3 tools that do the same job as Circle, compared on checked pricing and features. Circle's cheapest paid plan is $89 a month for one person, and two of the alternatives cost less. One of the three has a free plan.
Prices checked against each vendor's own pricing page; Circle's on October 5, 2026.
Cheapest paid plan that covers the team, per month before tax, at the yearly rate where one is published. Each tool's prices were checked against its own pricing page, most recently on October 5, 2026.
1. Skool
Best for coaches and course creators running one paid membership group
Skool is a community platform for coaches and creators that puts a discussion feed, courses, a calendar and leaderboards in one group. Hobby costs $9 a month with a 10% + 30 cent fee per transaction; Pro costs $99 a month with 2.9% + 30 cents.
One person
$9/mo
Hobby · Circle: $89/mo
Team of 10
$9/mo
Hobby · Circle: $159/mo
Free plan
No
Choose Skool if…
You want it cheaper for one person: $9/mo on Hobby, against $89/mo for Circle.
You want it cheaper for a team of 10: $9/mo on Hobby, against $159/mo for Circle.
Stay with Circle if…
You rely on what Skool lacks: branded mobile app and public, SEO-visible content.
Mighty Networks is a community and course platform for creators and brands, with Mighty's iOS and Android apps included on every plan. Courses start on Launch, at $95 a month or $79 billed yearly, plus a 2% fee on member payments.
One person
$29/mo
Explore · Circle: $89/mo
Team of 10
$354/mo
Growth · Circle: $159/mo
Free plan
No
Choose Mighty Networks if…
You want it cheaper for one person: $29/mo on Explore, against $89/mo for Circle.
Stay with Circle if…
Price matters for a team of 10: Circle is $159/mo, Mighty Networks $354/mo.
Discourse is open-source forum and chat software for companies, startups and open-source projects that want public, searchable discussion. Hosting starts with a free plan, and Pro costs $100 a month for 5 staff seats with unlimited members.
One person
$100/mo
Pro · Circle: $89/mo
Team of 10
$500/mo
Business · Circle: $159/mo
Free plan
Free
Choose Discourse if…
You need a free plan: Discourse has one (Free); Circle doesn't.
You need what Circle lacks: self-hosting option.
Stay with Circle if…
Price matters for one person: Circle is $89/mo, Discourse $100/mo.
Price matters for a team of 10: Circle is $159/mo, Discourse $500/mo.
You rely on what Discourse lacks: branded mobile app and built-in courses.
