18.3
Android app and website for software professionals to connect and learn from peers.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best Online Community Platforms in 2026
DEV Community leads this chart of 54 (8.3/10, free plan). Mobilize is next (8.1/10, free plan), and Discuit is the next highest-placed with a free plan (7.8/10). Online community platforms help people gather, share posts and messages, and manage groups. Compare Android app support and the community controls you need, such as moderation, private groups, and direct messaging. The chart compares free plans, starting paid prices, member limits, custom domains, and mobile apps alongside community features. Check whether a platform runs on Android if you plan to manage or join a…
28.1
Android app and website help organizations recruit volunteers and manage in-person or virtual events.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.8
Android app and website for open-source discussions, with sortable community and feed views.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
- 4
HumHub
Android app and website for community groups, with events and configurable access.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.8From €144 a month - 5
Forumbee
Forumbee is a web platform for customer and employee communities with discussion forums, Q&A, and a knowledge base.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.7From $50 a month - 6
NodeBB
Website software for running a community forum; available for self-hosting.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.6From $20 a month - 7
Circle
Android app and web access for hosted communities, with private spaces and event hosting.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.5From $89 a month - 8
Geneva
Android app and website for discovering groups, chatting, and planning local meetups.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.4Free plan - 9
Heartbeat
Heartbeat is a paid platform for running online communities, with Android and iOS apps.
AndroidiOS7.3 - 10
Invision Community
Community software with Android and iOS apps, plus events, members-only spaces, and moderation tools.
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.3 - 11
Wisdo
Android app for peer support, with guided coaching and moderated groups for shared experiences.
AndroidiOSWeb7.3From $70 a year - 12
Jodel
Android service for sharing short messages, photos, and threaded posts with nearby users anonymously.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.2Free plan - 13
Mighty Networks
Android app and website for paid communities that host events; iOS is also available.
AndroidiOSWeb7.2From $79 a month - 14
Discourse
Discourse is community software for hosting discussions, with options to self-host or use managed hosting.
Free planSelf-hosted7.1From $100 a month - 15
Fora
Fora is a web-based, white-label community platform aimed at creators, educators, and coaches.
Free planWeb7.0Free plan - 16
Communi
Communi combines online communities, courses, events, payments, and AI for creators and community builders.
AndroidiOSWeb6.9From $295 a year - 17
Gainsight Customer Communities
Paid web-based platform for customer communities; pricing is available on request.
WebAPI6.9From $1,000 a year - 18
Elgg
Open-source, self-hosted software for social networks, with private spaces and granular access controls.
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted6.8Free plan - 19
Heyspace
Android app for finding people with shared interests and making nearby meetup plans.
Free planAndroidiOS6.8From $4.99 a month - 20
Forums.net
Forums.net is a hosted discussion platform for organizations and businesses running online communities.
AndroidiOSWeb6.7From $49.99 a month - 21
Khoros Communities
Khoros Communities is a paid platform for brands building customer communities for self-service, peer support, engagement, and collaboration.
AndroidiOSWebAPI6.7 - 22
Nodyx
Web community software supports self-hosting, custom domains, events, and moderation; no mobile apps.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS6.7Free plan - 23
Open Social
Android app and self-hosted platform for organizations to manage community roles and collaboration.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI6.7Free plan - 24
TruckPulse
Web platform for virtual trucking teams to manage driver applications, convoys, attendance, and points.
Free planWeb6.7Free plan - 25
Neighbors
Android app and website where residents can post and read local safety updates.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb6.6Free plan
Choosing well
Does it have an Android app?
Check the platform’s mobile app availability if you want to read or manage a community on an Android phone or tablet. Android is one of the chart’s comparison points, alongside other mobile apps.
Which community features do I need?
Compare moderation tools, private groups, and direct messaging against the way you plan to run or join a community. The chart also lists member limits and custom domains.
Can I start with a free plan?
Check whether the platform has a free plan, then compare its starting paid price if you expect to need a paid option. The chart tracks free plans and paid starting prices.
Can I host or connect to the platform myself?
The chart includes web, API, self-hosted, and Linux availability. Check the platform’s listed options to see whether they fit how you want to access or run it.
What kinds of platforms are included?
The selection includes community services such as Discuit, Geneva, and NodeBB. Their presence illustrates that the chart covers different kinds of community platforms, not a single format.
Questions people ask
Which online community platforms have an Android app?
Android app availability is one of the chart’s comparison points. Check the platform details to confirm Android support for the option you are considering.
Can I use an online community platform for free?
The chart compares platforms with free plans and paid starting prices. Discuit, Geneva, and DEV Community are listed with free plans.
What features should I compare in community software?
Compare moderation tools, private groups, direct messaging, member limits, and custom domains, along with free plans, paid starting prices, and mobile apps.
Can I self-host an online community platform?
Self-hosted availability is included as a platform comparison point. Check the individual platform details to see whether it offers that option.
Do online community platforms support private groups and direct messages?
Private groups and direct messaging are among the features compared in the chart. Check the platform details for the options you need.