BuddyPress vs Simple Membership (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Simple Membership has a higher user rating (4.6/5 from 466 reviews) while BuddyPress leads in active installations (100K+ vs 40K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. BuddyPress has accumulated 13M+ total downloads while Simple Membership has 3.3M+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | BuddyPress | Simple Membership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | ► | 4.6/5 |
| Total Reviews | 375 | ► | 466 |
| Active Installs | 100K+ | ◄ | 40K+ |
| Total Downloads | 13M+ | ◄ | 3.3M+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | 80% | |
| Last Updated | 6 months ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2014 | |
| Age | 17 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.1+ | 6.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | 7.4+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 14.4.0 | 4.7.2 |
Rating Breakdown
BuddyPress
Simple Membership
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, BuddyPress averaged approximately 614 daily downloads while Simple Membership averaged 503.
Recent Reviews
BuddyPress Reviews
Great, magnificent and impeccable plugin. Does exactly what’s described.
Great, magnificent and impeccable plugin. Does exactly what’s described.
Works fine
Not the easiest
needs remade from scratch
This plugin needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch, with a particular focus on redesigning the user interface.
Simple Membership Reviews
Very good plugin for membership levels and control
I have tested various plugins for creating and controlling members in various levels. This is the only plugin which I trust totally. It is very easy to create user groups/levels and users in different
PERFETTO!
Questo plugin è la soluzione perfetta per chi vuole realizzare l’accesso a vari livelli di abbonamento (gratuito ma con registrazione delle credenziali, oppure a pagamento) per i propri utenti: chi
werkt zoals het hoort
Mooie plugin voor een basis login en membership.
More Members Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as BuddyPress and Simple Membership
An addon for the simple membership plugin to configure after login redirection to a specific page based on the member's level.
A simple woocommerce memberships plugin for offering free and premium subscription for your multi-vendor marketplace - WCFM Marketplace, WC Vendors &a …
The most customizable profiles & community builder WordPress plugin with front-end login, registration, profile customization and content restriction.
A free, fast, and friendly way to accept donations and memberships (recurring payments) from your visitors.
Member search and member directories for BuddyPress and the BuddyBoss Platform.
Connect your WordPress site to Patreon and increase your members and pledges!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BuddyPress or Simple Membership more popular?
Which has better ratings — BuddyPress or Simple Membership?
Are BuddyPress and Simple Membership free?
Which plugin has better support — BuddyPress or Simple Membership?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.