Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro) is a flexible membership framework with a large add-on ecosystem.
Members Only is a focused membership plugin built for simple Stripe-first memberships and paywalls.
If you’re comparing these two, it usually means you want recurring revenue — but you’re deciding whether you want:
- a toolkit you assemble, or
- a focused tool you deploy
Quick verdict
Choose Members Only if:
- You want a simple membership that unlocks access
- You want fewer moving parts and fewer add-ons
- You want a “keep it fast, keep it simple” setup
Choose PMPro if:
- You need lots of membership levels and workflows
- You want a big ecosystem of add-ons and integrations
- You expect your membership model to evolve into something complex
The real difference: “scalpel” vs “toolbox”
Members Only is opinionated
Opinionated tools convert because they remove choice paralysis.
If you’re selling one membership, you don’t need 40 knobs.
PMPro is flexible
PMPro is great when you:
- have unusual requirements
- expect lots of integrations
- want to build a custom membership machine
But flexibility can also mean:
- more add-ons
- more configuration
- more places things can break
Feature comparison checklist
| Need / Preference | Members Only | Paid Memberships Pro |
|---|---|---|
| One clear membership | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Yes |
| Multiple membership levels | ⚠️ Not the focus | ✅ Core |
| Add-on ecosystem | ⚠️ Small by design | ✅ Large |
| Stripe support | ✅ Stripe-first | ✅ Yes |
| Coupons / promo tooling | ⚠️ Minimal | ✅ Common |
| Best for paywalls | ✅ Strong | ✅ Possible, more setup |
Where Members Only wins
1) Faster implementation
If you want revenue now, choose the tool that gets you live with fewer decisions.
2) Simpler maintenance
Fewer add-ons means fewer compatibility headaches over time.
3) Better fit for paywalls and “one membership” sites
If your membership model is “subscribe to unlock,” PMPro can do it — but it’s often more framework than you need.
Where PMPro wins
1) Your site is going to get complex
If you expect:
- multiple tiers
- bundles
- discounting
- deep integrations
PMPro is built for that style of business.
2) You want a “platform” approach
PMPro shines when you treat memberships like a full product stack.
FAQ
Is PMPro “better” than Members Only?
Not in the way most people mean.
PMPro is better for complex membership businesses.
Members Only is better for simple paywalls and Stripe-first subscriptions.
What if I’m not sure whether I’ll need advanced features later?
Start with the simplest model that fits your business now.
Many membership sites never need the complexity they assumed they’d grow into.
Want the simplest path to paid access?
If your goal is to launch quickly with a clean Stripe-first membership: