Online community platforms have become an integral part of modern-day communication and collaboration. Whether you’re building an online community for your business, social group, or personal brand, having the right platform can make all the difference. These platforms offer a variety of features and tools that help users connect, share ideas, and build relationships with others around the world.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best online community platforms available today. We’ll consider factors such as user-friendliness, pricing, features, and functionality to help you choose the platform that best suits your needs. We understand that selecting the right platform can be a daunting task, so we’ve done the research for you. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of the top community platforms, as well as pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to consider when choosing an online community platform
When choosing an online community platform, there are several factors to consider. Below are the key factors that will help you evaluate which platform is the best fit for your needs:
Type of community
The first factor to consider is the type of community you want to create. Do you want to build a professional community, social community, or support group? Each platform has a unique set of features and tools that cater to different types of communities, so it’s important to choose a platform that aligns with your goals.
Features and functionality
The features and functionality of the platform are also important considerations. Look for a platform that offers features like private messaging, forums, chat rooms, file sharing, polls, and surveys. Consider whether the platform integrates with other tools you use, such as social media platforms, CRMs, and email marketing software.
User-friendliness
The ease of use of the platform is a critical factor, especially if you have members who are not tech-savvy. Look for a platform that is user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Check if the platform has a mobile app, and if so, how it functions on different devices.
Pricing
The cost of the platform is another consideration. Some platforms offer free plans, while others charge a monthly or annual fee. Consider whether the pricing fits within your budget and if the platform provides enough value to justify the cost.
Support and resources
Finally, consider the support and resources that the platform provides. Look for a platform that offers excellent customer support, with readily available resources such as FAQs, video tutorials, and community forums. Also, consider if the platform has an active user community that can offer support and advice.
By evaluating these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose the online community platform that best fits your needs.
Top 10 online community platforms
After thorough research and evaluation, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 online community platforms:
Discord
Discord is a modern, open-source forum platform that offers features such as real-time notifications, moderation tools, and customizable themes. It’s suitable for building professional and social communities. Pros: User-friendly, customizable, excellent spam control. Cons: No free plan, limited third-party integrations.
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is an all-in-one community platform that offers features such as private messaging, events, courses, and online groups. It’s suitable for building professional and interest-based communities. Pros: User-friendly, excellent mobile app, versatile. Cons: Limited customization options, no free plan.
Vanilla Forums
Vanilla Forums is a cloud-based forum platform that offers features such as gamification, user rewards, and analytics. It’s suitable for building customer support and feedback communities. Pros: User-friendly, excellent customization options, flexible pricing. Cons: Limited mobile app functionality, no free plan.
Circle
Circle is a community platform that offers features such as discussions, live events, and courses. It’s suitable for building professional and interest-based communities. Pros: User-friendly, customizable, excellent mobile app. Cons: Limited third-party integrations, no free plan.
Hivebrite
Hivebrite is an all-in-one community platform that offers features such as alumni management, crowdfunding, and job boards. It’s suitable for building alumni networks and professional communities. Pros: Versatile, excellent customization options, intuitive. Cons: Expensive, limited mobile app functionality.
Khoros Communities
Khoros Communities is an enterprise-level community platform that offers features such as social listening, analytics, and automation. It’s suitable for building large-scale customer support and feedback communities. Pros: Powerful, highly customizable, scalable. Cons: Expensive, requires technical expertise to set up.
Tribe
Tribe is a community platform that offers features such as Q&A, polls, and user rewards. It’s suitable for building customer support and feedback communities. Pros: User-friendly, highly customizable, excellent integration options. Cons: Limited mobile app functionality, no free plan.
Muut
Muut is a cloud-based forum platform that offers features such as real-time chat, custom CSS, and spam control. It’s suitable for building customer support and feedback communities. Pros: User-friendly, highly customizable, affordable pricing. Cons: Limited third-party integrations, no free plan.
MyBB
MyBB is a free, open-source forum platform that offers features such as private messaging, post rating, and user groups. It’s suitable for building small to medium-sized communities. Pros: Free, highly customizable, active user community. Cons: Limited support, requires technical expertise to set up.
WordPress + bbPress
WordPress + bbPress is a free, open-source forum plugin that integrates with WordPress websites. It offers features such as user roles, custom themes, and spam control. It’s suitable for building small to medium-sized communities. Pros: Free, highly customizable, easy to set up. Cons: Limited features, requires technical expertise to set up.
These are the top 10 online community platforms that we recommend. Each platform has its unique strengths and weaknesses, so consider your specific needs and goals when making your choice.
