Circle.so used to be popular for creating online communities, but now there are new options available. This guide looks at the top 8 alternatives in 2024, each with their own unique features. Whether you’re a business owner, educator, or creator, you can find a platform that suits your needs. Explore the different options to find the best match for your online community.
What is Circle.so?
It is important to thoroughly examine the features of the platform to understand its offerings and compare them to alternatives to Circle.so.
Circle.so was established in 2020 to provide a platform for communication and transactions between clients and service providers, with the goal of offering a streamlined and convenient experience for discussions, transactions, and purchases.
It is a digital platform that serves as a community space for creators, brands, professionals, and anyone interested in joining discussions and engaging with others. The platform fosters meaningful interactions and relationships.
The platform revolutionized creator and community dynamics by merging community elements with business, which has been shown to increase employee participation, improve business image, and enhance client satisfaction according to reports.
Circle.so features
- Discussion chat rooms
- Private messaging
- Brand building
- Live streams
- Paid memberships
- Single sign-on (SSO)
- Free trials
- Multiple integrations
- Advanced analytics
- Invite teammates
Why Consider Alternatives to Circle.so?
Circle.so is known for its reliability in building online communities. However, it is beneficial to explore other options to find a platform that better suits your specific needs. While Circle.so is effective for community engagement, it may not be the most suitable choice for managing courses.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) and specialized course platforms offer functionalities tailored to educational needs. These alternatives provide a variety of options for those looking for more advanced features, better pricing, or a different user experience.
This section will explore the benefits of considering other platforms and the unique advantages they offer, ranging from enhanced customization to specialized tools for educators and businesses, which can enhance community engagement and growth.
Top 12 alternatives to Circle.so
Teachfloor
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Learning Communities
Teachfloor is a cohort-based course platform that prioritizes creating a quality solution for remote learning, while also incorporating aspects of in-person learning. Community-building is a key focus for Teachfloor.
Working in cohorts involves forming a close-knit group of individuals with similar interests to establish lasting relationships for educational purposes, including academic, professional, and personal connections. Therefore, it offers the following features:
- Create and sell Cohort-Based Courses
- Discussion Forum
- Community Channels
- Peer Learning Tools
- White-Label + custom domain
- Zoom integration
- Multiple admins
- Live Chat
- Group Chat
- Free trial
- API & SSO
+100 integrations
The platform offers an analytics dashboard for tracking participant activity, student enrollment options for new member orientation, and Stripe integration for smooth transactions.
Teachfloor does not have a mobile app at the moment. However, additional integrations through Zapier could potentially incur added costs.
Pros
- Teachfloor’s simplicity and ease of use resulted in decreased attendee inquiries and improved operational efficiency.
- As an event organizer, time was prioritized for important tasks over technical support.
- Filippo from Teachfloor offered efficient and helpful support for all inquiries, improving the overall experience.
- Teachfloor allowed for a quick setup process, which was essential when time was limited.
- The platform accommodated a diverse audience with different levels of technological expertise, leading to a successful conference with over 100 attendees.
Cons
- There are minimal opportunities to personalize the conference setting based on specific branding or unique requirements.
- Some event management platforms may not offer as many advanced features or specific functionalities as others.
- Some individuals may face challenges with organizing very large or complex conferences.
- Potential challenges may arise when integrating Teachfloor with existing tools or systems within the organization.
- Dependence on responsive support may become a disadvantage if support availability or quality diminishes over time.
Slack
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Business Communication
Slack is used by many workplaces for team communication. It provides designated spaces for each community and helps keep discussions organized. Slack is popular for its simplicity and user-friendly interface, available on both web and mobile platforms. Key features include enhancing team collaboration and efficient communication.
- Channels for organizing conversations
- Direct messaging
- File sharing
- Integration with other tools
- Searchable message history
- Notifications and reminders
- Video and voice calls
Slack is known for its community engagement and collaboration capabilities, but some users may find it lacking in certain features such as custom branding and monetization options. It is primarily a communication platform and does not have built-in support for course creation or management. Despite these limitations, its user-friendly interface and wide range of integrations make it a popular choice for businesses seeking efficient communication and collaboration tools.
Pros
- Slack offers a variety of integrations to help streamline your workflow with your current tools.
Cons
- Monetizing on Slack is not an option, so if community goals involve earning revenue, alternative platforms should be considered.
- Slack’s pricing plans are based on the number of users, which can become costly for larger or quickly expanding communities.
Bettermode
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Customizable Business Communities
Other features include:
- The in-app integrations include Zapier, Google Analytics, custom apps, and Amplitude for community optimization.
- Moderation involves the use of automation tools and rules to ensure safety within the community.
- Discussion spaces
- Analytics
- Access for members in private communities.
Tribe is a highly customizable and flexible app that can be a great alternative. It is free for up to 100 members, but some users may find the user experience cluttered due to numerous integrations and there are additional charges to remove the Tribe logo.
Pros
- Bettermode includes gamification features that allow you to incentivize active members with badges, leaderboard rankings, and virtual currency.
