Comparing MemberSpace and Thinkific: Features, Pricing, and More
Looking to build a membership site but not sure whether to choose MemberSpace or Thinkific? You’re in the right place. Both platforms offer powerful tools for creating membership experiences, but they serve different needs and business models.
Let’s break down what each platform offers and help you make the right choice for your specific situation.
Quick Overview
| MemberSpace | Thinkific | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Transforms existing websites into membership sites | All-in-one platform for creating and selling online courses |
| Best For | Website owners who want to add membership capabilities | Educators and course creators |
| Integration | Works with WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, etc. | Standalone platform (no integration needed) |
| Starting Price | $29/month | Free plan available, paid plans from $49/month |
MemberSpace: Transform Your Existing Site
MemberSpace takes your existing website and adds membership functionality without requiring you to rebuild anything. Think of it as adding a membership layer to what you’ve already created.
Key Features
- Universal Website Integration: Works with practically any website builder including WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, and Webflow
- Precise Content Control: Choose exactly which pages, posts, or sections require membership access
- Flexible Payment Options: Set up one-time payments, subscriptions, free trials, or payment plans
- Member Management: Monitor member activity and communicate with targeted groups
- Security: Protect your valuable content with robust access controls
MemberSpace excels at turning your existing web presence into a membership business without forcing you to migrate platforms or learn new systems.
It doesn’t try to be everything, but instead focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: adding membership capabilities to websites you’ve already built and love.
When MemberSpace Shines
MemberSpace is the perfect solution when:
- You’ve already invested time and resources in your current website
- You want to maintain your existing branding and design
- You need flexible access control over diverse content types
- You prefer working with familiar tools rather than learning a new platform
Thinkific: Your Course Creation Powerhouse
Thinkific takes a different approach by offering a comprehensive platform specifically designed for creating, marketing, and selling online courses and educational content.
Key Features
- Course Creation Tools: Purpose-built features for structuring lessons, quizzes, and educational content
- Certification Systems: Award completion certificates to students who finish your courses
- Membership Tiers: Create different access levels for various content collections
- Drip Content Delivery: Schedule content releases to keep members engaged over time
- Built-in Marketing Tools: Promote your courses with native sales and marketing features
Worth noting: Unlike MemberSpace, Thinkific isn’t designed to integrate with your existing site—it’s a standalone platform where you build your course business from the ground up.
When Thinkific Excels
Choose Thinkific when:
- Your primary focus is creating and selling educational content
- You want structured learning pathways for your members
- You need specialized tools for tracking student progress
- You prefer an all-in-one solution rather than multiple integrations
Content Delivery: Different Approaches
The platforms differ significantly in how they handle content:
MemberSpace
- Protects your existing content like articles, videos, and downloads
- Gives you control over which specific pages or sections are member-only
- Maintains your current content organization system
Thinkific
- Provides tools specifically for structured course creation
- Excels at organizing content into modules and lessons
- Offers specialized features for educational content delivery like quizzes and assignments
Pricing Breakdown
MemberSpace Pricing
- Starter: $29/month (up to 100 members)
- Growing: $49/month (up to 1,000 members)
- Advanced: $99/month (unlimited members)
Each plan includes core membership features, with higher tiers adding more advanced options and higher member limits.
Thinkific Pricing
- Free: Limited to 1 course, basic features
- Basic: $49/month
- Pro: $99/month
- Premier: $499/month
Higher tiers add features like memberships, certificates, priority support, and advanced customization options.
Making Your Decision
Your choice ultimately comes down to your primary business focus:
- Choose MemberSpace if: You want to monetize your existing website content without rebuilding everything from scratch. It’s ideal for protecting articles, videos, or resources you’ve already created.
- Choose Thinkific if: Your business revolves around structured education, courses, and learning pathways. It’s built specifically for course creators who want powerful tools for teaching.
The Bottom Line
Both platforms are excellent at what they do, but they serve different needs:
- MemberSpace empowers you to monetize content on your existing site
- Thinkific gives you specialized tools for creating and selling educational experiences
Consider your content type, your technical comfort level, and your membership model when making your decision.
If you’re primarily selling access to your expertise through structured courses, Thinkific provides purpose-built tools for that specific goal.
If you want to add membership features to your existing web presence, MemberSpace offers a more flexible solution.
The best platform for you is the one that aligns with your specific business model and content strategy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Happy building!