This guide compares purpose-built options side by side so creators, coaches, startups, and businesses can pick the right space to run cohorts, masterminds, and product hubs.
We tested over 15 solutions with hands-on checks of events, discussions, courses, gamification, monetization, branding, and analytics. Sample pricing ranges include Circle.so ($99–$499), Mighty Networks ($49–$430), Bettermode (Free–$59), Heartbeat ($49–$129), Kajabi Communities ($89–$399), Swarm ($49–$399), and Skool ($99).
This intro sets expectations: real-world engagement and member experience matter more than marketing. We focus on structure, ease of use, customization, native video and events, course delivery, analytics, and long-term pricing.
Read a quick snapshot to choose fast, then dive into detailed platform profiles and a head-to-head comparison with setup tips, management trade-offs, and practical advice on time and support.
Why choosing the right community platform matters in 2025
A well-matched community platform ties content, events, and analytics to real business goals. That alignment drives growth by shaping onboarding, engagement workflows, and how members consume learning and product updates.
Video-backed engagement remains a top driver; platforms that blend asynchronous clips with live events keep conversations active. Native video and smooth event tools feel modern and reduce friction versus tacked-on add-ons.
Long-term success depends on actionable analytics that reveal discussion trends, content consumption, and member activity. Those insights cut management time and help teams prioritize product feedback and support.
Ownership, data access, and clear pricing options matter for brands that want durable audiences outside social feeds. Mobile-ready, branded interfaces improve perceived quality and make participation easier across devices.
Choose a platform that supports cohorts, structured courses, and streamlined admin tasks. That reduces overhead, preserves momentum, and makes it easier to measure engagement, retention, and the impact on your product roadmap.
How I tested these platforms and what I prioritized
I started with an initial shortlist of 30 candidate solutions, then narrowed that list to practical options for creators and small teams. Each pick went through the same hands-on flow: setup, member invites, live events, course publishing, and monetization checks.
Evaluation criteria focused on ease of use for admins and members, engagement mechanics beyond simple likes, native monetization (Stripe paywalls and tiers), branding controls, and actionable analytics.
Testing emphasized live events, structured discussions, gamification, course tools, and reporting. I measured how each platform handled gating content, member tiers, and email-based workflows.
What I excluded and why
Social media groups (Facebook, Reddit, Discord) were removed for limited ownership, weak monetization, and constrained member data. Enterprise-grade networks were skipped due to opaque pricing and heavy administration that slows small teams.
WordPress plugins were excluded for hosting, updates, and plugin conflict overhead that steals time from engagement. Slack and Patreon were dismissed for message history limits, high fees, and branding constraints.
The platforms kept in the final set offer balanced features, ownership, and sustainable long-term value with fewer management trade-offs.
Quick snapshot: who each platform is best for and monthly pricing
This short guide pairs typical creator needs with monthly plan ranges and core trade-offs. Use it to shortlist quickly before diving into full feature comparisons.
Circle.so — $99–$499
Who it fits: creators, coaches, and startups needing polished spaces, native courses, and Stripe paywalls.
Good mix of events, courses, and member tiers. Mobile apps and analytics make growth easier.
Mighty Networks — $49–$430
Who it fits: social networks and multi-level spaces with course content and Collections.
Great for text-led feeds and structured groups; solid automations and monetization options.
Bettermode — Free–$59
Who it fits: teams that want flexibility and customization without heavy setup.
Fast to launch, extensible via APIs, and good if you prioritize custom branding over speed.
Heartbeat — $49–$129
Who it fits: starting creators and coaches who want lightweight tools and quick wins.
Simple setup, course support, and easy member onboarding.
Kajabi Communities — $89–$399
Who it fits: knowledge entrepreneurs running courses and program-led offerings.
Built-in course tools and Stripe-native checkout make monetization straightforward.
Swarm — $49–$399
Who it fits: video-based creators and coaches who rely on face-to-face asynchronous clips.
Video-first engagement boosts retention but expect higher production needs.
Skool — $99
Who it fits: teams that want simplicity, gamification, and a single flat plan.
Quick to launch with leaderboards and a strong course experience.
Tip: start around $100/month and scale as members and features grow. Check Stripe support, tiered member segmentation, and mobile app availability when comparing plans.
Best platforms for tech community building
Selecting the right toolset starts with defining the structure you need—cohorts, product academies, or open forums.
Our shortlist—Circle, Mighty Networks, Bettermode, Heartbeat, Kajabi Communities, Swarm, and Skool—covers distinct approaches to engagement and admin needs.
