Building an online community is one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience, boost engagement, and grow your business or brand. Whether you’re a small business, content creator, nonprofit, or coach, having the right tools makes it easier to bring people together in a shared, interactive space. Online community building tools help manage memberships, host discussions, plan events, and create opportunities for collaboration—all while fostering strong relationships with your audience.
In 2024, there are plenty of platforms to help you build, manage, and monetize your online community. From sleek and customizable tools to all-in-one solutions, this list of 10 best online community building tools breaks down the features, pros, cons, and pricing for each platform. Whether you’re starting a small niche group or managing a large-scale network, you’ll find the perfect solution here.
Page Contents
1. Mighty Networks
Features:
- Customizable community spaces for public and private groups.
- Event management tools with RSVP options.
- Built-in course creation and monetization features.
- Native mobile app for seamless member access.
- Analytics to track engagement and growth.
Pros:
- Combines courses, memberships, and events in one place.
- Highly customizable to fit your community’s needs.
- Mobile app improves accessibility for members.
Cons:
- Limited integrations with third-party tools.
- Advanced features require higher-priced plans.
- Not ideal for extremely large communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Mighty Networks.
2. Circle
Features:
- Sleek, user-friendly design for hosting discussions and groups.
- Real-time chat and threaded conversations.
- Tiered membership plans for monetization.
- Embed widgets into websites to integrate community spaces.
- Integrates with popular tools like Zapier, Slack, and Notion.
Pros:
- Very intuitive and beginner-friendly platform.
- Great monetization options for creators and businesses.
- Excellent support and onboarding resources.
Cons:
- Limited event hosting tools compared to competitors.
- No dedicated mobile app (optimized for mobile browsers).
- Costs increase with growing communities.
Pricing:
Starts at $39/month. Learn more at Circle.
3. Tribe
Features:
- Modular, customizable design for creating branded community spaces.
- Gamification features like badges, leaderboards, and points.
- Multilingual support for global audiences.
- Integrations with tools like HubSpot, Slack, and Zendesk.
- API access for advanced customization.
Pros:
- Highly customizable and scalable for growing communities.
- Modern design with excellent branding options.
- Great for businesses needing integrations and flexibility.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Advanced features are only in higher plans.
- Limited event tools without third-party apps.
Pricing:
Starts at $59/month. Learn more at Tribe.
4. Kajabi
Features:
- All-in-one platform for courses, memberships, and communities.
- Website builder with customizable templates.
- Email marketing automation tools.
- Monetization features for memberships and subscriptions.
- Analytics for tracking community and course performance.
Pros:
- Combines community, courses, and marketing tools seamlessly.
- Beginner-friendly with easy setup and templates.
- Great for coaches, educators, and creators.
Cons:
- High pricing may not suit small businesses.
- Limited community-specific features.
- Less customizable compared to other platforms.
Pricing:
Starts at $149/month. Learn more at Kajabi.
5. Discourse
Features:
- Open-source software for forums and community discussions.
- Mobile-friendly, responsive design.
- Gamification with badges, trust levels, and rewards.
- Flexible moderation tools for managing conversations.
- Plugins and API for advanced customization.
Pros:
- Free for self-hosted options.
- Highly customizable and scalable.
- Strong features for structured discussions.
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
- No built-in event or monetization features.
- Limited beginner support without paid hosting.
Pricing:
Free for self-hosted; hosted plans start at $100/month. Learn more at Discourse.
6. Facebook Groups
Features:
- Create private or public community groups.
- Built-in tools for announcements, polls, and events.
- Mobile app support through the Facebook platform.
- Integrated messaging for real-time communication.
- Free to use for all users.
Pros:
- Completely free and easy to set up.
- Accessible to billions of Facebook users.
- Integrated tools for discussions, polls, and events.
Cons:
- Limited branding and customization options.
- Relies on Facebook’s platform and algorithms.
- No built-in monetization features for community owners.
Pricing:
Free to use. Learn more at Facebook Groups.
7. Slack
Features:
- Real-time messaging channels for teams and communities.
- Threaded conversations to keep discussions organized.
- Integrates with hundreds of tools like Google Drive and Zoom.
- Customizable notifications for members.
- Mobile and desktop apps for seamless communication.
Pros:
- Great for creating engaged, real-time conversations.
- Easy integrations with popular productivity tools.
- Mobile-friendly for on-the-go access.
Cons:
- Limited tools for community monetization.
- Not ideal for event hosting or structured forums.
- Costs increase with larger user groups.
Pricing:
Free for basic; paid plans start at $7.25/user/month. Learn more at Slack.
8. Discord
Features:
- Real-time voice, video, and text channels.
- Customizable roles and permissions for members.
- Integrations for bots and automation tools.
- Screen sharing and live streaming for events.
- Mobile and desktop app support.
Pros:
- Excellent for real-time conversations and events.
- Free to use for small communities.
- Highly customizable with roles and bots.
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming for new users.
- Not ideal for structured discussions or monetization.
- Primarily targeted toward gaming communities.
Pricing:
Free; premium plans (Nitro) start at $9.99/month. Learn more at Discord.
9. Hivebrite
Features:
- Fully customizable community portals for businesses and organizations.
- Event management tools for in-person and virtual events.
- Job boards for career networking opportunities.
- Member directories for improved connections.
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools.
Pros:
- Great for businesses, schools, and alumni networks.
- Excellent customization for branding.
- Combines events, memberships, and networking features.
Cons:
- Higher pricing may not suit small communities.
- Requires onboarding to fully utilize tools.
- Limited integrations compared to competitors.
Pricing:
Custom pricing. Learn more at Hivebrite.
10. Podia
Features:
- Sell memberships, courses, and digital downloads.
- Simple community tools for discussions and groups.
- Built-in email marketing and affiliate tools.
- No transaction fees on sales.
- Unlimited members and earnings on all plans.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees.
- Great for creators selling memberships and courses.
- Simple setup with excellent support.
Cons:
- Limited features for advanced community building.
- Not ideal for large-scale communities.
- Basic customization options.
Pricing:
Starts at $33/month. Learn more at Podia.
Conclusion
Choosing the right community-building tool depends on your specific goals, budget, and the size of your community. Platforms like Mighty Networks and Circle are perfect for creators looking to combine content, courses, and community. Tools like Slack and Discord excel at real-time communication, while Hivebrite and Tribe cater to businesses that need advanced customization and scalability.
Before committing, take advantage of free trials or demos to explore features and usability. The right tool will help you foster meaningful connections, drive engagement, and grow your community successfully in 2024 and beyond.
