MemberPress vs. Join It
A leaner alternative to MemberPress
MemberPress is a WordPress plugin for selling courses and paywalled content, billed annually, with renewals at double the first-year price and hosting and updates left to you. Join It is all-in-one membership software, fully hosted: payments, automated renewals, member emails, event registration and Wallet cards, and it still works with your WordPress site.
Clean, modern interface
Transparent pricing
Integrates with the tools you already use
MemberPress vs. Join It
Built to support your workflow, not replace it
Join It offers all the essential membership tools, without forcing you into a closed ecosystem.
Member Timeline
Track key actions across each member’s lifecycle (no CRM degree required).
Useful Integrations
Join It integrates directly with the tools associations use most, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, QuickBooks, plus thousands more through Zapier on every plan.
Custom Checkout Options
Add optional donations, create flexible membership types, and set up one‑time or recurring payments.
Quick, Easy Setup
Get started in minutes. Everything’s self-serve, with fast support if you need help.
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Feature by feature, here’s how it compares
From ease of configuration to total cost of ownership, see why Join It is the smarter, leaner choice.
Join It
Use with your existing website
Join It
Alternative
Custom membership types
Join It
Alternative
Multiple admin access
Join It
Alternative
Custom fields on member profiles
Join It
Alternative
Digital membership cards
Join It
Alternative
Automated renewal emails
Join It
Alternative
Member activity timeline
Join It
Alternative
Event management
Join It
Alternative
Public and private directories
Join It
Alternative
Mailchimp and Zapier integration
Join It
Alternative
Transparent pricing
Join It
Alternative
No onboarding fees
Join It
Alternative
Fast, human support
Join It
Alternative
What sets Join It apart
Membership-first simplicity
Join It
Clean, intuitive, all hosted.
MemberPress
Powerful but requires WordPress, hosting, and maintenance.
All essential features by default
Join It
Digital cards, timelines, integrations included.
MemberPress
Must upgrade or install add-ons for features like LMS, gifting, corporate accounts.
Transparent flat pricing
Join It
$29/month includes everything you need.
MemberPress
Feature gate costs hidden in tiered licensing.
No code, no plugins, no hosting
Join It
Self-serve, no tech stack required.
MemberPress
Requires technical knowledge to manage and troubleshoot.
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Tagline How MemberPress & Join It are alike
Both support membership tiers, subscriptions, coupon codes, automated emails, and member dashboards.
Both support membership tiers, subscriptions, coupon codes, automated emails, and member dashboards.
Both empower you to monetize content, courses, and digital resources.
Both empower you to monetize content, courses, and digital resources.
Both handle self-service subscription management and offer robust member experiences.
Both handle self-service subscription management and offer robust member experiences.
Join It vs MemberPress pricing
Join It
Starting at
$29
/mo
Transparent, inclusive pricing with no hidden tiers
No installation or hosting required
Includes digital cards, core features, and integrations
30-day free trial—no credit card required
Starting at
$179.50
/mo
/yr
Paid tiers range up to ~$399.50/year with additional features
Requires WordPress hosting and manual setup
Add-ons or premium tools may increase complexity and overall cost
What is the best MemberPress alternative for membership management?
Join It is a strong MemberPress alternative for organizations that want hosted membership management software instead of a WordPress plugin. It is designed for associations, nonprofits, clubs, and communities that need to manage members, dues, renewals, events, and engagement without maintaining a WordPress membership stack.
How does Join It compare to MemberPress?
Join It and MemberPress both support memberships, subscriptions, online payments, member dashboards, and automated communication. The main difference is that MemberPress runs inside WordPress, while Join It is a standalone membership management platform.
Should I use Join It or MemberPress if my membership is not centered on WordPress content?
If your membership is mainly about managing people, payments, renewals, events, and member benefits, Join It is usually the better fit. If your membership is mainly about restricting access to WordPress content, courses, or downloads, MemberPress may be more appropriate.
Is Join It a better fit if I don't want to manage WordPress plugins, hosting, or updates?
Yes. Join It is fully hosted, so you do not need to install a WordPress plugin, manage hosting for your membership system, troubleshoot plugin conflicts, or keep a membership plugin updated.
Can Join It work with my existing WordPress website?
Yes. You can use Join It alongside your existing WordPress website by linking to your member portal, embedding membership widgets, and connecting membership workflows without replacing your site.
What member engagement features does Join It offer beyond content protection?
Join It offers member engagement tools that go beyond website access, including digital membership cards, event registration, member check-in, member directories, renewal reminders, and connected member activity records.
How do Join It and MemberPress compare on pricing and total cost?
Join It publishes monthly pricing starting at $29/month, while MemberPress uses annual plugin licensing and may also require WordPress hosting, site maintenance, add-ons, or technical support depending on your setup.
Can I migrate from MemberPress to Join It?
Yes. Organizations can move from MemberPress to Join It by exporting their member records and importing them into Join It's member database, with bulk import included for free on every Join It plan.
Real people. Exceptional support.
Clubs, associations and nonprofits in 40+ countries run their membership on Join It — and tell us about it in public.
“We have tripled our membership since using Join It. All our records are in one place, while automated emails, renewals, payments and receipts save us so much time.”
“I now know of only 2 membership management companies — Join It and others. I'm normally reserved on reviews but this one deserves more than my normal polite comments. Exceptional experience.”