Some spaces excel at long-form posts and threaded discussions. Others prioritize native video, livestreams, and short asynchronous clips. A few focus on courses and cohort workflows with strong progress tracking.
Key features to weigh: events, chat or threads, courses, member directories, and moderation roles. Integrations and native tools matter too—email, Stripe checkout, and CRM hooks reduce technical overhead.
Analytics reveal who is active, which content drives retention, and where to invest. Good moderation tools, roles, and permissions keep discussions healthy and scalable as users grow.
Watch limits: room or space caps, admin seats, and storage quotas shape long-term costs. If you have limited time, choose simplicity; if you need brand control and unique workflows, favor customization.
Tip: skim the platform profiles that match your program model and target users before committing.
Circle.so: balanced power, polish, and growth potential
Circle offers a modular architecture that maps clear member journeys. Its Spaces, Space Groups, and Access Groups let you separate cohorts, courses, and public hubs without confusion.
Standout structure and member control
Use Spaces to host focused discussions and Space Groups to group related areas. Access Groups handle permissions and tiered entry, so you can gate content or run private cohorts.
Monetization and payments
Stripe paywalls support one-time, subscriptions, bundles, and Apple/Google Pay. Affiliate links and tiered access simplify revenue and marketing without extra checkout tools.
Events, video, and courses
Circle runs live rooms (up to 150) and livestreams (up to 2,000). Recordings feed into native courses with drip schedules and quizzes to keep course content organized.
Branding, automation, and pricing
Branding options include custom domains and email white labeling; the Plus plan adds a branded mobile app. Workflows and Segments help automate onboarding and targeted email flows; Marketing Hub is an add-on.
Where Circle shines — a polished interface, strong management tools, and balanced feature depth. Trade-offs include transaction fees and pricey add-ons when you scale admins, spaces, or advanced marketing.
Mighty Networks: multi-level experiences and social learning
Mighty Networks merges courses, chat, discussions, and events into a single space that scales with your programs. That consolidation reduces friction and keeps members in one place to consume content and join conversations.
Combining courses, discussions, chat, and events in one space
The interface blends posts, articles, media sharing, live streaming, and chat so learning and social interaction happen together. Native events and Zoom integration make workshops and office hours feel seamless.
Automations and Collections for scalable organization
Collections let you bundle spaces and control access across cohorts or product lines. Automations can move members into new spaces after course completion or based on engagement, which cuts manual management.
Monetization options and Stripe integrations
Stripe handles memberships, courses, and one-time purchases. If you prefer external checkouts, Zapier links tools like ThriveCart. Badges and native monetization options simplify revenue without complex setups.
Pricing plans and who gets the most value
Plans range from Community-level pricing to Courses, Business, and Path-to-Pro. Creators launching courses and hybrid programs typically find the Courses and Business plans deliver the best mix of features and analytics. Mighty Insights tracks activity, content performance, and growth so you can measure engagement and refine management.
Swarm: video-first engagement that feels human
Swarm flips threaded discussions into short video conversations that feel like in-person catch-ups. That approach removes scheduling friction and helps members build trust faster than text alone.
Asynchronous face-to-face video, live streams, and AI
Asynchronous video threads let creators and users leave short replies, voice notes, or text so conversations move on members’ time. Live events and streaming add real-time moments without losing the asynchronous thread.
AI features auto-generate transcripts, concise summaries, captions, and remove filler words. That makes content easier to scan and repurpose.
Spaces, Hubs, and Sections
Use Spaces to host focused groups, Hubs to group related Spaces, and Sections to break topics into clear paths. This structure helps members find content and follow journeys without admin overhead.
Monetization, white label, and plans
Stripe handles gated access and payments. White labeling, custom domains, and a branded mobile app reinforce your brand and trust.
Plans scale from Novice ($39/mo, 1 Space, 25 members) to Elite ($339/mo, unlimited members, SSO, concierge). Choose a plan based on growth, member caps, and required integrations like Zapier or SSO.
Everyday interactions and onboarding tips
DMs, polls, tagging, gifs, and attachments add light social features around video. Onboard with simple etiquette: short replies, expected response windows, and sample threads to model behavior.
Skool: simple setup with gamification baked in
Skool shines when you want a quick launch and built-in motivation. Leaderboards, points, and a tidy feed push members to act without heavy admin work.
Leaderboards, feed, and course hosting
The interface centers on a single feed where posts, polls, and discussions live together. Polls give fast feedback and the integrated course area hosts lessons and modules with minimal setup.
