Online community platforms have become essential for businesses of all sizes. They’re not just tools for connecting people but powerful solutions for fostering relationships, sharing knowledge, and driving engagement. For small businesses, these platforms offer an affordable way to build a loyal customer base, gain valuable feedback, and even create additional revenue streams through memberships or exclusive content.
Whether you’re starting a niche interest group, creating a support community for your brand, or hosting virtual events, the right online community platform can make a world of difference. It allows you to centralize conversations, offer resources, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a platform that aligns with your goals and technical capabilities.
In this post, we’ll explore the 10 best online community platforms of 2025, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make the right choice.
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1. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is an all-in-one platform designed to help you create and grow thriving online communities. It’s perfect for creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses looking to host courses, events, and discussions in one place.
Features
- Build customizable community spaces with dedicated groups and topics.
- Offer paid memberships or subscription plans for exclusive content.
- Host live events and virtual meetups directly on the platform.
- Create and sell online courses seamlessly.
- Mobile apps included for Android and iOS for easy access.
Pros
- All-in-one solution for community, courses, and events.
- Intuitive interface with easy-to-use customization options.
- Built-in monetization tools for paid memberships and courses.
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small startups.
- Limited design flexibility compared to standalone websites.
- Advanced analytics require a higher-tier plan.
Pricing
- Free plan available with limited features.
- Paid plans start at $39/month.
Learn More about Mighty Networks
2. Discord
Originally built for gamers, Discord has evolved into a versatile community platform for businesses, creators, and niche groups. Its chat-based format encourages real-time engagement.
Features
- Create multiple channels for organized conversations.
- Voice, video, and text communication options.
- Integration with bots for automation and moderation.
- Unlimited member capacity for growing communities.
- Mobile and desktop apps for seamless access.
Pros
- Completely free for basic use.
- Highly interactive with real-time communication features.
- Easy to set up and manage, even for beginners.
Cons
- Interface may feel cluttered for large communities.
- Limited tools for monetization or professional branding.
- Customization options are restricted to Discord’s structure.
Pricing
- Free for basic use.
- Nitro plans start at $9.99/month for additional features.
3. Circle
Circle is a sleek and professional community platform that integrates well with other tools, making it ideal for coaches, creators, and small businesses.
Features
- Create structured spaces for topics, discussions, and events.
- Seamless integration with popular tools like Zapier and Mailchimp.
- Customizable design to match your brand identity.
- Built-in analytics to track community engagement.
- Mobile app support for on-the-go access.
Pros
- Clean and professional design suitable for business branding.
- Strong integrations with third-party tools.
- Easy to set up and scale for growing communities.
Cons
- No built-in monetization features.
- Higher pricing for advanced features.
- Limited support for multimedia content like videos.
Pricing
- Starts at $39/month for basic plans.
4. Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups remains a popular and free option for small businesses looking to build a community on a platform where users are already active.
Features
- Easy setup with options for public, private, or secret groups.
- Built-in tools for polls, events, and announcements.
- Integration with Facebook Pages for seamless audience building.
- Automatic notifications for members to keep them engaged.
- Completely free to use.
Pros
- Free and familiar to most users.
- No need to redirect users to a new platform.
- Great for leveraging Facebook’s existing ecosystem.
Cons
- Limited control over branding and design.
- Facebook algorithms may affect visibility.
- Dependent on a third-party platform with frequent changes.
Pricing
- Free to use.
Learn More about Facebook Groups
5. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for online businesses that combines community building, course creation, and marketing tools.
Features
- Create private communities within your course or membership site.
- Advanced marketing tools, including email campaigns and landing pages.
- Integrated course creation tools for selling content.
- Custom branding options for a professional look.
- Comprehensive analytics for business growth.
Pros
- Perfect for combining community and online courses.
- Robust marketing and sales tools.
- Professional and customizable design options.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other community-focused platforms.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Primarily geared toward course creators, limiting general use.
Pricing
- Plans start at $149/month.
6. Slack
Slack is a collaboration tool often used by businesses, but it also works well for niche communities and professional networks.
Features
- Organize conversations with channels and threads.
- Seamless integration with tools like Google Drive and Trello.
- Real-time messaging and video calling.
- Searchable message history for easy access to past conversations.
- Mobile and desktop apps for accessibility.
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface.
- Excellent for professional or work-based communities.
- Highly secure with enterprise-grade features.
Cons
- Free plan limits searchable history to 90 days.
- Not ideal for large or highly interactive communities.
- Few monetization features for community leaders.
Pricing
- Free plan available with limitations.
- Paid plans start at $7.25/user/month.
7. Patreon
Patreon is a platform designed for creators looking to build a paid membership community and monetize their content.
Features
- Offer tiered membership levels for exclusive content.
- Built-in tools for posting updates, videos, and files.
- Integration with social media platforms for promotion.
- Analytics to track member engagement and revenue.
- Flexible payment options for patrons.
Pros
- Excellent for monetization through memberships.
- Easy to integrate with existing content platforms.
- Supports creators in various industries.
Cons
- Fees can add up, especially for high-earning creators.
- Limited customization options for branding.
- Not ideal for free or open communities.
Pricing
- Free to join; Patreon takes a percentage of your earnings (starting at 5%).
8. Tribe
Tribe is a customizable online community platform designed for businesses seeking engagement and retention solutions.
Features
- Customizable community spaces with branded themes.
- Gamification features like badges and leaderboards.
- Integration with tools like HubSpot and Intercom.
- Embeddable widgets for integrating community into your website.
- Advanced moderation tools for community management.
Pros
- Highly customizable for branding and features.
- Great for businesses focused on engagement and retention.
- Scalable to accommodate growing communities.
Cons
- Limited multimedia capabilities.
- Advanced features are locked behind higher-priced plans.
- Learning curve for administrators.
Pricing
- Free plan available with basic features.
- Paid plans start at $85/month.
9. LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn Groups are ideal for professional communities looking to network, share knowledge, and discuss industry trends.
Features
- Easy setup for networking and professional discussions.
- Built-in tools for announcements and moderation.
- Integration with personal LinkedIn profiles for credibility.
- Mobile-friendly platform.
- Completely free to use.
Pros
- Professional focus aligns with business audiences.
- Leverages LinkedIn’s existing network of professionals.
- Free to create and join.
Cons
- Limited branding and customization options.
- Engagement can be lower compared to dedicated platforms.
- Dependent on LinkedIn’s algorithms and policies.
Pricing
- Free to use.
Learn More about LinkedIn Groups
10. Hivebrite
Hivebrite is a professional-grade platform designed for businesses, nonprofits, and alumni networks to build engaged and exclusive communities.
Features
- Fully customizable design for branding.
- Advanced event management and ticketing tools.
- Monetization options through membership fees.
- Integration with CRMs and other business tools.
- Powerful analytics for tracking community engagement.
Pros
- Highly professional and scalable.
- Great for private and exclusive communities.
- Comprehensive tools for engagement and revenue generation.
Cons
- Expensive compared to smaller-scale solutions.
- Overkill for small or casual communities.
- Requires technical expertise for advanced setups.
Pricing
- Pricing starts at $500/month (customized plans).
Best Online Community Platforms of 2025
Choosing the right online community platform depends on your goals, budget, and audience. Mighty Networks and Circle are excellent for creating professional and branded spaces, while platforms like Discord and Facebook Groups are great for casual or free communities. If monetization is your priority, Patreon and Kajabi offer robust tools for earning revenue.
Evaluate each platform’s features, pros, cons, and pricing before making your decision. Start small, experiment, and focus on what best serves your audience. With the right platform, your online community can thrive in 2025 and beyond!
