Looking for the best community management software to energize your digital spaces?

Whether you aim to increase engagement or streamline group dynamics, our evaluation of prime software will outline key features and considerations to help inform your choice, ultimately guiding you to a software that resonates with your community’s unique needs.

What we will explore together:

• Introducing a comprehensive review of the top 7 Community Management Software (CMS) for 2024, including Disco, Mighty Networks, Hivebrite, Vanilla Forums, Khoros, Circle, and Wild Apricot, detailing their unique features, pricing, and suitability for different community needs.
• It emphasizes the importance of a CMS as a potent tool for cultivating a digital environment for community building, interaction, and engagement, and how it can directly impact cost savings and brand loyalty through a suite of features.
• Case studies of successful CMS implementation, including AltMBA, YSpace, and Eskwelabs using Disco's platform, are highlighted to demonstrate the effectiveness of CMS in enhancing engagement, streamlining operations, and improving the learning experience in various settings.

What is Community Management Software?

Community Management Software serves as a potent tool, cultivating a digital environment for community building, and allowing online communities to interact, engage, and thrive.

More than a mere platform, it operates as an ecosystem, empowering organizations to effectively and efficiently manage their online community. From setting strategies and defining the community to monitoring online conversations and providing excellent customer service, CMS is an indispensable asset in any community manager’s toolkit, including social media management.

But what sets CMS apart is its ability to directly impact your bottom line. With CMS, you can enhance customer experience, drive engagement, and cut down on support calls, leading to significant cost savings. It’s not just about managing a community – it’s about nurturing relationships, building brand loyalty, and creating an environment where every member feels valued and heard.

Beyond its core functions, CMS offers a range of exciting features that take community management to the next level. Some of these features include:

• Event scheduling
• Comprehensive communication capabilities
• Feedback management
• Social feeds and discussions
• Content creation and scheduling
• Member management and moderation

With these social media management tools and community management resources at your disposal, you can not only streamline your community management efforts but also create a user-friendly online community platform tailored to your community’s needs through a community management platform.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Community Management Tool

Selecting the appropriate CMS is vital for your community’s growth and prosperity. But with a plethora of community management software options out there, how do you make the right choice? There are a few key factors to consider:

✔️ Ease of Use. The user-friendliness of the software is a determining factor. A user-friendly CMS can drive higher adoption rates, increase productivity, and reduce training and support costs. It ensures that community engagement and interaction on social media platforms can occur without a steep learning curve.

✔️ Pricing Structure demands careful consideration. You need to assess the cost and ensure that the return on investment justifies the expense. Remember, pricing can differ based on user count and software functionalities.

✔️ Integration. Additionally, the software’s ability to integrate with existing systems is also a considerable factor. A CMS that can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems can lead to improved collaboration and operational efficiency.

✔️  Customer Support. Finally, the quality of customer support should never be underestimated. A CMS backed by a knowledgeable and responsive support team can make a world of difference when resolving any questions or issues.

Top 7 Best Community Management Software for 2024

Having covered the fundamentals of CMS and the factors to consider when selecting one, we can now delve into the specifics. Here are the top 9 community management software for 2024:

1. Disco. The #1 Choice of the World's Best Communities
2. Mighty Networks. For Building Engaging Communities
3. Hivebrite. Customizable Online Communities
4. Vanilla Forums. Interactive Forums for Brands
5. Khoros. Social Listening and Analytics
6. Circle. A Modern Community Platform for Creators
7. Wild Apricot. Non-Profit and Association Community Management

Each of these platforms brings unique features and functionalities to the table, catering to different needs and objectives. Let’s examine each one in more detail.

#1. DISCO - The #1 Choice of the World's Best Communities

When it comes to a community management app, Disco is the #1 choice of the world's best communities across the globe. Its versatile and adaptable platform supports diverse learning formats and caters to the unique needs of any learning community.

This is exemplified in its wide range of users, from accelerators, virtual academies, Bootcamps, professional associations, customer communities, and nonprofit organizations like YSpace, AltMBA, Dribbble, AllWomen, and HyperIsland.

Besides its robust features, Disco has been recognized as an industry leader, bagging two of the most prestigious awards in 2023. It was hailed as the Most Innovative in Education by Fast Company and named as the EdTech Breakthrough's Startup of the Year. This recognition further solidifies Disco's position as an award-winning community management software.

Why the World's Best Communities Choose Disco?

