Skool is an all-in-one platform for creators. It combines courses, community, and payments at $99 per month.
Discord offers a feature-rich platform with real-time chat and voice calls that are completely free for most users.
Bettermode provides a highly customizable, white-label platform with advanced features and integrations. Starts at $24 per month.
Ever feel like you’re building something awesome online, but nobody’s around to see it?
That’s where online community platforms come in. They’re like a virtual town square where your people can connect.
But with so many platforms out there, how do you pick the right one? 🤔
Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
This post breaks down the 7 best online community platforms in 2024 to help you find the perfect fit.
Whether you’re a business owner, creator, or just someone looking to build a cool space online, we’ll help you find the platform to make your community thrive.
Let’s dive in!
What is the Best Online Community Platform?
Choosing the right platform can create or break your community. It’s where your people connect, share ideas, and feel like they belong.
So, what are the top contenders in 2024? Let’s take a look!
1. Skool
First up is Skool. Think of it like a mix of a community platform and an online course platform.
It’s designed to help creators and businesses build engaged communities, deliver courses, and even sell their stuff. Pretty cool, right?
Our Take
It's super user-friendly and perfect for creators who want to build a community around their courses. The price is right, too.
Key Benefits
Skool really shines when it comes to building a tight-knit community and monetizing your knowledge. They claim to have helped over 4,000 creators grow their communities and generate revenue.
- All-in-one platform: Courses, community, and payments all in one place.
- Simple and focused: No distractions for your members.
- Built-in live streaming: Connect with your community in real time.
- Gamification: Increase engagement with leaderboards and challenges.
- Great support: Get help when you need it.
Pricing
Skool offers a straightforward pricing structure:
- Starts at $99 per month: This gives you access to all features.
Pros
Cons
2. Mighty Network
Next, we have Mighty Networks. This platform is all about building your own branded community space.
You can customize it to match the vibe and make it feel like home for your members.
Our Take
It's a solid platform with a strong focus on community and branding. The mobile experience is top-notch. However, it can get pricey if you need all the bells and whistles.
Key Benefits
Mighty Networks is known for its mobile-first approach & its ability to create a truly unique community experience. They report that their customers see an average of 40% member engagement each month. That's impressive!
- Branded app: Get your own community app (on higher plans).
- Customizable spaces: Design your community to match your brand.
- Multiple content types: Host courses, events, and memberships.
- Strong focus on community: Features designed to foster connection.
- Good for mobile: Perfect for communities on the go.
Pricing
Mighty Networks has a few different pricing tiers:
- The Community Plan starts at $49/month: This gives you the basics.
- The Courses Plan starts at $119 per month: This unlocks more features like online courses and live streaming.
- The Business Plan starts at $219 per month: This unlocks more features SSo & Auto generated Polls.
- The Path-to-Pro starts at $360 per month: This is for larger communities with more advanced needs.
Pros
Cons
3. Circle
Circle is a popular choice for creators and businesses who want a dedicated space for their community.
It's known for its clean design and focus on conversations.
Our Take
It's a fantastic platform for building a thriving community, especially if you value focused discussions and a clean aesthetic.
Key Benefits
Circle prides itself on fostering deeper connections and providing a distraction-free environment. They have a proven track record, powering communities for big names like Adobe, ConvertKit, and Teachable.
- Clean and organized: Easy to navigate and find what you need.
- Spaces for different topics: Keep conversations focused.
- Rich member profiles: Get to know your members better.
- Events and live streams: Host engaging online gatherings.
- Integrations: Connect with your favorite tools.
Pricing
Circle offers a 14-day free trial and three main pricing plans:
- Basic Plan starts at $49 per month: This is good for getting started.
- Professional Plan starts at $99 per month: This unlocks more features and integrations.
- Business Plan starts at $219 per month: This unlocks everything in Professional Plus.
- Enterprise Plan tarts at $399 per month: This is for large organizations with specific needs.
Pros
Cons
4. Discord
Discord might be known for gaming, but it's becoming a very popular choice for all sorts of communities.
It's free to use and offers a ton of features.
Our Take
It's a powerful platform with a lot to offer, especially if you need real-time communication. However, it can take some time to get the hang of it, and it might not be the best fit for everyone.
Key Benefits
Discord's strength lies in its real-time communication features and its ability to cater to large communities. They boast over 150 million monthly active users.
- Free to use: Get started without any cost.
- Real-time chat: Connect with your community instantly.
- Voice and video calls: Host meetings and hangouts.
- Highly customizable: Make your server your own.
- Large community support: Plenty of resources and help available.
Pricing
- Free: Most features are available for free.
- Nitro: Optional paid plan for enhanced perks (starting at $9.99 per month).
Pros
Cons
5. Bettermode
Bettermode is a versatile platform that lets you build a customized community experience.
It's a good option for businesses and creators who want more control over their branding and features.
Our Take
It's a powerful platform with a lot of flexibility, but it might be overkill for smaller communities or those who don't need a high degree of customization.
Key Benefits
Bettermode focuses on flexibility and customization. They enable you to create a community that truly reflects your brand & caters to your specific needs.
- White-label solution: Make it your own with custom branding.
- Flexible design: Control the look and feel of your community.
- Gamification: Boost engagement with points and rewards.
- Integrations: Connect with your existing tools.
- API access: This is for advanced customization and integrations.
Pricing
Bettermode offers a free plan and three paid plans:
- Lite Plan starts at $24 per month: This is for small communities.
- Pro Plan starts at $59 per month: This unlocks more features and customization options.
- Business Plan starts at $119 per month: This is for large organizations with advanced requirements.
Pros
Cons
6. Facebook Groups
You probably already know about Facebook Groups.
They're free and easy to use, making them a popular choice for many communities.
Our Take
They're a good option for getting started, but they lack the features and customization of dedicated community platforms.
Key Benefits
Facebook Groups benefit from Facebook's massive existing user base. They are easily accessible and familiar to most people.
- Free and easy to use: No cost and no learning curve.
- Huge audience: Tap into Facebook's billions of users.
- Familiar interface: Everyone knows how to use Facebook.
- Built-in features: Events, live streams, polls, and more.
- Mobile friendly: Access your community on the go.
Pricing
- Free: Facebook Groups are free to create and use.
Pros
Cons
7. Slack
Slack is often used for workplace communication, but it can also be used to build communities.
It's known for its real-time messaging and collaboration features.
Our Take
It's a great tool for communication and collaboration, but it's not designed specifically for fostering a strong sense of community.
Key Benefits
Slack excels at facilitating communication and collaboration within teams and communities. It's a robust platform with a wide range of features.
- Real-time messaging: Stay connected with your community.
- Channels for different topics: Organize conversations effectively.
- File sharing and collaboration: Work together on projects.
- Integrations: Connect with your favorite tools.
- Mobile app: Access your community from anywhere.
Pricing
Slack offers a free plan & three paid plans:
- Free: Basic features for small teams.
- Pro: Starts at $4.38/user per month.
- Business+: Starts at $15/user per month.
- Enterprise Grid: Custom pricing for large organizations.
Pros
Cons
What to Look for in an Online Community Platform?
- Purpose: What do you want your community to achieve?
- Features: Does it have the tools you need (e.g., live streaming, courses, direct messaging)?
- Ease of use: Is it intuitive for both you and your members?
- Integrations: Does it connect with the other tools you use?
- Pricing: Does it fit your budget?
- Support: Do they offer good customer support?
- Scalability: Can it grow with your community?
How Can Online Community Platforms Change Your Game?
Online community platforms aren't just about bringing people together; they can be a real game-changer for your business or project.
They can boost your audience engagement, create a loyal following, and even drive sales.
Think of it as your own dedicated space where you can share valuable content, get feedback, and build deeper relationships with your audience.
Plus, a strong community can become a powerful marketing tool.
Happy members are more likely to spread the word and attract new people to your brand. It's like having a team of advocates working for you 24/7!
Buyers Guide
To find the best online community platforms, we took a deep dive into what matters most to community builders and their community members.
Here's how we approached our research:
- Keyword Research: We started by identifying relevant keywords to understand what people are searching for when looking for online communities. This included terms like "right online community platform," "community management," "community engagement," and how platforms integrate with social media platforms.
- Platform Exploration: We explored a wide range of platforms, from well-known names to up-and-coming options. We signed up for accounts, tested features, and evaluated the overall user experience.
- Feature Analysis: We compared the core features of each platform, looking at things like communication tools, customization options, and integrations. We considered how these features contribute to community engagement and growth.
- Pricing Evaluation: We analyzed the pricing structure of each platform, considering value for money and different plan options.
- Community Feedback: We looked at reviews, testimonials, and case studies to understand how real users experience each platform.
- Support Assessment: We investigated the support resources available for each platform, including documentation, FAQs, and customer support channels.
When doing our research to find the great product, we determined using these factors:
- Pricing: How much did one product cost?
- Features: What were the best features of one product?
- Negatives: What was missing from each product?
- Support or refund: Do they offer a community, support, or refund policy?
Wrapping Up
That's a wrap on our tour of the seven best online community platforms in 2024!
As you can see, there's a platform out there for every type of community builder, whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting.
Always remember, the key is to choose a platform that simply aligns with your goals, budget, and the needs of your community.
Take some advantage of free trials & explore different options before making your final decision.
With the right platform, you'll be well on the way to building a thriving online community. Happy connecting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable online community platform?
Discord is a great option if you're on a tight budget, as it offers a robust free plan with many features. Facebook Groups are also free and easy to get started with.
Which platform is best for beginners?
Skool and Facebook Groups are both very user-friendly & easy to navigate, making them ideal for the beginners.
Can I use these platforms to sell products or courses?
Yes! Platforms like Skool, Mighty Networks, and Circle have built-in features for selling digital products, courses, and memberships.
How important is customization when choosing a platform?
Customization allows you to make a unique brand experience for your community. Platforms like Mighty Networks and Tribe offer extensive customization options.
What if I need help with my community platform?
Most platforms offer support resources like documentation, FAQs, and email support. Some, like Skool, are known for their excellent customer support.
