MemberPress Lifetime Deal – Best Offers & Pricing (2026)

Current MemberPress Pricing Structure (2026)

Let's be honest – understanding exactly what you'll pay is crucial before committing to any membership plugin. Here's the complete breakdown of MemberPress pricing in 2026.

What's Included in Each Plan?

You might be wondering what you actually get with each tier. Here's the breakdown:

Basic Plan ($179/year): Perfect for simple membership sites. You get unlimited members, content protection, payment gateway integration, and basic reporting. It includes essential add-ons like courses, corporate accounts, and developer tools.

Plus Plan ($299/year): Steps up with additional integrations for email marketing services, learning management features, and advanced member management tools. This tier is ideal if you're building a more sophisticated membership business.

Pro Plan ($399/year): The complete package with every available add-on, including advanced automation, affiliate integration, and priority support. Best for agencies or serious membership businesses.

Why MemberPress Doesn't Offer Lifetime Deals

This is the question everyone asks. Why can't you just pay once and own it forever?

MemberPress has been transparent about this. Unlike simple plugins that solve one problem and rarely need updates, MemberPress is a complex platform. It needs constant development to keep up with WordPress updates, payment gateway changes, security patches, and new features.

Think about it this way: Would you rather have a plugin that costs less upfront but becomes outdated and unsupported, or one that stays current with annual updates? The subscription model ensures you always have the latest security patches and features.

The Hidden Costs of "Lifetime" Deals

Let's be real about lifetime deals from any software company. What usually happens?

• Company sells lifetime licenses to generate quick cash
• Development slows down because recurring revenue disappears
• Support quality declines as the team shrinks
• Eventually, they launch a "new version" that isn't covered by your lifetime license
• You end up paying again anyway

MemberPress avoids this cycle by being upfront about their subscription model.

Best Ways to Save on MemberPress in 2026

Just because there's no official MemberPress lifetime deal doesn't mean you can't save money. Here are legitimate ways to reduce your costs:

1. Watch for Seasonal Discounts

MemberPress occasionally runs promotions during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other major sales events. Discounts typically range from 25% to 40% off annual plans.

Sign up for their email list to get notified about these sales. A 35% discount on the Pro plan brings it down from $399 to about $260 – that's significant savings.

2. Start with the Basic Plan

Don't overspend on features you don't need yet. Most new membership sites can start with the Basic plan and upgrade later when their business grows.

You can always upgrade mid-year and MemberPress will prorate the difference. This lets you test the waters without committing to the expensive plans immediately.

3. Use Annual Billing

While MemberPress only offers annual billing (no monthly option), this actually saves you money compared to potential monthly plans. You're essentially getting 2 months free compared to what a monthly rate would be.

4. Add Extra Sites Affordably

Need MemberPress on multiple sites? Instead of buying multiple full licenses, you can add additional site licenses for just $49/year each. This applies to any plan level.

For example, if you need 3 sites on the Basic plan, you'd pay $179 + ($49 × 2) = $277/year total instead of $537/year for three separate licenses.

Alternatives to MemberPress Lifetime Deals

If the annual subscription model doesn't work for you, consider these alternatives that offer different pricing structures:

1. GPL Club Memberships (Use with Caution)

Some websites offer GPL versions of premium plugins including MemberPress for a flat fee or membership. These are technically legal since WordPress plugins are GPL-licensed.

The catch? You won't get official updates, support, or access to new features. Security patches might be delayed. Use this option only if you're technically skilled and understand the risks.

2. Paid Memberships Pro (Free Core)

Paid Memberships Pro offers a robust free core plugin with paid add-ons. You can start completely free and only pay for specific features you need. Total costs might be less than MemberPress if you need limited functionality.

3. WooCommerce Memberships

If you're already using WooCommerce, their Memberships extension costs $199/year for a single site. It integrates seamlessly with your existing WooCommerce setup.