In terms of comprehensive platforms for community management, Disco takes the lead. It offers:

A Learning Tool Suite: Disco's Learning Tool Suite is a comprehensive set of tools designed to facilitate effective learning experiences. It includes features like content creation, course management, and progress tracking, making it easier for community managers to deliver and manage educational content.

Community & Engagement tools: These tools are designed to foster engagement and interaction within the community. They include features like event scheduling, discussion forums, and member management, which facilitate active participation and strengthen community ties.

Powerful AI and Productivity Tools: Disco's AI and productivity tools leverage artificial intelligence to streamline community management tasks. They assist in automating routine tasks, providing insightful analytics, and enhancing user experiences, thereby improving operational efficiency.

Accelerated Revenue Capabilities: These capabilities are focused on driving revenue growth for the community. They include features like payment and subscription management, monetization options, and financial reporting tools, all of which help to optimize revenue streams and increase profitability.

Automation. What sets Disco apart is its AI support that elevates the community management and learning experience. It empowers community leaders to easily oversee all members in one place, track their experiences, and efficiently manage the community. Moreover, it delivers impactful learning experiences through advanced features and integrations, making it an excellent choice for online courses and community management.

With incredible automation features that assist in event management and other community management tasks, Disco streamlines operations making it easier to scale a learning community.

Affordable Pricing. Disco is a game-changer for community management. With pricing starting at $79.00 per month, it offers a competitive and affordable choice for community managers with 1,000 members. For organizations, you can grow your learning org for $359 per month with up to 10,000 members and a Max plan for $999 per month for 25,000 members, all available with a 14-day free trial.

#2. Mighty Networks - For Building Engaging Communities

Following Disco is Mighty Networks, a platform providing community managers with the necessary tools to function more intelligently rather than just exerting more effort. Mighty Networks stands out for its focus on building engaging communities. It offers a wide range of features for:

• brand promotion
• customer support
• engagement activities
• public relations

It empowers creators to build communities, memberships, courses, and virtual events with a visually appealing design aesthetic.

Mighty Networks is a versatile platform that provides a range of monetization options, allowing users to sell memberships, offer coaching services, create subscriptions, sell products, and even monetize podcasts and YouTube channels with courses, content, and communities.

It also provides users with Mighty Insights, a tool to gain valuable insights about their community. Additionally, it supports Google Analytics integration for deeper data analysis, making it a comprehensive tool for community management.

Mighty Networks offers three pricing tiers: Community ($33/month when billed annually), and Business ($99/month when billed annually) with a 14-day free trial.

#3. Hivebrite - Customizable Online Communities

Hivebrite is the ideal CMS for those seeking customization in online communities. Hivebrite offers a powerful feature set, which includes:

• API and accounting integrations
• Activity dashboards and tracking
• CRM
• Chapter and committee management
• Advanced communication management capabilities

Hivebrite’s customization options give your community a unique look and feel that resonates with your brand identity. They include advanced theming, a branded mobile app, configurable workflows, custom fields, and control over branding elements, design layouts, and navigation menus.

Moreover, Hivebrite empowers you to capture and display the most relevant member information, enabling you to create tailored profiles and deploy advanced member profiling and segmentation. This helps you better understand and engage with community members.

Pricing: You need to book a demo to get a quote.

#4. Vanilla Forums - Interactive Forums for Brands

Vanilla Forums offers a novel approach to community management by revolutionizing forums with top-notch communication management features for superior control over discussion threads. This creates a platform that is not only beautiful but also highly effective for building online communities.

The interactive forums of Vanilla Forums empower users to:

• Create discussions, comments, and ideas
• Foster vibrant engagement through active discussions, responses, and social interactions
• Utilize a unique reputation system driven by user karma and ranks, encouraging active participation and adding a fun gamification element to the platform.

With additional features such as moderation tools, analytics capabilities, and flexible theming options, Vanilla Forums is among the best community management tools available.

#5. Khoros - Social Listening and Analytics

Khoros introduces a distinctive combination of community management, social listening, and analytics. It offers an incredible platform that empowers social teams to unite channels, set up efficient workflows, and manage content and users. But beyond just monitoring brand presence, Khoros uses deep listening and CX analytics to identify trends that can truly elevate brand love and engagement.

Khoros offers an array of social listening and analytics tools through its industry-leading social platform. Their capabilities include:

• Publishing
• Engagement
• Listening
• Analytics

All are designed to empower you. Additionally, they provide Khoros Intelligence, a powerful tool to help brands understand audience sentiment and identify trends.

