membership Site Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best membership site software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best fit.
Thinkific is an online course platform designed for educators and entrepreneurs who want to create, market, and sell courses. It helps users build engaging learning experiences with tools for course creation, student management, and analytics.
Why I picked Thinkific: Thinkific is built for course creators, with features like customizable course pages and drip content. You can add quizzes and surveys to make learning more interactive and engaging. The platform supports videos, PDFs, and other multimedia, letting you create rich course content. If you’re focused on structured learning paths, Thinkific offers the tools you need to set up and manage courses easily.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a powerful course builder that simplifies course creation with drag-and-drop functionality. You can create certificates of completion to motivate and reward learners. The platform's student engagement tools, like discussion forums and live lessons, foster a sense of community among participants.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Zapier, Google Analytics, Zoom, Aweber, Stripe, Shopify, ConvertKit, Sumo, and Accredible.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Drip content functionality
- Multimedia support options
- Customizable course pages
Cons:
- Some features need coding knowledge
- Requires third-party integrations
Weebly is a website builder aimed at individuals and small businesses that need an easy-to-use platform for creating and managing their websites. It offers drag-and-drop functionality to simplify the design process and support for building membership sites.
Why I picked Weebly: Weebly keeps things simple and provides an easy way to build and manage a membership site. You can create and organize content with its drag-and-drop editor, and the customizable templates let you shape your site to fit your brand. Weebly lets you set up your site without any technical know-how.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include built-in ecommerce capabilities that let you sell products and services directly from your site. The platform provides SEO settings to help improve your site's visibility in search engines. You can also access detailed site statistics to monitor visitor behavior and engagement.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Square, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Constant Contact.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in ecommerce capabilities
- Customizable templates
- Straightforward drag-and-drop editor
Cons:
- No advanced design options
- Limited advanced customization
Teachable is an online course creation platform tailored for educators and entrepreneurs who want to design, market, and sell courses. It provides tools for course creation, student engagement, and sales tracking, making it ideal for educators focusing on content delivery and monetization.
Why I picked Teachable: Teachable is built for online educators, with features like course compliance to help ensure students complete courses in an organized way. You can create multimedia lectures with video, text, and quizzes to make learning more engaging. The platform’s sales page builder lets you market courses effectively, and its user-friendly interface makes course management simple for both you and your students.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a built-in payment processing system that handles transactions and payouts efficiently. You can offer coupons and promotions to boost course sales. The platform's analytics dashboard provides insights into student progress and course performance.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Zapier, ConvertKit, Zoom, Google Analytics, PayPal, Stripe, Segment, Sumo, and Intercom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed analytics dashboard
- Built-in payment processing
- Multimedia course creation
Cons:
- Transaction fees can be higher than competitors
- Limited advanced customization options
Wix is a website-building tool that allows individuals and small businesses to design professional sites without coding. It’s built for those who want full control over website layout and features, using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to simplify site design and setup.
Why I picked Wix: Wix offers a highly customizable platform, making it easy to adapt your site to fit your membership model. With flexible page layouts, dynamic member-only areas, and tools for gated content, Wix lets you create tailored user experiences while keeping full creative control. You can manage memberships and payments directly on the platform, giving you a single place to handle content and member access. Wix’s design freedom helps make membership sites look unique and professional, fitting smoothly with the rest of your business.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a broad app market that lets you extend your site's functionality with just a few clicks. The platform provides built-in SEO tools to help your site rank better in search engines. You can also access analytics to track your site's performance and make data-driven decisions.
Integrations include Google Analytics, Mailchimp, PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Amazon, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Access to an extensive app market
- Offers analytics for site performance
- Easy drag-and-drop interface
Cons:
- Ads on free plans
- Limited design flexibility
Patreon is a membership platform that provides content creators with tools to build and manage subscriptions for their work. It's used by artists, musicians, writers, and other creators who want to offer exclusive content to their subscribers.