- The Bettermode platform offers support for multiple languages and integrates with Google Translate, which can be useful for communities with diverse language needs.
- Bettermode offers robust moderation tools and allows you to blacklist specific keywords.
Cons
- One limitation of Bettermode is the lack of a native mobile app, resulting in a limited experience for members using their phones. This means that Push Notifications cannot be utilized, potentially impacting community engagement.
- The Bettermode platform lacks essential features for community building. You cannot create groups or organize content into folders. Additionally, there is no events feature available. Members are limited in their ability to engage with each other due to the absence of a private messaging feature.
- Using third-party integrations and widgets instead of inbuilt features may require additional subscriptions and can feel less seamless.
- Bettermode’s support options are limited, as their community mainly consists of FAQs rather than a platform for seeking assistance from their team and other customers.
Discourse
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Forum-Based Communities
It offers the following features:
- Community moderation is made easier through the flagging of inappropriate content.
- The interface is user-friendly.
- Discussion boards are typically organized in a structured manner.
- The notification system is used to provide updates and information to users.
Discourse has a starting limit of $100 per month and requires some coding knowledge to set up free code from third-party sites if users choose not to use the platform’s offered code, making it less suitable for inexperienced creators.
Pros
- The platform provides a structured framework for discussions, facilitating member participation and comprehension of conversations.
- The platform’s moderation tools are effective in maintaining a safe and respectful community environment.
- Discourse’s customization features enable a customized community appearance that complements your brand identity.
- Responsive design ensures a consistent user experience on all devices for all users.
Cons
- This product may require technical expertise for setup and customization, which could result in additional costs for development support.
- While text-based discussions are effective, they may not fully meet the needs of communities seeking multimedia interactions such as videos or live streams.
Hivebrite
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Professional Communities
Hivebrite is a comprehensive community management platform tailored for organizations, alumni networks, and professional associations. It provides various features for member management and engagement, including a wide range of tools. Some key features include:
- The branding and layout can be customized.
- Accessing member directories and profiles.
- Tools used for event management.
- Sophisticated analytics and reporting technologies.
- Various monetization options are available, including memberships and donations.
Hivebrite offers customization options and professional tools that cater to organizations seeking a branded and interactive community experience.
Pros
- Hivebrite offers a customizable approach for managing member sign-ups, profiles, access rights, features, and branding through a building block system.
- Hivebrite has effective membership and event monetization capabilities.
- Hivebrite offers a jobs board for their target audience, providing a valuable resource.
Cons
- Hivebrite is known for being a high-priced option.
- Push notifications are not functional on the Hivebrite platform, which may affect community engagement.
- Hivebrite does not offer livestreaming capabilities for hosting live events and broadcasts with members.
- The user experience of your behind-the-scenes platform as a community host is not as user-friendly as Disciple’s.
Discord
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Gaming and Casual Communities
The features include:
- Easy-to-use
- Voice and video calling
- Specific community channels
Discord shares similarities with Circle but may not have all the necessary tools for managing a growing community effectively.
Pros
- It allows individuals to communicate via voice and video calls.
- It is simple and user-friendly.
Cons
- The white label app option is not available.
- This platform only offers integrations for gaming communities, so if your group focuses on something different, you may need to search for alternative options.
- The analytics are quite limited, making it challenging to gain insight into your community’s behavior and motivations.
Kajabi
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Creators and Influencers
Key features include:
- Tools for creating and managing courses.
- Community forums and chat platforms are available for online discussion and communication.
- Email marketing and automation are effective tools for businesses.
- Analyzing data and generating reports.
- Monetization through subscriptions and one-time sales
Kajabi is a platform suitable for educators and entrepreneurs interested in integrating community interaction with online course offerings and business expansion.
Pros
Cons
- There is no white label app available.
- The product is priced high considering its limited functionality.
Discipline
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Structured Collaboration and Engagement
Key features include:
- Discussion boards that are organized in a structured manner.
- Project management tools are used to help organize and monitor the progress of projects.
- User profiles and direct messaging
- Customizable community settings
- Integration with other tools and platforms
Discipline is beneficial for communities that need organized collaboration and focused interaction, making it a versatile option for a variety of community settings.
Pros
- Disciple offers a highly customizable community platform that allows you to create a unique online space for your community on web, iOS and Android.
- Disciple provides monetization tools such as multi-tier subscriptions, in-app purchases, and sponsorships. We believe in transparency, so there are no hidden fees for in-app purchases, allowing you to keep all of your income from your community.
- Disciple is a platform designed to streamline business operations by centralizing tools and people in one place. It integrates with various tools and offers endless possibilities through its open API.
- Disciple offers a comprehensive platform with features like push notifications, livestreams, polls, chats, and more, designed to help you grow and engage your community effectively.
- Disciple’s console provides convenient tools for managing and engaging with your community.
Cons
Mighty Networks
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Comprehensive Community Building
The main features include:
- Features such as live streaming, Q&A sessions, and polls are available.
- The website and mobile interface are designed to be user-friendly.