Pricing: Book a demo to get pricing.

#6. Circle - A Modern Community Platform for Creators

Circle is a sophisticated and modern community management software designed with creators in mind. It offers a customizable and user-friendly platform where creators can bring their communities, content, and courses together in one place.

Circle's unique approach allows you to build a thriving online community around your brand, fostering engagement, loyalty, and growth. Its intuitive interface and seamless integrations with popular tools like Zapier, Memberstack, and WordPress make it a top choice for community management.

• provides customizable mini-communities within the main community, known as Spaces
• promotes personal and meaningful interactions through its direct and group messaging features
• enhances workflow and user experience with seamless integrations with popular tools like Zapier, Memberstack, and WordPress

Pricing: The Free plan offers basic community features for up to 10 members. The Basic plan, at $39 per month, is perfect for creators who are just starting to build their community, offering up to 1,000 members, custom branding, and integrations.

The Plus plan, at $79 per month, is best for growing communities, offering up to 10,000 members, priority support, and advanced moderation tools. All plans come with a 14-day free trial, so you can test out the platform before committing.

#7. Wild Apricot - Non-Profit and Association Community Management

Wild Apricot is a CMS specifically crafted for non-profit organizations and associations. It offers an all-in-one solution for membership management, including a built-in email system, a member directory, and seamless integration with existing membership databases.

In addition to its robust member management features, Wild Apricot also provides integrated event management tools, such as a website builder with a built-in payment processor and online registration, making it incredibly easy for non-profits and associations to set up and manage events.

The CMS also empowers non-profits and associations with a user-friendly drag-and-drop website builder, enabling them to effortlessly create membership websites without any technical know-how.

Wild Apricot's pricing plans start at $60 per month for up to 100 contacts, $75 for up to 250 contacts, $140 for up to 500 contacts, $240 for up to 2,000 contacts, and so on.

Case Studies: Successful Community Management Software Implementation

Case Study #1: Cohort-based Courses - AltMBA

AltMBA, a pioneer in online education, has utilized Disco's platform to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment for their cohort-based courses. By leveraging Disco's suite of tools, AltMBA has been able to foster a community of learners, facilitate meaningful interactions, and deliver content in an organized and effective manner.\

The platform's features such as event scheduling, discussion forums, and progress tracking have been instrumental in managing the educational content and maintaining high levels of student engagement. Disco's powerful AI and productivity tools have also allowed AltMBA to streamline administrative tasks and provide insightful analytics to improve their course delivery.

The collaboration between Disco and AltMBA has revolutionized the online learning experience, making education more accessible, interactive, and effective for students worldwide.

Case Study #2: Startup Accelerators - YSpace

YSpace, an innovation hub and startup accelerator affiliated with York University, has harnessed the power of Disco's platform to supercharge their cohort-based courses. Disco's comprehensive suite of tools has enabled YSpace to foster a thriving learning environment, enhancing engagement and promoting seamless communication among its diverse members.

Disco's advanced AI and productivity tools have been a game-changer for YSpace, automating routine tasks, providing insightful analytics, and enriching the overall learning experience for their startup community. The strategic utilization of Disco's platform has not only streamlined YSpace's operations but also played a pivotal role in the scaling and success of its accelerator programs.

Case Study #3: Upskilling Programs - Eskwelabs

Eskwelabs, an education technology company focused on upskilling, has effectively utilized Disco's platform to enhance their cohort-based courses. Eskwelabs leverages Disco's comprehensive suite of tools to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, which has resulted in significant improvements in student engagement and course delivery.

With Disco's advanced AI and productivity tools, Eskwelabs has been able to automate routine tasks, provide insightful analytics, and enrich the overall learning experience for its students. This strategic collaboration with Disco has streamlined Eskwelabs' operations and played a pivotal role in the success and scaling of their upskilling programs.

Our Final Note

In a nutshell, Community Management Software is an essential tool in today’s digital age, empowering organizations to build, manage, and engage their online communities effectively. With features that drive engagement, reduce operational costs, and enhance user experience, CMS is a game-changer in community management.

Whether you’re a community manager, a non-profit organization, or a brand looking to build an online presence, there’s a CMS out there that fits your needs and objectives. From Disco’s all-in-one platform to Hivebrite’s customizable online communities and Vanilla Forums’ interactive forums, the options are endless.

So, why wait? Harness the power of CMS today, start with Disco's 14-day free trial. If you aren't ready to sign up yet, then experience the Disco platform firsthand with our interactive product tour!