Gamified engagement rewards activity—likes, replies, and task completions move people up the leaderboard. That creates simple loops to keep users coming back.
Flat pricing and where simplicity wins or limits you
Skool’s flat $99/month plan makes budgeting straightforward. You avoid tier confusion and surprise add-ons when you scale members.
The trade-off: limited deep customization, fewer multi-level access controls, and lighter analytics than some competitors. Many creators use Skool for masterminds, group funnels, and course-led cohorts that value speed over complex workflows.
Expect solid support for basic setup and active community tips. If you need advanced marketing or granular segmenting, pair Skool with external analytics or CRM tools and test engagement fit before committing fully.
Bettermode: modular flexibility and advanced customization
If your project needs tailored permissions, custom components, and unique UX flows, Bettermode is built to deliver them.
When customization delivers ROI
Choose deeper customization when your product needs unique data models, complex user roles, or a branded customer portal. Granular layout control helps teams map product features to member journeys and reduce friction in long-term workflows.
When to choose customization over out-of-the-box speed
Customization pays off for product communities, customer portals, and branded hubs that require tailored access and UX. Expect a steeper learning curve versus plug-and-play options, and plan extra setup time.
Pricing considerations and ideal use cases
Plans start Free and scale to $59/month, making Bettermode affordable for teams testing fit. It suits businesses that want modular components, role-based access, and deep integrations without high per-member fees.
Management and support notes
Role-based access, custom components, and tight integration require clear documentation and developer support during setup. Use a prototype-iterate roadmap: build a small test space, gather user feedback, then expand features as members grow.
Practical tip: scope features narrowly at launch to avoid over-customizing and to measure which content and discussions actually drive engagement.
Heartbeat: lightweight community tools for new creators
Heartbeat is an approachable choice with the essentials to run cohorts, small masterminds, and tight peer circles. It trims setup and keeps admin light so leaders can focus on coaching and content.
Core features that suit coaching cohorts and small groups
Heartbeat provides structured channels, simple events, member onboarding flows, and basic analytics. These features make it easy to host scheduled sessions and threaded discussions without complex setup.
Pricing and plans that match early-stage needs
Plans sit between $49 and $129 per month, which is predictable for testing a paid offering. That range supports launching, running small paid cohorts, and scaling to mid-size groups without surprise fees.
Heartbeat shines when you want low admin load, clear content organization, and steady engagement. Ideal use cases include intimate masterminds, coaching cohorts, and peer support circles.
As you grow, evaluate gaps: advanced automations, deeper analytics, or multi-tier access. Pair Heartbeat with external marketing and analytics tools if needed. Use simple naming, short topic threads, and regular prompts to keep members active.
Kajabi Communities: built for knowledge entrepreneurs
For creators who sell structured programs, Kajabi wraps course delivery and a member hub under a single branded roof. This setup reduces admin work and keeps learners inside your sales and onboarding funnels.
Courses plus community to run program-driven businesses
Kajabi links course lessons, discussion threads, and live events so members follow a clear learning path. Lessons, modules, and resource libraries sit next to community posts and event pages to nudge progress.
Use lesson drip, quizzes, and scheduled workshops to structure cohorts. Discussion threads under each module keep Q&A tied to specific content and speed up support.
Pricing tiers and who benefits most
Kajabi plans range from about $89 to $399/month. Lower tiers work for small course launches and single-cohort programs. Higher plans fit growing academies that need more products, advanced automations, and more admin seats.
Who gains most: coaches, educators, and knowledge entrepreneurs building branded academies with mixed live and on-demand content. Kajabi often beats stitching tools together when you want marketing funnels, checkout, and member areas all in one place.
Engagement tips: set weekly milestones, use drip releases, host AMA events, and add course-specific discussion prompts. Tie signups to automated email funnels so new users get a clear onboarding path aligned with program milestones.
Budgeting note: plan for growth—add costs for extra products, higher member caps, or external integrations. If you value a unified sales-to-member workflow, Kajabi’s all-in-one model can save time and reduce integration fees as you scale.
Video as an engagement engine: when a video-centric platform wins
When people see faces and hear tone, discussions gain speed and trust. Video humanizes exchanges and builds the kind of rapport that text struggles to create. That makes members more likely to reply, share work, and act after events.
Why video boosts retention, authenticity, and action
Video sustains attention and speeds knowledge transfer. Studies show 88% of video marketers call video central to strategy, and in groups that maps to higher retention and faster skill uptake.
