8 Best Community Website Builders of 2025

Choosing a community website builder shouldn’t feel like gambling with your budget.

Here are 2025’s eight best options—LoftOS, Circle.so, Mighty Networks, Disco, Disciple, Discourse, Zapnito, and EzyCourse—each with a quick snapshot of who it’s for, standout features, real‑user reviews, and transparent pricing.In the next five minutes you’ll get a quick‑scan, bite‑size reviews, and candid pros‑and‑cons so you can pick with confidence.

Skip the endless research tabs and start with the chart, then dive deeper where it matters.

Key Takeaways

LoftOS – multi‑stakeholder platforms: Handles complex roles, events, networking and customization in one place—ideal for agencies, universities and a variety of enterprises.

Circle – creator memberships: This community website builder software delivers crisp Spaces and live video that keep online communities engaged without extra plugins.

Mighty Networks – mobile‑first social network: Native apps and notification loops grow engagement fast for influencer‑led brands.

Disco – cohort courses: Combines curriculum, live sessions, and peer forums for educators selling premium programs.

Within these picks, you’ll see which tool excels at user engagement, offers top-notch security, or has the easiest setup—so you can choose with confidence and start building your online communities right away. Learn why building an online community matters.

1. LoftOS: Best for Community Website Building

LoftOS is a powerful platform designed for building and managing thriving communities. With its intuitive interface and robust customization options, it stands out as a top community website builder for enterprises and large networks.

Major USPs include seamless matchmaking tools, real-time analytics, and deep third-party integrations—all in a single platform experience.

For more on fostering engagement, check out our article on effective community engagement strategies to boost participation in your community.

Key Features

Customizable Workflows: LoftOS allows you to create bespoke member onboarding journeys, customizable databases, leverage templates for membership websites and tools to guide every member interaction without coding.

Built-in Matchmaking Engine: Foster connections automatically with AI-driven recommendations, boosting user engagement by linking members with shared interests.

Real-Time Analytics Dashboard: Track user registrations, member activity, created matches, and more in one place for data-driven decisions.

Pricing

LoftOS offers tiered plans to fit different community sizes and needs:

Start Free: Test and explore the platform

Starter: $29/month for small communities

Team: $349/month with essential features and personal support

Professional: $829/month including all features and success services for active communities

Enterprise: $1,949/month for expanded support for larger communities and high user volume

Each plan scales with feature complexity and support level—larger organizations often select Professional or Enterprise to access deeper analytics and customization.

Where LoftOS Shines

Scalable Template Library: Access a wide range of pre-built designs tailored to community portals, so you can launch faster without sacrificing branding.

Built-in Community Tools: From forums to event management, everything is integrated—no need to stitch together multiple social network apps.

Marketplace-Style Functionality: Create digital marketplaces for courses or resources without a full e-commerce system—perfect for communities that want to sell digital products without complex cart setups.

Where LoftOS Falls Short

Learning Curve for Power Users: With so many features, there’s an initial onboarding period before teams fully leverage LoftOS’s capabilities.

Not a Dedicated E-commerce Solution: While you can sell digital products and host marketplace-style offerings, LoftOS does not replace a full e-commerce platform—if you need a traditional storefront with shopping cart, you’ll integrate separately.

Customer Reviews

“The flexibility and adaptability of the platform. The quick response rate of our CSM [sensitive content hidden]. The fact that we can build our own modules and programmes and now even our own category trees. ” - Capterra Review

“I love the possibility of easy customization and openness of features to adapt to your dedicated use case. The company cares about its customers and listen to their new ideas or requirements to implement in the future. If there is any bug, team is fast to repair it. ” - Capterra Review

Who LoftOS Is Best For

Technology-Focused Community Managers: Teams that need deep analytics, automated matchmaking, and built-in marketing tools to drive engagement and growth.

Educational Platforms & Course Providers: Organizations looking to host courses, manage memberships, and create exclusive content hubs.

Professional Associations & Nonprofits: Groups requiring fine-grained permissions, real-time reporting, and secure member portals.

Event Organizers & Virtual Conferences: Teams that need integrated virtual events capabilities alongside community discussion and networking.

Start your free LoftOS trial today and see how simple community building can be.

2. Circle: Best for Creator‑Led Membership Communities

Circle stakes its claim as the most creator‑friendly community website builder software on the market. Instead of sprawling dashboards, you get modular “Spaces” that let you wall off premium content, host live sessions, and sell access with one click. If you monetize knowledge with tiers, Circle gives you lean tools to launch, grow, and scale without code.

Key features

Member‑only Spaces: offer granular roles, tiered paywalls, and sub‑channels for micro‑cultures.

Native live-streaming & video rooms: turn launches or cohort calls into events without Zoom links.