Why I picked Patreon: Patreon gives you a direct way to monetize your work through memberships. You can set up tiered subscription plans, letting fans support you at different levels. The platform supports various media formats, so you can share videos, audio, and written content easily. Community features help you engage with your audience and build loyalty.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to set goals and milestones, encouraging patrons to support your creative journey. You can offer merchandise as a reward for long-term supporters, adding value to memberships. The platform's analytics help you understand your audience and improve your offerings.
Integrations include Discord, Zapier, Crowdcast, Mailchimp, Slack, Vimeo, WordPress, Squarespace, Shopify, and ConvertKit.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers tiered subscription plans
- Engages fans with community features
- Direct monetization for creators
Cons:
- Requires a minimum of $300 in monthly earnings
- Reliant on external payment systems
Uscreen is a video monetization platform tailored for creators who want to distribute and sell their video content. It caters to individuals and businesses that produce video courses, entertainment, and educational content.
Why I picked Uscreen: Uscreen is built for video content, giving you the tools to create and sell your streaming service. You can customize your video library with branded apps and set up subscription plans. The platform includes marketing tools to help you reach and keep your audience. It provides analytical insights into viewer engagement and performance to help you track what’s working- and what’s not.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable video players that enhance the viewing experience for your audience. You can expand your reach by creating branded apps for mobile and TV platforms. The platform offers flexible monetization options, including subscriptions, rentals, and one-time purchases.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Zapier, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Stripe, PayPal, HubSpot, Aweber, ConvertKit, and Drip.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed viewer analytics
- Flexible monetization options
- Customizable video players
Cons:
- No built-in live streaming
- High setup cost for beginners
MemberSpace is a membership management tool designed to integrate with existing websites, making it ideal for businesses and entrepreneurs who want to add membership functionality without a complete site overhaul. It supports content protection, member management, and payment processing.
Why I picked MemberSpace: MemberSpace lets you add membership features to your existing website with ease. You can set flexible access controls, deciding which content is free and which requires membership. Your team can handle member payments and subscriptions directly on the platform. Its compatibility with various website builders makes it a versatile choice for adding membership options.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable sign-up forms that let you tailor the member registration process. You can create drip content schedules to deliver material over time, enhancing member engagement. The platform's ability to offer free trials and discount codes helps attract new members.
Integrations include Webflow, Squarespace, WordPress, Weebly, Wix, Stripe, Mailchimp, Zapier, ConvertKit, and Google Analytics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable sign-up forms
- Flexible content access controls
- Smooth integration with existing sites
Cons:
- Basic design customization
- Limited built-in marketing features
WooCommerce Memberships is an extension of the WooCommerce platform designed for businesses that want to integrate membership functionality into their existing ecommerce sites. It's primarily used by online retailers and entrepreneurs who need to manage memberships and subscriptions alongside their product offerings.
Why I picked WooCommerce Memberships: WooCommerce Memberships add membership features directly to your online store. You can restrict content and products to specific membership levels, offering exclusive perks to your members. The tool makes it easy to manage subscriptions and recurring payments. Since it works with WooCommerce, you can handle sales and memberships all in one place.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to drip content, releasing access to members over time, which keeps them engaged. You can offer special discounts to members, encouraging loyalty and repeat purchases. The platform also supports membership plan upgrades or downgrades, accommodating changing user needs.
Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, MailChimp, Google Analytics, Zapier, Amazon Pay, Facebook, Instagram, Jetpack, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Drip content feature
- Flexible membership plans
- Smooth ecommerce integration
Cons:
- Limited to WooCommerce platform users
- No built-in marketing tools
Mighty Networks is a community platform designed for building memberships, online courses, and events, primarily catering to entrepreneurs, influencers, and brands. It excels in fostering community engagement, offering tools like chats, events, and personalized activity feeds.
Why I picked Mighty Networks: Mighty Networks provides a unique community-building experience with features like the Mighty Co-Host™, which leverages AI to help you create a community tailored to your audience. Your team can benefit from its extensive member connection options and flexible content posting capabilities. The platform's standout feature, 'people magic,' enhances engagement by connecting members based on shared interests. Unlike other membership site software, Mighty Networks focuses on interaction and community growth.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include personalized activity feeds, live streaming options, and extensive member connections that make community interactions more engaging. You can also offer drip-fed content, which helps in structuring learning experiences over time. Its tools for event hosting and flexible content creation provide a dynamic community space.