4. Restrict Content Pro

A simpler, more affordable alternative at $99/year for the Personal plan. It lacks some of MemberPress's advanced features but works well for basic membership sites.

Plugin	Starting Price	Lifetime Option?	Best For
MemberPress	$179/year	✗	Full-featured membership sites
Paid Memberships Pro	Free (add-ons extra)	✗	Budget-conscious users
Restrict Content Pro	$99/year	✗	Simple membership sites
WooCommerce Memberships	$199/year	✗	WooCommerce stores

Is MemberPress Worth the Annual Cost?

This is the real question, right? Should you spend $179-399/year on a membership plugin?

Here's how to think about it: If your membership site generates revenue, MemberPress pays for itself quickly. Let's do the math:

• Basic plan costs $179/year = $14.92/month
• If you charge just $20/month for membership, you need 1 paying member to cover costs
• With 10 members at $20/month = $2,400/year revenue (minus $179 = $2,221 profit)
• With 50 members = $12,000/year revenue (minus $179 = $11,821 profit)

From this perspective, the annual fee is minimal compared to the revenue potential. The question isn't whether you can afford MemberPress – it's whether you can afford to use an inferior plugin that limits your growth.

When MemberPress Makes Sense

You should seriously consider MemberPress if:

• You're running or planning a membership site as a business (not a hobby)
• You need reliable, well-supported software
• You want access to ongoing updates and new features
• You value quality support when issues arise
• Your membership site will generate revenue that justifies the cost

When to Look Elsewhere

MemberPress might not be ideal if:

• You're running a completely free community with no monetization
• Your budget is extremely tight and you're just testing an idea
• You need only basic content restriction (a simple plugin might suffice)
• You're uncomfortable with recurring subscription costs

What About Past Lifetime Deals?

You might have heard rumors about MemberPress lifetime deals on platforms like AppSumo or other deal sites. Here's what actually happened:

MemberPress has never officially offered a lifetime deal through AppSumo or similar platforms. Some people confuse this with other membership plugins that have appeared on deal sites.

Occasionally, you'll see third-party sites advertising "lifetime" access to MemberPress, but these are typically GPL clubs or unauthorized resellers. They're selling access to the plugin files, not official licenses with support and updates.

How to Get Started with MemberPress

Ready to move forward despite the lack of a lifetime deal? Here's how to start smart:

Step 1: Start with a Trial Mindset

MemberPress offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. This essentially functions as a trial period. Purchase the Basic plan, test it thoroughly, and request a refund if it doesn't meet your needs.

Step 2: Plan Your Membership Structure First

Before buying any plugin, outline your membership tiers, pricing, and content strategy. This helps you choose the right MemberPress plan and avoid paying for features you won't use.

Step 3: Calculate Your Break-Even Point

How many members do you need to cover the annual cost? How long will it take to reach that number? If your break-even is 1-2 months of membership sales, the investment makes sense.

Step 4: Set Up Properly from Day One

MemberPress offers excellent documentation and tutorials. Invest time in learning the platform thoroughly so you can maximize its features without needing paid consultants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on MemberPress Pricing in 2026

The truth about the MemberPress lifetime deal is simple: it doesn't exist, and that's probably a good thing. While lifetime deals sound appealing, they often lead to abandoned software and poor support.

MemberPress's annual subscription model, starting at $179/year, ensures you're always running secure, updated software with access to quality support. For a membership site that generates revenue, this cost is minimal and easily justified.

If the annual subscription doesn't fit your budget right now, consider starting with a free alternative like Paid Memberships Pro's core plugin, or wait for MemberPress seasonal sales where you can save 25-40%.

Whatever you decide, base your choice on realistic projections of your membership site's revenue potential. If you expect to build a real business, investing in quality software from day one saves headaches and wasted time down the road.

The best "deal" isn't always the cheapest upfront cost – it's the solution that helps you build a profitable membership business efficiently. For most serious membership site owners, that solution is MemberPress, annual subscription and all.