In this post, we explore five of the best content restriction plugins for WordPress websites that you can use in 2024 for creating a membership website.
Do you have exclusive content you want to share only with registered members on your WordPress website? Content restriction plugins allow you to control access to specific pages, posts, categories, or even custom content types. This can be a powerful tool for creating membership sites, online courses, gated content strategies, and more.
1- SureMembers
SureMembers is a user-friendly plugin that empowers you to create a membership website with ease. It offers a clean interface and focuses on core functionalities like member management and content restriction.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Membership Levels | Create different membership tiers with varying access levels. |
| Content Dripping | Schedule content to be released to members over time. |
| Coupon Codes | Offer discounts or free trials for memberships. |
| Member Directory | Allow members to connect with each other (optional). |
| Email Marketing Integration | Integrate with email marketing services for member communication. |
Ease of Use
SureMembers is known for its straightforward interface, making it easy to set up membership levels and restrict content. It offers member-friendly features like member profiles and optional directory listings. Payment options are limited in the free version, but the pro plan integrates with popular payment gateways.
Pricing
SureMembers offers a free version with basic features. The pro plan starts at $79 per year and unlocks advanced features like content dripping, coupon codes, and payment integrations.
2- MemberPress
MemberPress is a comprehensive membership plugin that goes beyond just content restriction. It provides powerful tools for selling subscriptions, managing courses, and creating a fully functional membership website.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Membership Levels | Create unlimited membership tiers with varying access and pricing. |
| Content Restriction | Restrict access to pages, posts, categories, tags, custom post types, and files. |
| Course Management Tools | Sell online courses with drip content, quizzes, and certificates (add-on). |
| Powerful Integrations | Integrates with popular payment gateways, email marketing services, and LMS platforms. |
| Coupons and Discounts | Offer promotions and discounts on memberships. |
Ease of Use
MemberPress offers a well-designed interface, but its extensive feature set can have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler plugins. It provides a member-friendly experience with account management, course access (if applicable), and optional purchase history. Payment options are abundant with integrations for various gateways.
Pricing
MemberPress offers a flat-fee pricing structure. The basic plan starts at $249 per year and provides access to all features for one site.
3- Restrict Content Pro
Restrict Content Pro is a robust plugin focused primarily on content restriction and membership management. It offers a clean interface and prioritizes ease of use for both administrators and members.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Membership Levels | Create multiple membership levels with varying access rules. |
| Content Restriction Granularity | Restrict access to pages, posts, categories, tags, custom content types, and even URLs. |
| Paid Memberships | Integrate with popular payment gateways to sell memberships. |
| Coupon Management | Offer discounts and promotions for memberships. |
| Email Automation | Send automated emails for welcome messages, payment confirmations, and more. |
Ease of Use
Restrict Content Pro is known for its user-friendly interface and clear setup process. Content restriction rules are easy to define, and the member experience is streamlined with account management and access to restricted content. It integrates with various payment gateways for a smooth checkout process.
Pricing
Restrict Content Pro offers tiered pricing based on the number of websites you need to manage. The basic plan starts at $97 per year for one site.
4- Content Control
Content Control is a lightweight plugin specifically designed for content restriction. If you have a simple website with basic membership needs, Content Control offers a focused solution without unnecessary bells and whistles.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| User Role Access Control | Restrict content based on user roles (e.g., subscriber, member, etc.). |
| Password Protection | Optionally password-protect specific content. |
| Membership Integration | Integrates with popular membership plugins like MemberPress and WooCommerce Memberships. |
| Shortcode Support | Use shortcodes to easily restrict content within posts and pages. |
| User Access Rules | Define granular access rules for different user roles. |
Ease of Use
Content Control is a simple and easy-to-use plugin. While it doesn’t offer membership management features itself, it integrates well with existing membership plugins.
Pricing
Content Control offers a freemium model. The free version provides basic content restriction functionality. The premium plan starts at $39 per year and unlocks additional features like password protection, drip content scheduling, and more advanced access control options.
5- WooCommerce Memberships
WooCommerce Memberships leverages the power of WooCommerce, the leading eCommerce plugin for WordPress, to create membership functionality on your online store. This plugin is ideal if you already use WooCommerce and want to offer exclusive content or discounts to paying members.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Membership Levels | Create membership tiers with varying access to products, categories, downloads, and content. |
| Restricted Products & Content | Restrict access to specific products, categories, downloads, and even blog content. |
| Coupon Codes & Discounts | Offer discounts or exclusive products for members. |
| Integration with WooCommerce | Seamless integration with your existing WooCommerce store for a unified member experience. |
| Subscription Management | Manage recurring subscriptions and member accounts. |
Ease of Use
WooCommerce Memberships leverage the familiar WooCommerce interface, making it easy to set up for users already comfortable with the platform. Member-friendliness is excellent, as members can manage their subscriptions, access exclusive products, and view purchase history within the familiar WooCommerce environment. Payment options are abundant due to WooCommerce’s extensive payment gateway integrations.
Pricing
WooCommerce Memberships is a paid plugin priced at $199 per year. It requires WooCommerce to be installed and activated on your WordPress website.
Conclusion
If I have to pick one Content Restriction Plugin for a WordPress website in 2024, I will choose SUREMEMBERS. Because of its super-optimized code, reliable product eco-system of Astra and Sure products