Built‑in paywalls & monetization: let you sell courses, memberships, or one‑off events directly—no checkout add‑ons.

Together, these controls position Circle as an online community site builder that makes revenue flows frictionless for creators worldwide, with customizable branding and domain settings baked in today.

Pricing

Circle’s tiered approach makes it easy to start small and scale as your community grows. From core spaces and live video to advanced automation and white-label options, Circle adapts to evolving needs

Professional: $89/mo – Includes core Spaces, live video, and paywalls for monetization.

Business (Most Popular): $199/mo – Adds workflows, custom profile fields, and headless Member API for deeper customization.

Enterprise: $419/mo – Provides full feature access, unlimited workflows, and priority support services.

Plus Branded App: Custom Pricing – Launch your own iOS and Android apps with a done‑for‑you setup.

If you’re getting started, the $89 per month plan gets you core Spaces, live video, and paywalls; higher tiers add advanced automation and white‑labeling. However, expect around a 4% transaction fees on payments, be sure to factor them in if your community volume is high.

Where Circle shines

Creator‑centric UX: Members and admins rave about the minimalist interface that keeps distractions down and engagement up—ideal for paid newsletters, coaching cohorts, and micro‑communities.

Flexible tiering: Spaces act like Lego bricks: stack free intro rooms, bronze, silver, and VIP lounges, each with its own paywall, brand color, and notification rules. For solopreneurs looking for the best community website builder to monetize quickly, Circle shortens time‑to‑launch with built‑in upsell paths and real‑time analytics driving smarter content decisions.

Where Circle falls short

Rigid layouts: You can tweak colors and logos, but deep page customization is limited to pre‑set blocks.

Marketing stack gaps: Email sequences, funnels, and CRM syncs live outside Circle.so, so creators end up using separate tools and transaction fees nibble at margins once memberships scale.

Customer reviews

"It's really easy to use, it has loads of excellent features that I find really valuable for my specific use case, and even though it can seem a bit pricey at first to start with if you're doing a startup the cost is really great for what you get and it has monetization tools to let you make income with your community quickly." – Capterra Review

“I love how beautiful the UI is for the this software. The UX is also intuitive and constantly be improved upon every year.“ – Capterra Review

Who Circle is best for

Circle shines for solo creators, course instructors, and boutique brands that want a ready‑made membership hub with live events, layered paywalls, and minimal maintenance overhead.

3. Mighty Networks: Mobile‑First Community Website Builder for On‑the‑Go Brand

If your members live on their phones, Mighty Networks is the community website builder built for swipe‑friendly feeds, push notifications, and in‑app purchases.

Native iOS and Android apps let you launch a branded social hub without code. Think of it as an online community site builder that feels like Instagram—only you own the data and revenue.

Key features

Native mobile apps with push alerts and in‑app purchases keep engagement high on the go.

Spaces & sub‑groups let you segment conversations, courses, and challenges behind paywalls.

Live streaming + events integrate polls and Q&A without relying on third‑party tools, turning launches into experiences.

Pricing

Mighty Networks balances community features with course management, offering entry-level group plans through to white-label mobile apps. Its flexible structure suits creators and educators alike.

Community Plan: $41/month (annually)

Courses Plan: $99/month

Business Plan: $179/month with 14‑day free trial

Mighty Pro: from $360/month for white‑label apps.

Where Mighty Networks shines

Mobile UX is king here: posts, reactions, and DMs feel as fluid as any social feed. Built‑in gamification nudges members back daily, and layered Spaces make upselling premium challenges simple.

For inspiration, browse our real‑world community examples to see formats Mighty excels at.

Where it falls short

Web customization is limited to color swaps; complex page layouts require work‑arounds. Larger communities pay extra for moderators, storage, and advanced automations, nudging total cost well beyond the entry price.

Customer reviews

"Mighty Networks is amazing. Not only do I like the cultural software, but the support of the whole MN team and their standout guides is better than anything else out there." – Capterra Review

"It's super easy to use, much cheaper than Kajabi, and the customer service is the best." – Capterra Review

Who Mighty Networks is best for

Influencers, wellness coaches, and lifestyle brands that need a polished mobile app, built‑in payments, and quick community setup without managing plug‑ins.

4. Disco: Cohort‑Based Community Website Builder Software for Learning Programs

Disco positions itself as the community website builder software for instructors running live cohorts. Instead of endless forums, you get curriculum workspaces, an event calendar, and progress tracking in one tab.

If you’re comparing tools, Disco lands among the best community website builder options for academies that monetize mentorship and feedback loops.

Key features

Curriculum builder links lessons, resources, and check‑ins to each cohort stage.

Automations & AI chat reduce admin by sending reminders and generating lesson drafts.

Native Zoom & Slack integrations keep discussions flowing where learners already hang out.