Trade-offs: video-first versus text-first experiences
Async video threads cut scheduling friction and preserve nuance, but they need captions and summaries to be searchable. Live streams and short-form replies complement each other: streams create events, short replies keep threads active, and recorded sessions let late users catch up.
Practical tips
Set norms on clip length (60–180 seconds), expected response windows, and respectful replies. Use AI summaries and captions so users can scan long threads. Pilot a video-first test with one cohort—coaching, demos, or labs—before moving all groups over.
Pricing, plans, and total cost of ownership
Total cost of ownership goes beyond the sticker price of a plan. Count transaction fees, add-ons, storage, streaming limits, and admin seats when you model growth.
Transaction fees and add-ons to watch
Some providers charge platform transaction fees or vary them by plan—Circle’s fees change by tier, while Patreon sits around 8–12% as a useful contrast. Marketing or email hubs, workflows, and branded app options often cost extra.
How plan limits trigger upgrades
Spaces, admins, moderator seats, and member caps can force early upgrades. Swarm’s tiers limit member counts and video hours; Mighty splits analytics and streaming by tier. Enterprise options like Disciple start much higher (roughly $729/month annually) and change TCO dramatically.
What $100/month should buy
At about $100/month expect reliable support, basic events, gated content, simple analytics, and core tools to run cohorts. If your program needs white labeling, a branded app, or heavy video, budget more or expect add-on costs.
Monthly vs annual and scaling risks
Annual plans lower per-month cost but lock you in. Plan for storage growth, extra events, and integrations that add subscriptions. White labeling and apps pay off only if member revenue supports the uplift.
Practical budget tips
Build a buffer for experiments—courses, events, and marketing tests. Reassess your plan after 6–12 months to align pricing, features, and member growth with real ROI.
Monetization models: memberships, courses, events, and upsells
Monetizing a member hub means choosing the right mix of recurring subscriptions, paid courses, and one-off events. Start with clear value tiers so members know what each level unlocks.
Gating spaces, tiers, and bundles
Use gated spaces and Access Groups to map benefits to price. Circle supports Stripe paywalls, tiers, bundles, Apple/Google Pay, and BNPL. Mighty Networks handles memberships and courses via Stripe or external carts through Zapier. Swarm uses Stripe and white-label branding for premium offers.
Native versus external checkout flows
Native Stripe checkouts keep UX smooth, reduce cart friction, and simplify refunds and failed payment handling. External carts offer advanced pricing logic, trials, and affiliate flows but add complexity to access management.
Bundle courses with community access to raise perceived value. Price around outcomes: live access, replays, resources, and small-group coaching. Test new models with a pilot cohort before scaling. Communicate tiers clearly in onboarding and document support steps for payments and access changes. Branded experiences and mobile apps help justify premium plans and raise conversion.
Branding, customization, and white labeling
A clear brand experience makes members feel at home and speeds trust across every touchpoint. Consistent visuals and messaging matter more than fancy features when onboarding new users. Cohesive branding reduces friction and improves retention.
Custom domains and email white labeling
Start by mapping a custom domain and enabling email white labeling so messages come from your address. Circle supports both, and Swarm offers custom domains and white labeling on higher tiers.
Steps: add DNS records, verify domain, and update platform email settings. Test invites and reset emails to confirm deliverability.
Mobile apps and when they pay off
Branded mobile apps signal credibility. Circle’s Plus plan and Swarm’s Expert/Elite tiers include branded apps. Mighty Networks and Kajabi offer branded experiences depending on plan level.
Invest in an app if you expect frequent daily use, paid memberships, or cohort workflows that need push notifications.
Customization depth and cost implications
Customization ranges from simple color and logo swaps to deep layout and component control. Bettermode-style customization requires more setup but offers tailored UX. Note that white labeling often sits behind higher plans and adds costs that small teams should budget for.
Practical tips and accessibility
Align your community visuals with your marketing style guide. Prioritize: logo, colors, key navigation labels, and onboarding emails. Use high-contrast colors, readable fonts, and clear focus states to keep access friendly and inclusive.
Quick branding checklist
Before you flip the switch:
• Verify custom domain DNS and email SPF/DKIM.
• Test member invites, password resets, and payment receipts.
• Check mobile app branding and push notifications.
• Confirm navigation and access links still work after style updates.
• Run an accessibility check (contrast, headings, alt text).