“Join It has rescued us from WildApricot. This company understands the modern world. They integrate with the best technologies. And they excel in service, knowing that's the best way to serve their bottom line.”
Try Join It and see the difference
No pressure. No credit card. Just modern membership software that works the way you do.
MemberPress vs Join It for nonprofits and associations: how to choose
The short answer: Join It suits nonprofits, clubs and associations that need simple, hosted membership software that handles renewals, payments, event registration and member emails in one place, with plans from $29 a month, month to month, and a 30-day free trial with no credit card. MemberPress suits creators selling courses and paid content on a WordPress site, from $199.50 for the first year and $399 a year at renewal on Launch, as of October 2026. Join It suits small associations, chapters and clubs that want a simple all-in-one for membership, renewals, payments, events and member emails that works alongside their existing website, with plans from $29 a month, month to month, and a 30-day free trial with no credit card.
What is MemberPress built for?
MemberPress is a WordPress plugin. MemberPress calls itself "The 'All-In-One' Membership Plugin for WordPress", and its homepage describes MemberPress as "the only WordPress membership plugin built for 7-figure creators".
MemberPress's core features are courses, paywalls, coaching (CoachKit) and community (Circles forums and ClubSuite messaging). Caseproof, LLC owns MemberPress, along with MemberMouse, WishList Member and AccessAlly.
How much does MemberPress cost?
As of October 2026, MemberPress costs $199.50 for the first year on Launch, $349.50 on Growth and $499.50 on Scale, then $399, $699 or $999 a year at renewal. MemberPress bills annually only, and renewals are at full price, so year two costs double year one.
MemberPress has no free trial; MemberPress offers a 14-day money-back guarantee instead. No nonprofit discount is shown on MemberPress's pricing page. WordPress hosting, a theme and maintenance are paid for separately.
Is MemberPress cheaper than Join It?
Not once it renews. MemberPress is sold as an annual license at an introductory price that renews at full price: Launch at $399 a year with a 4.9% transaction fee, and Growth at $699 or Scale at $999 a year with no transaction fee. You also pay for WordPress hosting and upkeep. Join It starts at $29 a month, month to month, fully hosted, with a 1.5% to 3% platform fee and a free trial.
Join It publishes all of its pricing. Plans start at $29 a month on Starter (3% platform fee). Total, at $99 a month (2%), adds digital membership cards, member check-in, a member directory and API access, and Extra, at $199 a month (1.5%), adds custom domains and a dedicated account manager. Plans are month to month, Stripe's processing fees apply, and there are no setup fees. Annual billing saves 10%, and nonprofits get an additional 10% off. See full pricing.
When is Join It the better choice?
Join It is the better choice for nonprofits, clubs and associations that want to run membership, renewals and payments without maintaining a WordPress plugin. Join It is usually the better fit if:
- You don't want to maintain a plugin. MemberPress runs on your WordPress site, so hosting, updates and plugin conflicts are yours to manage. Join It is hosted software, so there is nothing to install or update unless you choose to gate WordPress pages with the MemberAuth plugin.
- You want members to carry their membership on their phone. MemberPress's pricing page lists no digital membership cards or check-in. On Join It's Total plan and above, members get digital membership cards in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, and staff can check members in at the door.
- You want integrations without the top plan. MemberPress includes Zapier and its REST API only on Scale, at $999 a year at renewal. Join It integrates directly with the tools nonprofits and associations use most, such as Mailchimp, Eventbrite, QuickBooks, HubSpot and Salesforce, plus thousands more through Zapier on every plan.
- You want to pay monthly and try before you buy. MemberPress is sold as annual licenses with no free trial. Join It is month to month, with a 30-day free trial and no credit card.
When MemberPress may be the better fit
MemberPress may be a better fit than Join It if:
- You sell courses, coaching or paid content. MemberPress includes courses on every plan, certificates from Growth, and CoachKit and Circles forums from Growth. Join It does not offer courses.
- You need detailed paywalls inside WordPress. MemberPress sets rules per page, post and category, with drip content. Join It gates WordPress pages through the third-party MemberAuth plugin (Total and above), with less content control.
Can I switch from MemberPress to Join It without members re-entering card details?
Yes, if your members pay through Stripe subscriptions in your own Stripe account: Join It's team can bring those subscriptions across, so members won't need to re-enter their card details. Join It's team can do the import on any plan, even during the free trial, and bulk import is free on every Join It plan. Members who pay through PayPal, Square or another processor set up card payments with Stripe when they next renew, so time the move before your main renewal period. Your WordPress site can stay, with members-only pages gated by a Join It login through MemberAuth on Total and above.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Is your website the product you sell, or a front door for a nonprofit, club or association?
- Who will host WordPress and update MemberPress and other plugins, and what does that cost each year?
- What will MemberPress cost in year two, at the full renewal price?
- Do members need a digital card on their phone, or check-in at events?
- How much will members pay each year, and does MemberPress Growth's 0% fee outweigh monthly billing and a free trial?
Join It is trusted by more than 4,000 membership organizations in 40 countries and has processed over $100 million in membership payments since 2016.
Comparing other options? See all Join It alternatives and comparisons.
Last reviewed: October 6, 2026. MemberPress pricing and product details are taken from memberpress.com and may change. Check their current pricing before making a decision.
