17.8
HumHub is an open-source intranet and collaboration platform for communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
Best Community Building Platforms in 2026
Community building platforms help you host discussions, member spaces, events and other community formats. Start by checking Android support if you use a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone. Platforms in this category may also run on the web, iOS, Windows, through an API or as self-hosted software. Compare the free plan, paid starting point and member limit. Check for a custom domain, branded mobile app, events tools and…
27.7
AlumnForce is an alumni community platform for connecting members, supporting careers, and organizing engagement.
AndroidiOSWeb
37.6
NodeBB is a discussion platform for creating forums and online communities, including brand communities and product support boards.
Free planWebAPILinux
- 4
PeepSo
PeepSo is a social networking plugin for WordPress, available for web, iOS, and Android communities.
Free planAndroidiOSWebSelf-hosted7.6Free plan - 5
Circle
Circle brings community, content, events, courses, payments, email and website tools together in one platform for creators, brands and community businesses.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.5From $89 a month - 6
Salesforce Experience Cloud
Salesforce Experience Cloud creates branded digital experiences such as portals, help forums, support communities, and sites for customers, partners, and employees.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.5 - 7
Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a paid platform for creating communities with private spaces, moderation tools, events, and custom domains.
AndroidiOSWeb7.2From $79 a month - 8
Discourse
Discourse is community software for hosting discussions, with options to self-host or use managed hosting.
Free planSelf-hosted7.1From $100 a month - 9
Gainsight Customer Communities
Gainsight Customer Communities gives customers a shared place to ask questions, exchange answers, learn, and share knowledge.
WebAPI6.9From $1,000 a year - 10
Elgg
Elgg is a free, open-source framework for building web applications where users log in and share information.
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted6.8Free plan - 11
Open Social
Open Social is a community collaboration platform for organizations that need to connect and work across their communities.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI6.7Free plan - 12
Glue Up
Glue Up is an engagement platform for organizations managing memberships and operations.
AndroidiOSWeb6.6 - 13
Journey by Forj
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.6 - 14
6.5From $599 a month - 15
SocialEngine
AndroidiOSWeb6.5From $29 a month - 16
BuddyPress
BuddyPress is a free, open-source WordPress plugin that adds social features to sites where people with shared interests can connect and communicate.
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted6.4Free plan - 17
Verint Community
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.4 - 18
Higher Logic Thrive
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.3 - 196.2Free plan
- 20
XenForo
WebAPISelf-hosted6.2From $60 a month - 21
Flarum
Flarum is free, open-source forum software for hosting discussions on websites and online communities.
WebAPIExtensionSelf-hosted6.1 - 22
6.0From $4,788 a year - 23
6.0From $12.50 a month - 24
PeopleGrove Engagement Hub
PeopleGrove Engagement Hub is a platform for colleges and universities to manage mentorship, alumni networking, and engagement across the student journey.
Web6.0 - 255.9
Choosing well
Check phone and platform access
Check for an Android app before choosing a platform for phone-based participation. Also compare web, iOS and Windows access, plus API or self-hosted options when you need a different setup.
Platform support can affect how members join discussions, events and other community formats.
Compare plans and member limits
Look for a free plan or free trial if you want to evaluate a platform before paying. Record the paid starting price and check what member limit applies to that plan.
Pricing models differ, including free, freemium and paid options. A readable price makes comparisons easier.
Match formats and events
List the community formats your group needs, then check how a platform handles them. Events tools can matter when the community runs meetings or other scheduled activities.
Compare the listed events tools directly instead of assuming that a discussion-focused service covers event work.
Review branding and hosting
A custom domain can keep the community under your own web address. A branded mobile app can give members a phone entry point under your identity.
Self-hosted software offers a different operating model from a hosted service. Check whether that option fits your maintenance plans.
Check member monetization
If members need to pay or generate income through the community, compare the member monetization tools listed for each platform.
Check this alongside pricing, member limits and community formats so the plan supports the way your group operates.
Questions people ask
Do these community platforms have Android apps?
Android is a listed platform for this category. Check the individual product page to confirm its Android availability and what other platforms it supports.
Can I start with a free plan?
A free plan is available from items in this category, and free trials are also offered. Check the plan terms and member limit before choosing.
What pricing details should I compare?
Compare the pricing model, paid starting price, free-plan terms and member limit. A free plan and a free trial are different options.
Are self-hosted community platforms included?
Self-hosted is a platform option represented in this category. Check the product details to see whether that operating model is available for your choice.
Can a platform support events and paid membership?
Events tools and member monetization are comparison points for this category. Review the product details to confirm which tools a platform provides.