Focus first on high-impact brand elements, then iterate. A cohesive web, email, and app presence makes members trust your content and stay active longer.
Analytics and reporting: measuring engagement and growth
Tracking the right metrics helps you tune events, courses, and discussion formats quickly. Good analytics show trends in member activity and reveal content that drives repeat visits.
Member activity essentials: focus on active users, session frequency, and cohort retention. Track content performance by views, replies, and time-on-resource. Measure event attendance and replay views to judge demand.
Use segments and targeted flows
Use tools like Circle’s Segments or Mighty Insights to target messages and automate journeys. Segmenting helps measure conversion between tiers and nudges inactive users back to active roles.
Compare analytics depth
Some options surface basic engagement dashboards; others—Disco-style reporting—offer deeper reporting and exportable data. Prioritize metrics that inform program and content decisions: retention, conversion, and LTV.
Reading signals and acting fast
Watch reply rates and time-to-first-response to adjust discussion prompts. Low event drop-in suggests cadence changes. Slow lesson completion signals pacing or clarity problems in courses.
Find power users and leaders
Identify frequent posters and high-value responders as potential moderators. Reward them with roles or exclusive access to boost retention and peer-led growth.
Reporting rhythm and privacy
Run weekly health checks and quarterly growth reviews. Keep privacy top of mind: anonymize exports, follow consent rules, and document data use to meet compliance needs.
Lightweight dashboard template: active members, weekly retention %, top 5 posts, average event attendance, tier conversion rate, and churn. Use in-platform analytics first and pair with external BI if you need deeper cohort or funnel analysis.
Decision guide: match your use case to the right platform
Choose the right home for your program by matching structure, tools, and team time to actual goals. This quick guide maps common use cases to sensible choices so you avoid costly rework and keep members engaged.
Cohorts, masterminds, product hubs, and academies
Cohort-based programs need combined courses, events, and threaded discussions. Circle and Kajabi work well when you need structure plus course delivery and progress tracking.
Masterminds benefit from simplicity and gamified nudges. Skool and Heartbeat get groups started fast with low admin overhead and straightforward engagement loops.
Product communities and academies often require multi-level access and deeper customization. Bettermode fits custom UX and role-based access, while Mighty Networks shines when you want bundled spaces and automations.
When to favor simplicity vs. customization
If you need speed to market and want to validate demand, choose a simple option first. Keep branding light and test engagement with a single cohort or pilot.
If your 12-month roadmap requires custom flows, SSO, or white labeling, invest in a customizable solution and plan staged migrations. Document export plans, membership workflows, and communication templates before you move. For a decision checklist and extra reading, see a short platform selection guide.
Circle vs. Mighty Networks: which one should you pick?
Circle and Mighty Networks take different approaches to structure and day-to-day use. Circle uses Spaces, Space Groups, and Access Groups to split topics and cohorts into tidy buckets. That modular model helps teams run multiple courses and private cohorts with clear permissions.
Mighty Networks favors a unified space where posts, chat, courses, and events live together. Collections bundle related areas, which makes discovery feel social and lowers navigation friction for members.
Courses, events, and automations head-to-head
Circle has native courses with drip, quizzes, native events, and livestreams. Workflows and Segments add targeted automation on higher plans. Mighty Networks combines course tools, live events, and automations in one feed and uses Collections to move users across offers.
Pricing and scalability trade-offs
Circle tiers start around $99 and scale to higher Business and Plus plans with branded apps and advanced workflows. Mighty Networks lists annual options at roughly $41–$360 and a Pro/Enterprise path. Consider admin seats, space limits, and member caps when planning growth.
Decision checklist: pick Circle if you need granular access controls, modular course structure, and branded app options. Choose Mighty Networks if you want a social-first, integrated experience with easier discovery and bundled content.
Conclusion
Focus first on the member journey: choose tools that make onboarding, participation, and learning simple.
Recap: Circle, Mighty Networks, Bettermode, Heartbeat, Kajabi Communities, Swarm, and Skool offer distinct options to match cohorts, courses, masterminds, or product hubs. Match your model to core features and admin time.
Start where engagement will be strongest for your members—text, video, or a hybrid flow—and pilot a single cohort with clear success metrics like retention, attendance, or conversions.
Compare pricing, plan limits, and add‑ons to understand true total cost of ownership. Use analytics and automation to sustain momentum without overwhelming managers.
Quick rule: pick simplicity to move fast; invest in customization when you need long‑term differentiation. Revisit platform fit every 6–12 months as members, goals, and the market evolve.
