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Editor's Choice
We test and review software products using an independent, multipoint methodology. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Read about our editorial process.
For creators, educators, and businesses aiming to build strong digital communities, choosing the right platform is essential. Unlike social media groups, modern community platforms give you full control over member experience, monetization, and engagement. In 2025, community platforms have become central to online learning, coaching, networking, and brand building — offering interactive features that foster deeper relationships and long-term loyalty.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best community platforms in 2025, including Thinkific, Skool, Teachable, ClickFunnels, and Circle. We’ll also share our evaluation methodology to help you choose the right solution for your needs.
A community platform is not just about discussion forums — it’s about creating an interactive ecosystem where members feel connected and engaged. Key benefits include:
Centralized hub for discussions, courses, and resources.
Higher engagement with gamification, events, and live sessions.
Revenue opportunities through subscriptions, memberships, and upsells.
Brand control without the noise of social media algorithms.
Scalability for growing businesses and communities.
For creators and companies, this means building trust, improving retention, and generating predictable revenue streams through memberships and digital products.
We assessed each platform using a six-step process, ensuring recommendations are based on real usability and business value:
Engagement features – tools for interaction like forums, chat, events, and gamification.
Monetization options – built-in support for memberships, subscriptions, and digital sales.
Ease of use – intuitive design for both hosts and community members.
Customization – ability to brand and personalize the experience.
Integration – compatibility with marketing tools, CRM, and payment systems.
Support & scalability – quality of customer support and ability to grow with your needs.
By combining technical analysis with user feedback, we highlight the platforms that truly empower communities.
Thinkific has expanded beyond courses into full-featured learning communities, making it easy to combine education with engagement. Members can join discussions, attend live events, and access exclusive content all in one space.
Best for: Course creators and educators looking to merge learning with community.
Skool is designed around simplicity and engagement. With its all-in-one dashboard, members can access lessons, discussions, and gamified leaderboards. The clean interface keeps users active and connected, while creators benefit from built-in payment and growth tools.
Best for: Coaches and creators seeking a simple, gamified community experience.
Teachable, widely known for online courses, now includes community features. This allows instructors to host group discussions, live sessions, and student networks alongside their courses. Monetization through memberships is seamlessly integrated.
Best for: Educators already using Teachable for courses who want to add community.
ClickFunnels, famous for sales funnels, offers community features that integrate directly with marketing and sales. Businesses can create branded spaces for customers, adding value beyond the funnel and driving higher retention rates.
Best for: Businesses wanting to connect community directly with sales funnels.
Circle is one of the most powerful standalone community platforms, offering spaces for discussions, events, live streaming, and memberships. Its flexible design makes it easy to brand and integrate into websites or apps, making it a favorite among professional creators and companies.
Best for: Brands and creators seeking a flexible, premium community platform.
When selecting a community platform, consider:
Member engagement needs – Do you need live video, gamification, or just discussion boards?
Monetization strategy – Subscriptions, memberships, or course bundles?
Ease of use – Both for you as the creator and your members.
Integrations – CRM, email marketing, or payment gateways.
Scalability – Can it grow as your community expands?
Community platforms in 2025 are not just communication tools — they are business growth engines. Whether you’re an educator, coach, or entrepreneur, the right platform will help you foster engagement, build loyalty, and unlock new revenue streams.
For learning-based communities: Thinkific or Teachable.
For gamified, simple communities: Skool.
For business-driven communities tied to sales: ClickFunnels.
For premium flexibility and branding: Circle.
With the right choice, you can transform your audience into a thriving, loyal community that fuels long-term growth.
When you think about community platforms, consider the key features that improve the user experience. Look for ways to customize things, effective moderation tools, and several options for people to engage. These options can include discussion forums, live events, and private messaging.
To improve community engagement, you can try several strategies. Get people involved by hosting fun events. Invite content creators from the community to join. This helps to practice inclusivity and makes everyone feel welcome.
Common management challenges include keeping the community growing, ensuring members stay involved, moderating effectively, and resolving conflicts. If you address these issues early, it helps keep a thriving community.