Pricing

Disco caters to small to mid-sized organizations, providing essential community tools and mobile support out of the box. Enterprise customers get expanded integrations and custom deployment options.

Organization: $359/month for smaller groups

Enterprise: Custom pricing adds SSO, API access, and branded mobile apps—tailored for multi‑campus rollouts.

Where Disco shines

Course operators praise Disco’s single‑workspace design: curriculum, community, and analytics live together, slashing tab fatigue. Automations free staff hours, and AI tools write lesson intros in seconds.

Before you commit, compare specs in our deep dive into 20 community platform software options.

Where it falls short

No free tier, and the entry price is steep for hobby educators. While the interface is slick, social‑feed features lag behind peers—threads can feel linear rather than lively.

Customer reviews

"Disco is incredibly easy to use and has transformed our training delivery. Customer support has been second to none—they handle questions quickly despite time‑zone gaps." – G2 Review

"It’s a super user‑friendly platform with helpful AI chat and integrations like Zoom and Slack. Automations cut our manual workload dramatically." – G2 Review

Who Disco is best for

Bootcamps, accelerators, and professional training firms that sell high‑touch, cohort‑based programs and want curriculum + community in one dashboard.

5. Disciple: White‑Label, High‑Ticket Community Website Builder for Established Brands

With branded iOS/Android apps and granular groups, Disciple targets enterprises seeking a premium, own‑the‑experience approach. It competes at the top end of the best community website builder market, while still delivering the core community website builder essentials such as feeds, courses, events, and push notifications.

Key features

Full white‑label apps list you as the developer, boosting brand equity.

Unlimited groups & profile fields let you mirror complex member hierarchies.

RTMP livestreaming & advanced analytics support large‑scale events with deep data.

Pricing

Disciple targets professional communities that demand robust member limits and branded mobile experiences. Its premium positioning reflects in its high-value feature set and platform stability.

Grow: $729/month for up to 500 members and a branded mobile app

Pro: $1,167/month for 5,000 members and advanced features

Enterprise: Custom hosting, analytics, and streaming.

Where Disciple shines

Enterprises value Disciple’s app‑store presence and detailed permission controls. Modular add‑ons—courses, livestream minutes, extra admins—mean you only pay for growth when you need it. For broader context on governance tools, skim our community management software guide.

Where it falls short

Sticker shock is real: pricing starts where many rivals cap out. Scaling beyond 500 members incurs steep add‑on fees, and some users report a learning curve for granular settings.

Customer reviews

“I love having a white‑labeled mobile app that feels native to our brand. The cost is affordable compared to other platforms.” – Capterra Review

“The onboarding process was great—our Community Success Manager was helpful and responsive throughout.” – Capterra Review

Who Disciple is best for

Established organizations and influencer brands that need full white‑label control, advanced analytics, and are comfortable paying a premium for enterprise‑grade scalability.

6. Discourse: Open‑Source Community Website Builder for Forum Purists

The self‑hostable legend, Discourse, blends long‑form threads with real‑time chat in one community website builder package. From hobby boards to enterprise knowledge bases, its API, plugin library, and SSO keep control in your hands while members enjoy modern UX.

Key features

Infinite‑scroll discussions & chat channels merge deep threads with Slack‑style speed.

Robust plugin marketplace adds polls, automation, and gamified badges.

Granular trust levels & moderation tools help larger forums stay civil.

Pricing

Discourse offers an open-source foundation with managed hosting plans that grow with your community. Its plugin ecosystem and priority support options make it a versatile choice.

Starter: $20/month

Pro: $100/month

Business: $500/month

Enterprise: Custom—all plans include unlimited members; higher tiers unlock advanced plugins, themes, and priority support.

Where Discourse shines

Open‑source DNA means full code access, strong SEO, and huge community support. Pair it with these community engagement tips to keep threads lively and avoid ghost‑town syndrome.

Where it falls short

Setup isn’t true no‑code: hosting, emails, and upgrades require DevOps or a paid plan. Real‑time features are improving but still feel bolt‑on compared to mobile‑first rivals.

Customer reviews

"The best thing about Discourse is the Channels feature, where members of the project team can collaborate. On channels, users can create new posts, reply to others' posts, and upload attachments. It also has a feature of sending direct messages similar to email messages. The user interface is easy to use and quick to learn for beginners." – G2 Review

"'It is an extensive database filled with valuable information. Discourse is user-friendly and facilitates open discussions in a forum-style format. It offers significant customization options, allowing the creation of various topics and categories, while also monitoring user engagement." – G2 Review

Who Discourse is best for

Developer communities, OSS projects, and knowledge‑base forums that value control, extensibility, and a discussion‑first experience over glossy mobile app

7. Zapnito: Expert Knowledge Hub & Community Website Builder Software for B2B Brands

Zapnito turns static content portals into expert‑led conversations. This community website builder software helps enterprises surface thought leadership via panels, webinars, and gated insights—all under one domain with UK‑based strategic support.

