8+ Best Online Community Platforms

Building a thriving online community is one of the most effective ways to connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and foster meaningful engagement. Whether you’re running an online course, launching a business, or simply creating a space to bring people together, the right online community platform can make all the difference.

The success of your community largely depends on the platform you choose. With a variety of options available, selecting the ideal one can seem daunting. In this guide, we explore the best online community platforms that help you make an informed decision for your specific needs—whether you’re looking for a free online community platform or a comprehensive premium solution.

Let’s dive into 8+ Best Online Community Platforms and select the right online community platform to build, grow, and engage your community effortlessly.

1. Mighty Networks

Learn More

Mighty Networks is a standout in the world of online community platforms. Known for its robust set of features, it allows you to create communities with ease, thanks to its strong focus on user engagement solutions. This platform is designed to support a variety of use cases, from online courses to business communities. Mighty Networks offers powerful tools for live streaming, creating discussion groups, and engaging members in real-time, making it one of the best online community platforms available.

Key Features:

• Live streaming and webinars to connect with members in real-time.
  
• Gamification tools, polls, and leaderboards to encourage member interaction.
  
• Multiple membership tiers and content monetization options, offering flexibility in how you engage with and reward your community.
  
• Customizable spaces to cater to specific niche needs.
  

Best For:

Mighty Networks is ideal for medium-sized communities, event organizers, and businesses looking to combine community-building efforts with content monetization.

Pricing:

Plans start at $33/month for the basic version, with premium plans offering more advanced features.

2. Circle

Learn More

Circle is another top-tier online community software platform that simplifies community management. It is particularly designed for users who want a blend of broad topic discussion spaces and more focused, niche groupings. The platform supports personalization and seamless member interaction, making it easier to foster strong community engagement.

Key Features:

• Organized spaces and groups that allow for diverse discussion topics and group activities.
  
• Personalized member profiles to enhance user interaction and engagement.
  
• Live video sessions, direct messaging, and interactive discussions to bring the community together.
  
• Advanced customization features that allow brands to tailor the platform to their needs.
  

Best For:

Circle is perfect for those seeking a platform with live event capabilities, customizable branding options, and powerful community management tools.

Pricing:

Starts at $39/month for the basic plan.

3. Podia

Learn More

Podia serves as an all-in-one platform designed for community building, primarily around online courses and digital products. It provides an easy-to-use interface that allows course creators to build communities, offer memberships, and share exclusive content all in one place. The platform is particularly helpful for educators who wish to integrate their community with learning content and discussions.

Key Features:

• Community memberships tied to courses or digital products for seamless engagement.
  
• Member profiles, direct messaging, and an interactive community feed to keep users engaged.
  
• A clean, responsive design that works well across devices.
  

Best For:

Podia is best for course creators and digital product sellers who want a straightforward platform with integrated e-commerce capabilities and community engagement features.

Pricing:

Plans begin at $39/month, with additional features available in higher-tier plans.

4. Thinkific

Learn More

Thinkific, primarily known for its online course creation features, also includes powerful community management tools. It allows course creators to build integrated communities that foster student interaction and collaborative learning. Thinkific’s customization and community tools work together to ensure active participation and engagement from members.

Key Features:

• Custom-branded communities designed to match the educator’s vision.
  
• Integrated course builder that includes features like private groups and discussion forums.
  
• Activity feeds, private messaging, and engagement tools to encourage user interaction.
  

Best For:

Thinkific is perfect for educators and course creators looking to build a dedicated learning community with the tools to foster member interaction.

Pricing:

Starts at $49/month for the basic plan.

5. MemberPress

Learn More

MemberPress is a leading WordPress plugin that turns your website into a fully-functional online community platform. With a strong focus on creating membership sites, it offers a host of features that allow you to build multiple membership tiers, create private forums, and implement content access controls. The platform’s built-in user engagement solutions make it easy to manage your community effectively.

Key Features:

• Membership tiers with varied access levels to create exclusive areas for members.
  
• Private forums and member directories for enhanced member interaction.
  
• Drip content feature that releases content over time to keep members engaged.
  

Best For:

Ideal for existing membership site owners who want to expand into community-building and manage member interactions effectively.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $179/year.

6. BuddyPress

BuddyPress is a free online community platform plugin designed for WordPress users. It allows you to add social networking features to your WordPress site, creating a fully functional community with features such as user profiles, groups, and activity feeds. It’s a great option for those on a budget who want to add community functionality to an existing website.

Learn More

Key Features:

• Profile creation and friend connections to build stronger member relationships.
  
• Real-time notifications and messaging for active communication.
  
• Activity feeds and private groups that keep your community organized and engaged.
  

Best For:

Perfect for those who want to create a social community on their WordPress site without the upfront costs of other platforms.

Pricing:

Free (though premium themes and plugins may incur additional costs).

7. MemberMouse

Learn More

MemberMouse is a flexible WordPress membership plugin that provides tools for managing memberships and building a private online community. It’s an excellent solution for those who want to create a members-only space while ensuring high levels of member engagement and control over content access.

Key Features:

• Membership levels with varying content restrictions to create personalized access.
  
• Drip content functionality that releases content gradually, keeping users engaged over time.
  
• Affiliate tracking and promotional codes for increased interaction and growth.
  

Best For:

Great for hobbyists, gamers, or anyone looking for a customizable, membership-focused online community platform.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29.95/month.

8. Discord

Learn More

Discord is a widely popular free online community platform, originally designed for gamers but now used by various types of communities. It enables real-time communication via text, voice, and video, making it an excellent option for those who need a free, versatile space to engage with members.

Key Features:

• Real-time text, voice, and video communication to facilitate immediate interaction.
  
• Customizable channels for focused discussions.
  
• Community moderation tools and bots to ensure smooth management of discussions.
  

Best For:

Discord is a top choice for gamers, hobbyists, or anyone seeking a free, no-cost platform to engage with their community.

Pricing:

Free, with optional paid upgrades through Discord Nitro for additional features.

Why Choosing the Right Online Community Platform Matters

The online community platform you select has a direct impact on the level of engagement, member interaction, and overall success of your community. Community engagement tools such as live events, polls, member profiles, and gamification features help foster a deeper connection among members, while effective community management tools ensure that interactions are streamlined and organized.

Platforms such as Discord offer a free starting point for smaller communities, while others like Mighty Networks provide more comprehensive, feature-rich tools for businesses or large-scale communities looking to monetize their content or create highly interactive environments. Customizing your platform to meet the specific needs of your members is essential for maintaining a thriving, engaged community.

Conclusion

The right online community platform can help you build and grow a successful online community. Whether you choose advanced platforms like Mighty Networks or more budget-friendly options like BuddyPress, there is a solution for every need. By considering your specific goals—whether it’s monetization, course creation, or simply fostering strong member engagement—you can find the platform that will enable you to create the perfect environment for your community. Engage with your members, promote active discussions, and leverage the right tools to ensure your community flourishes.

FAQs About Online Community Platforms

Read more: 6 Best LMS Platforms for Nonprofits