Integrations include Mailchimp, Zoom, Zapier, Slack, Stripe, PayPal, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Analytics, and Facebook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple monetization options
- Drip-feed content option
- Extensive community features
Cons:
- Not ideal for standalone course selling
- Design restrictions on landing pages
AccessAlly is a membership and course platform designed for creators and businesses that need deep integration with CRM systems. It helps users manage memberships, deliver courses, and automate marketing efforts directly connected to their CRM.
Why I picked AccessAlly: AccessAlly integrates with your CRM, letting you use data for personalized marketing and member engagement. Your team can set up advanced automation based on what members do, creating adaptive learning paths that adjust content based on user behavior. The dashboard provides clear insights into member activity and course progress, helping you track engagement easily.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable order forms that fit your branding and business needs. You can manage affiliates directly through the platform, providing additional revenue streams. The system also supports upsells and cross-sells to maximize sales opportunities.
Integrations include ActiveCampaign, Infusionsoft, Drip, ConvertKit, Ontraport, Mailchimp, HubSpot, Keap, Salesforce, and Stripe.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive member dashboard
- Advanced automation options
- Deep CRM integration capabilities
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Requires technical setup
Other Membership Site Software
Here are some additional membership site software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- MemberPress
Best for WordPress users
- Kartra
Best all-in-one marketing suite
- Ontraport
Best for marketing automation
- Squarespace
Best for design flexibility
- Podia
Best for mixed media creators
- HubSpot CMS Hub
Best for content management
- Circle
Best for community engagement features
- Wild Apricot
Best for nonprofit organizations
- Kajabi
Best for digital product sales
- Morweb.org
Best for charity websites
- MemberGate
Best for gated content
- SubHub
Best for content creator monetization
- Ruzuku
Best for course delivery
Membership Site Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best membership site software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like content access control and payment processing. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage member subscriptions
- Control content access
- Process payments securely
- Provide member analytics
- Support community interaction
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Customizable member dashboards
- Advanced marketing automation
- Integration with CRM systems
- Multi-tier membership levels
- In-depth reporting tools
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
- Clear documentation
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars
- Use of chatbots for assistance
- Pre-built templates
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multichannel support options
- Response time
- Quality of support resources
- Availability of dedicated account managers
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing plans
- No hidden fees
- Offer of free trials
- Range of features for the price
- Scalability of pricing tiers
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency of positive feedback
- Commonly reported issues
- Feedback on feature effectiveness
- Sentiment on customer service
- Overall satisfaction scores
Trends in Membership Site Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different membership site software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Community-driven features: Membership platforms are focusing more on building community engagement tools like forums and live chat. These features help foster a sense of belonging among members and can increase retention rates. Vendors like Circle are leading the way with community-centric functionalities.
- Video content integration: There's a growing emphasis on supporting video content, with platforms offering video hosting and live streaming capabilities. This trend caters to creators who rely on video as a primary medium for engaging their audience. Uscreen, for example, has tailored its offerings around video monetization.
- Data analytics and insights: More tools are providing advanced analytics to help users understand member behavior and optimize content strategies. This trend allows businesses to make data-driven decisions to improve their offerings. AccessAlly integrates CRM data for deeper insights into member activities.
- Personalization options: Platforms are increasingly offering personalized member experiences, such as tailored content recommendations and personalized dashboards. This trend enhances user engagement by delivering content that aligns with individual preferences. Kajabi uses AI to suggest content based on user interactions.
- Sustainability features: Environmental consciousness is becoming a trend, with some platforms incorporating features that promote sustainable practices. This might include digital alternatives to physical goods or promoting eco-friendly operations. Vendors are beginning to highlight their environmental commitments as part of their value proposition.
What is Membership Site Software?
Membership site software is a tool that helps businesses and creators manage and monetize content through memberships and subscriptions. Educators, content creators, and businesses use these tools to deliver exclusive content and build community.
Features like community forums, video integration, and analytics enhance engagement, support strategy, and give insights into member behavior, creating a platform for building a loyal member base.