Key features

Knowledge libraries & expert panels deliver searchable, multimedia insights.

Engagement dashboards track ROI with cohort retention and reach metrics.

Strategic advisory services guide community managers from launch to scale.

Pricing

Zapnito is designed for corporate knowledge sharing, combining user limits with strategic account reviews. Customizable tiers ensure enterprise needs are met with dedicated service

Basic: $900/month (billed annually) for one admin and up to 250 users

Higher tiers (Essential, Premium, Enterprise) require custom quotes and add more seats, unlimited users, and priority strategy reviews.

Where Zapnito shines

B2B publishers love the clean CMS, SSO, and data export. For a broader view of governance and analytics options, see our roundup of community management software tools—Zapnito sits firmly in the enterprise tier. Still on the fence? Check out these 11 best community management software tools to get more insight on how to make the right choice.

Where it falls short

Starting price eclipses peers; smaller brands may not justify $10k+ per year. Mobile experience lags and multimedia uploads count against storage caps quickly.

Customer reviews

“It's easy to use and to onboard our teams and it has had a huge impact on our business. The Zapnito team are awesome, they're so helpful and provide great expertise.“ “I liked the format of the websites. Clean, nice look that was overall pretty easy to navigate.“ – Capterra Review

“I liked the format of the websites. Clean, nice look that was overall pretty easy to navigate.“– Capterra Review

Who Zapnito is best for

Large B2B publishers and SaaS firms that monetize premium knowledge and want white‑glove strategy alongside a secure, branded platform.

8. EzyCourse: Budget‑Friendly Online Community Site Builder for Course Creators

Looking for an all‑in‑one stack on a shoestring? EzyCourse bundles courses, memberships, and communities into one online community site builder, making it a contender among the best community website builder options for side‑hustle creators.

Key features

Drag‑and‑drop site builder with 250+ templates and branded domains.

16 revenue streams from coaching to paid blog posts and video libraries.

Magic Checkout & smart upsells nudge average order value higher.

Pricing

EzyCourse blends course delivery with community chat, making it ideal for education-focused groups. All plans include unlimited courses and mobile app support for seamless learning communities.

Basic: $45/month

Pro: $139/month

Unlimited: $199/month

Elite: $299/month—all plans include unlimited courses, community chat, and a free mobile app.

Where EzyCourse shines

Feature breadth beats most budget platforms: quizzes, push notifications, and white‑label apps at sub‑$200 price points. Tiered pricing lets you scale without migrating.

Where it falls short

UI feels marketing‑heavy, and constant upsell banners can overwhelm learners. Support hours vary, and advanced analytics lag behind enterprise tools.

Customer reviews

“Very unique and helpful features (like video/audio libraries, selling blog posts or offering group chats for your students). Great support, user friendly platform and regular updates.“ – Capterra Review

“I am very impressed with the customer service. They are so committed to giving us the best experience that I feel like a part of the team.“ – Capterra Review

Who EzyCourse is best for

Bootstrapped coaches and edu‑preneurs who want one dashboard to sell courses, manage communities, and experiment with multiple income streams.

How to Choose Community Website Builder Software

Choosing the right community website builder means balancing features, scalability, and ease of setup—LoftOS offers robust SEO tools and top search performance to help your community thrive.

Feature Consideration #1: Custom Domain & Branding

Having a professional URL and consistent design builds trust. LoftOS lets you configure a list of custom domain settings and white-label branding effortlessly—see screenshot below. Control logos, fonts, and color schemes so your online presence aligns with your brand identity.

Feature Consideration #2: Member Management & Permissions

Fine-grained roles let you control who sees what. LoftOS’s member management includes membership-related features that let you assign admins, moderators, and segment access by group. Protect private content and ensure only verified members participate.

Feature Consideration #3: Built-in Engagement Tools (Forums, Events, Chat)

Engagement drives retention. LoftOS combines forums, event modules, and chat into one package—no extra plugins needed. Create discussion threads, host virtual events, and facilitate real-time chat from a unified dashboard—see screenshot below to visualize how easy it is to keep your community active.

Ready to evaluate for yourself? Check out LoftOS features and see how effortless community building can be.

Start Building With Confidence – Explore LoftOS Now

You’ve compared every community website builder worth its code. If your roadmap goes beyond simple chat feeds—think roles, automations, and real ROI—LoftOS is built for you.

See how it solves community management at scale in real‑world platforms and launch your own in days, not months.

Ready? Start your LoftOS journey for free, or keep sharpening your member engagement strategy with our free guide.

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