- Multiple currency payment option
- Monetization plans
- Unlimited hosts
Mighty Networks is a viable option compared to Circle, with the only drawback being that some users find it challenging to navigate.
Pros
- Mighty Networks offers apps for all device types: iOS, Android, and web, whereas Circle does not.
- Course creators have the option to build their courses on Mighty Networks without the need to integrate another platform like Teachable.
- Mighty Networks offers customer support for those who choose to subscribe to their Mighty Pro option.
Cons
- Mighty Networks is considered to be expensive, especially their white label option Mighty Pro which costs $30,000 a year. If you want Single Sign On for your members, there’s an additional $7,500 fee. In contrast, Disciple’s Pro tier offers similar or better features at less than half the cost.
- Mighty Networks charges a fee for in-app purchases, reducing the amount you keep.
- The livestreaming feature in Mighty Networks has certain limitations, such as restrictions on the number of participants on camera, as well as limits on livestream duration and viewer capacity.
- The user interface may be overwhelming for new members due to the amount of information it tries to include.
Amity
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Community and Messaging
The platform provides four exclusive Amity features for an enhanced experience:
- Social media is important for engaging with the community.
- Chat is often used for one-on-one communication.
- Video technology for interactive live experiences and online seminars.
- Bots for streamlining user interactions
The platform allows for easy integrations and user profiles for followers. With the ability to support up to 500k users per community, it is well-suited for large groups. It also offers UI kits for customization and SDKs. However, there may be a need for extensive customization in some cases.
Pros
- Rich feature set for community building and messaging, including chat, forums, and live streaming.
- User-friendly interface, accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Various customization options to tailor the community experience to specific branding and needs.
- Capable of supporting both small and large communities, ensuring smooth performance.
- Integrates well with other tools and platforms, enhancing functionality within existing tech stacks.
Cons
- The cost of Amity may vary depending on the features and size of the community, and could be higher than some other options.
- Community managers may need some time to fully master the wide range of features available.
- Certain features may overlap with existing tools, which could result in redundancy.
- Advanced customization features may necessitate technical knowledge or assistance from a developer.
Facebook groups
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Wide Accessibility and Cost Efficiency
Some of the features include:
- Wide accessibility as most people already use Facebook
- Free of cost
- Easy to use interface
The free option of the app may seem appealing, but it has several drawbacks. It lacks notifications for in-group activity and has limited engagement features. Monetization is also complex. Due to these issues, some people are now moving away from using Facebook for hosting communities.
Pros
Cons
- Many community members are seeking to disengage from the Facebook/Meta platform due to its perceived toxicity. Hosting your community on Facebook poses the risk of losing members who wish to distance themselves from the platform, as there is no white-label option available for Facebook groups.
- Facebook groups do not provide monetization options, making it impossible to generate income from them.
- Facebook is known for the abundance of spam and distractions that can hinder community engagement. Many users find that they need to invest in Facebook ads to ensure their content is seen by their community members.
- Privacy and security concerns may arise on public platforms like Facebook, potentially impacting the member experience and increasing moderation efforts for community hosts.
- When hosting your community in a Facebook group, Meta will have ownership of your members’ data, resulting in limited control for you.
Best Alternative to Circle.so for Open Community Discussions
Reddit's key features include:
- Subreddits cover a wide variety of topics.
- The user voting system is used to identify popular content.
- Anonymous posting and interaction
- Large, active user base
Pros
Cons
- Reddit enforces strict regulations and guidelines that limit users’ freedom to create content on the platform.
- Reddit is primarily a discussion forum platform without additional community-building tools or monetization options for generating income.
- Reddit has specific criteria for individuals looking to create a community on their platform, which includes being an established and active member for a certain period of time. However, even meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval.
Conclusions
Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of community-building, as it can strengthen customer relationships by focusing on giving back rather than solely advertising. It may be beneficial to explore different options beyond Circle.so for a more comprehensive understanding of this strategy.
If you need assistance in launching your eLearning business, our eLearning agency can help you achieve your business goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a highly recommended alternative to Circle So?
When considering alternatives to Circle.so, some notable options to explore include Mighty Networks, HeartBeat, and Kajabi. Mighty Networks is particularly appealing for those looking to create a customized online community with branded apps tailored to their business requirements.
What is Circle so used for?
Circle.so is a platform designed for businesses to create and manage online communities, allowing for discussions, content sharing, and member engagement.
Which is better, Mighty Networks or Circle?
When deciding between Mighty Networks and Circle, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Mighty Networks is known for its ability to create customized online communities with branded apps, while Circle is valued for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. It is recommended to evaluate both platforms based on your requirements to determine which aligns best with your intended use.
What is the transaction fee for Circle.so?
Based on the provided information, the transaction fees for Circle are as follows.
- Basic Plan: 4%
- Pro Plan: 2%
- Business Plan: 1%
- Enterprise Plan: 0.5%
Transaction fees for Circle’s plans are subject to change and may vary. It is recommended to check the most up-to-date fees on their official website or documentation.