Features of Membership Site Software
When selecting membership site software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Content access control: This feature allows you to manage who can view specific content, helping you offer exclusive access to members only.
- Subscription management: It enables you to handle member subscriptions and payments efficiently, ensuring a steady revenue stream.
- Community engagement tools: These tools like forums and live chats foster interaction among members, building a sense of community.
- Video content support: This feature lets you host and stream video content, catering to creators who use video as a primary medium.
- Data analytics: It provides insights into member behavior and content performance, helping you make informed decisions.
- Customizable templates: These templates allow you to personalize your site to match your brand, enhancing the user experience.
- Built-in SEO tools: They help improve your site's visibility in search engines, attracting more potential members.
- Ecommerce capabilities: This feature lets you sell products and services directly from your site, adding a revenue stream.
- Training and onboarding resources: These resources, like tutorials and templates, ease the transition for new users, maximizing tool adoption.
- Multi-tier membership levels: This feature allows you to offer different levels of access and benefits, catering to diverse member needs.
Benefits of Membership Site Software
Implementing membership site software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased revenue: By managing subscriptions effectively, you can create a steady income stream through recurring payments.
- Enhanced member engagement: Community tools like forums and live chats help build strong connections with your audience.
- Improved content delivery: Video content support allows creators to deliver engaging and varied content to their members.
- Data-driven decisions: Analytics provide insights into member behavior, helping you tailor content and strategies to meet user needs.
- Brand consistency: Customizable templates ensure your site reflects your brand identity, enhancing user experience.
- Scalability: Multi-tier membership levels let you cater to diverse needs, supporting growth and expansion as your audience increases.
Costs and Pricing of Membership Site Software
Selecting membership site software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in membership site software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Membership Site Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic content access, limited community tools, and basic support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/month | Content access control, basic analytics, and limited customization options. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/month | Advanced analytics, community engagement tools, and customizable templates. |
| Enterprise Plan | $100+/month | Full features access, dedicated support, advanced security options, and popular integrations. |
Membership Site Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about membership site software:
How can I monetize my membership site?
You can monetize your membership site by offering tiered subscription plans with different access levels and benefits. Consider providing exclusive content, such as videos, articles, or courses, that members can’t find elsewhere. You can also sell merchandise or digital products directly on your site. Using analytics will help you understand what content your audience values and is willing to pay for.
What should I look for in a membership site software?
When choosing membership site software, you’ll want to ensure it has the features you need, like content access control and payment processing. Look for tools that offer community engagement features to foster interaction among your members. Consider the ease of use, customization options, and the level of support provided. It’s also important to check if the software can scale with your business as it grows.
Can I integrate my existing website with membership site software?
Yes, many membership site software solutions offer integration capabilities with existing websites. You can usually add plugins or embed features into your current site to offer membership functionality. This allows you to maintain your brand identity while adding new features. Make sure the software you choose is compatible with your website platform.
How do I ensure the security of my members' data?
To secure your members’ data, choose a membership site software that offers strong security measures, such as SSL encryption and regular security updates. Ensure the software complies with data protection regulations like GDPR. It’s also wise to use secure payment gateways and regularly back up your data. Educating your team about data privacy best practices can further protect your members’ information.
How important is customer support when choosing a membership site software?
Customer support can often be overlooked when choosing membership site software, however it can impact your experience with the tool and a lifeline when your site is experiencing technical issues. You’ll want to ensure their customer support team is responsive, timely, and knowledgeable to assist with any technical issues or questions. Check if the software provider offers multiple support channels, like chat, email, or phone, and if they have a comprehensive knowledge base. Finally, browse reviews to see how they handle customer complaints and whether and how they rectify any poor experiences. Good support can save you time and frustration.
Can I migrate my existing members to a new platform?
Yes, you can migrate your existing members to a new membership site platform. Many software solutions offer migration tools or services to help transfer your data smoothly. It’s important to plan the migration carefully to minimize disruptions for your members. Communicate the changes to your members and provide support during the transition to ensure a positive experience.
What’s Next?
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