What’s the difference between a subscription and a membership?

A subscription is a recurring payment for a product or service delivered over time. You pay weekly, monthly, or yearly, and access continues while payments stay active. Examples include a monthly coffee delivery or software plan. A membership is access to a club, community, or gated content with member benefits. It may be recurring or one-time, but it focuses on access, perks, and rules. Examples include VIP content, discounts, courses, or member-only support. In WooCommerce, Subscriptions manages recurring billing and renewals. Memberships control who can access content, products, or pricing. Many stores use both together for the best results.