In today’s digital-first world, building an online community is crucial for businesses, nonprofits, and creators looking to grow their audience and foster connections. Modern community platforms allow you to engage your members, organize events, share content, and even monetize your community—all in one place. These tools are indispensable for businesses of all sizes, as they simplify managing a vibrant, engaged group of users while also providing valuable analytics and automation.
Whether you’re a small business, a coach, a content creator, or a large organization, selecting the right community platform can be a game-changer. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best modern community platforms in 2024. These platforms were selected for their features, ease of use, and ability to meet various business needs. From user-friendly interfaces to powerful integration capabilities, each option has something unique to offer. Read on to find the perfect platform for your community!
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1. Mighty Networks
Features:
- Fully customizable community spaces with private and public options.
- Mobile app functionality for easy access on the go.
- Monetization options, including paid memberships and courses.
- Event management with RSVP capabilities.
- Detailed analytics to track community growth and engagement.
Pros:
- Ideal for niche communities with robust customization options.
- Combines courses and community in one platform.
- Affordable pricing for small businesses and creators.
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations compared to other platforms.
- Advanced features locked behind higher-priced plans.
- Not as scalable for very large enterprises.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Mighty Networks.
2. Circle
Features:
- Sleek and modern interface tailored for communities.
- Real-time chat and discussion boards for seamless communication.
- Membership tiers for paid and free access levels.
- Integration with tools like Slack, Zapier, and Notion.
- Embeddable widgets for adding the community to your website.
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly for beginners.
- Supports membership monetization.
- Outstanding customer support with detailed onboarding.
Cons:
- No dedicated mobile app, relying on mobile browser optimization.
- Limited event-hosting capabilities compared to competitors.
- Pricing can increase significantly for larger communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Circle.
3. Tribe
Features:
- Modular design to customize community layouts.
- Seamless integrations with tools like HubSpot and Zendesk.
- Gamification features such as badges and leaderboards.
- Multilingual support for global communities.
- Advanced API for custom workflows and integrations.
Pros:
- Scalable and adaptable for businesses of all sizes.
- Highly customizable with extensive integrations.
- Mobile-friendly design enhances user experience.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Higher-tier plans are necessary for advanced features.
- Limited in-built event tools.
Pricing:
Starts at $59/month. Learn more at Tribe.
4. Podia
Features:
- Platform for selling digital products, courses, and memberships.
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate tools.
- Ability to host community discussions.
- Unlimited members and sales on all plans.
- No transaction fees for revenue earned.
Pros:
- Simple and beginner-friendly setup.
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees.
- Great for creators looking to sell products and build a community.
Cons:
- Limited event-hosting features.
- Less customization compared to other platforms.
- Primarily designed for small businesses and creators.
Pricing:
Starts at $33/month. Learn more at Podia.
5. Kajabi
Features:
- All-in-one platform for courses, memberships, and communities.
- Drag-and-drop website and page builder.
- Integrated email marketing and automation tools.
- In-depth analytics for course and community performance.
- Secure payment processing for selling memberships.
Pros:
- Combines multiple tools into one streamlined platform.
- Perfect for course creators and coaches.
- Easy-to-use interface with robust support.
Cons:
- Higher pricing may not suit smaller budgets.
- Limited customization for advanced users.
- Not as community-focused as some alternatives.
Pricing:
Starts at $149/month. Learn more at Kajabi.
6. Discourse
Features:
- Open-source forum platform with extensive flexibility.
- Threaded discussions for organized communication.
- Gamification features to boost user engagement.
- Mobile-optimized for easy access.
- Strong developer community for customizations and integrations.
Pros:
- Free for self-hosted use.
- Highly scalable for growing communities.
- Great for organizations needing detailed control.
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge for setup.
- Limited in-built monetization options.
- No event management features.
Pricing:
Free for self-hosted; hosted plans start at $100/month. Learn more at Discourse.
7. Wild Apricot
Features:
- Comprehensive membership and event management system.
- Automated renewal reminders and payment processing.
- Drag-and-drop website builder for custom member portals.
- Mobile app for members and admins.
- Email marketing tools for outreach.
Pros:
- Perfect for nonprofits and associations.
- Reliable customer support with excellent documentation.
- Easy-to-use event management features.
Cons:
- Outdated interface compared to competitors.
- Limited customization for larger communities.
- Higher costs for small organizations.
Pricing:
Starts at $60/month. Learn more at Wild Apricot.
8. Glue Up
Features:
- All-in-one platform for event management and membership tools.
- CRM to manage leads and member data.
- Community forums for discussions and collaboration.
- Ticketing and payment tools for events.
- Mobile app for real-time member engagement.
Pros:
- Great for businesses needing event-heavy tools.
- User-friendly mobile app for admins and members.
- All-in-one functionality reduces the need for extra software.
Cons:
- Higher pricing for smaller teams.
- Complex interface for new users.
- Limited branding options.
Pricing:
Starts at $125/month. Learn more at Glue Up.
9. Higher Logic
Features:
- Advanced email automation and community engagement tools.
- Forums, blogs, and resource libraries for knowledge sharing.
- Powerful integrations with CRM platforms.
- Customizable dashboards for reporting.
- Event management tools with reminders.
Pros:
- Ideal for large organizations and enterprises.
- Robust reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions.
- Excellent onboarding and training support.
Cons:
- Expensive for small businesses.
- Requires training to use effectively.
- Dated interface design.
Pricing:
Custom pricing. Learn more at Higher Logic.
10. Vanilla Forums
Features:
- Forum platform with modern design and flexibility.
- Customizable themes and branding options.
- Built-in gamification tools like badges and points.
- Integration with CRMs and other software.
- Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- Easy to set up for beginner users.
- Highly scalable for growing businesses.
- Excellent for building branded community spaces.
Cons:
- Limited features for hosting events.
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans.
- Pricing not ideal for very small businesses.
Pricing:
Starts at $689/month. Learn more at Vanilla Forums.
Conclusion
Choosing the right community platform depends on factors such as budget, technical expertise, and the size of your audience. For small businesses or creators, Circle, Mighty Networks, and Podia offer excellent functionality at affordable prices. Larger organizations or event-heavy communities might benefit from Higher Logic or Glue Up, while developers and tech-savvy users could explore open-source solutions like Discourse.
Before committing to a platform, take advantage of free trials or demos to test features and usability. Ultimately, the best platform will align with your specific goals, helping you create an engaging and supportive environment for your members.
