Restrict Content Pro (RCP) is a classic membership plugin built around membership levels and restriction rules.
Members Only is built around a simpler model: member / not a member, with a Stripe-first flow.
If you’ve narrowed it down to these two, you’re probably building a membership site — but you’re deciding how complex it needs to be.
Quick verdict
Choose Members Only if:
- You want a simple paywall-style membership
- You don’t want to design a tier system
- You want fast setup + low admin overhead
Choose RCP if:
- You need multiple membership levels
- Your access rules depend on those levels
- You want more classic membership tooling out of the box
The real difference: “levels” vs “membership”
Members Only: one membership concept
This is perfect for:
- paywalls
- creator memberships
- portals and private docs
- “subscribe to unlock everything”
It reduces complexity for both you and your members.
RCP: membership levels as a core building block
This is perfect for:
- Bronze/Silver/Gold tiers
- different content per level
- structured membership catalogs
- more complex access matrices
Feature comparison checklist
| Need / Preference | Members Only | Restrict Content Pro |
|---|---|---|
| One clear membership | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple membership levels | ⚠️ Not the focus | ✅ Core feature |
| Lots of restriction combinations | ⚠️ Keep it simple | ✅ Strong |
| Stripe support | ✅ Stripe-first | ✅ Yes |
| Coupons/discount codes | ⚠️ Minimal | ✅ Common |
| Best for paywalls | ✅ Strong | ✅ Possible, more setup |
Where Members Only wins (and why it matters)
1) Speed to launch
If you’re trying to start collecting revenue quickly, fewer choices is a feature.
Members Only gets you to “paid access” fast.
2) Lower support load
Simple membership models reduce:
- “Which tier am I?”
- “Why can’t I access this page?”
- “I thought my plan included X”
3) Cleaner mental model for your visitors
For paywalls and creator sites, the conversion path is clearer when the offer is simple.
Where RCP wins (and why it matters)
1) If levels are non-negotiable
If you already know you need levels, build with a level-based plugin.
2) If your restrictions are complex
If content access depends on lots of factors, you’ll appreciate the flexibility.
FAQ
Is Members Only a good choice if I want multiple tiers later?
If tiers are clearly on the roadmap, start with RCP.
If “one paid tier” is your likely reality, start with Members Only and keep it simple.
Can I use Members Only as a paywall?
Yes — that’s one of the best fits.
Ready to run a simpler membership?
If you want paywall-style access without designing a tier system: