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.
Are you tired of online community platforms that feel like a ghost town?
What if I told you there’s a better way?
A way to build a thriving online community where members are engaged, connected, and actually participate?
In this post, we’ll explore the 7 best Skool alternatives that can breathe life into your online community.
So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
Unlock the community with Skool. For $77 per month, get unlimited courses, no transaction fees, and tools to build a thriving online community. Start building today.
What is the Best Skool Alternative?
Choosing the right platform could make or break your online community.
You need a space that fosters engagement and has all the features you need to succeed.
Let’s look at some top-notch Skool alternatives that can take your community to the next level.
1. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that simplifies creating, marketing, and selling online courses and memberships.
It streamlines the process, so you can focus on delivering valuable content to your audience.
Think of it as your digital storefront, where you can showcase your expertise and build a thriving online business.
Our Take
Kajabi is a powerful platform for creators looking to build and scale their online business. Its comprehensive features and marketing tools are a major plus.
Key Benefits
Kajabi stands out for its comprehensive suite of features, covering everything from course creation to email marketing and sales funnels. It's designed to help you build a successful online business, with a focus on automation and growth.
- Community features: Built-in community features for discussions and engagement
- Course creation tools: Robust course builder with various content types and assessments
- Integrations: Integrates with popular marketing and business tools
- Customization: Customizable website themes and landing pages
- Support: Live chat, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base
- Mobile app: Kajabi app for accessing courses and community on the go
Pricing
Kajabi offers a 14-day free trial, and paid plans start at $149 per month for their Basic plan.
- Kickstarter: $69/month for 50 landing pages
- Basic: $149/month for Unlimited landing pages
- Growth: $199/month for Unlimited landing pages
- Pro: $399/month for Unlimited landing pages
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
Buyers Guide
To find the best Skool alternatives, we dug deep to bring you the most comprehensive comparison. Here's how we approached our research:
- Product Exploration: We explored a wide range of community platforms, focusing on those that offered key community-building features and catered to online learning communities. We prioritized modern community platforms that provide full-feature access on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Feature Analysis: We analyzed each online learning platform to see how easy they were to use, how they handled membership site management, and what communication platform features they offered. We looked at how well they could support a diverse and international audience and whether they provided a comprehensive platform experience.
- Pricing Comparison: We evaluated the pricing of each product, examining different plans and what you get for your money.
- User Reviews: We scoured user reviews to get firsthand perspectives on the pros & cons of each platform.
- Support and Refund Policies: We checked out the support options and refund policies to ensure you're covered if you run into problems.
By combining in-depth analysis with real-world feedback, we've created a guide that helps you to choose the perfect Skool alternative for your needs.
Wrapping Up
That's a wrap on our exploration of the best Skool alternatives!
We've covered a lot of ground, from community platforms that prioritize engagement to online learning platforms that make teaching a breeze.
Remember it, the best platform for you depends on your specific needs and goals.
Whether you're looking for a modern community platform to connect with your audience or an online learning community to share your knowledge, there's an option out there for you.
We've done the heavy lifting by researching and comparing these platforms.
Now it's your turn to choose the one that fits your vision and build a thriving online space!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I look for a Skool alternative?
You might seek a Skool alternative if you need different features, a more flexible price point, or a platform with specific integrations that Skool doesn't offer.
What are the most important features to consider in a Skool alternative?
Prioritize features that align with your needs. Consider community engagement tools, course creation capabilities, customization options, and integrations with other platforms you use.
Are there any free Skool alternatives?
Yes! Discord and Facebook Groups offer free plans with robust community features. However, they may have limitations compared to paid platforms.
Can I migrate my existing community from Skool to another platform?
Migrating your community can be tricky. Check if the new platform offers import tools or support for migrating content from Skool.
What's the best way for me to choose the right Skool alternative?
Consider your budget, community size, desired features, and technical expertise. Most platforms offer free trials, so experiment before committing!
