Circle
ActiveOverview
Circle is a web-based platform for building and managing online communities, offering tools for discussions, courses, events, payments, and email marketing under a user's own brand.5 It targets community builders, course creators, and membership site owners, with features like AI agents and custom profile fields to enhance member engagement.57 The platform supports branded websites and community-specific member profiles.15
Key Features
- Community Spaces - Organize discussions, events, courses, and live streams within customizable spaces.
- Custom Profile Fields - Create personalized fields to collect and store member information for better connections.
- Member Directory - Filter and view members using platform and profile fields on desktop.
- Events and Live Streams - Host events and live streams natively within the community.
- Courses - Build and deliver courses with tiered access options.
- Payments and Paywalls - Set up paywalls, coupons, and invitation links for monetization.
- Custom App Builder - Design branded mobile apps with custom screens.
- Onboarding Sequences - Configure email onboarding and pacing for new members.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Basic community features with limitations. |
| Basic | $39/mo | Core spaces, custom domain, basic settings. |
| Professional | $79/mo | Advanced features like events, courses, payments. |
| Enterprise | Custom | SSO, custom app builder, priority support. |
Platforms & Requirements
Circle operates as a web application accessible via browsers on desktop and mobile devices.52 No native mobile apps are required, though a Custom App Builder allows creation of branded mobile experiences.9 Minimum requirements are a modern web browser; no specific hardware limitations noted.
Integrations & Ecosystem
- ConvertKit for email sequences
- Stripe for payments
- Custom domains
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Zapier
- API access
- Embed codes
- Weekly email digests
Alternatives
| App | Difference |
|---|---|
| Discourse | Open-source forum software focused on discussions, less emphasis on courses and payments. |
| Mighty Networks | All-in-one platform with stronger social networking features but fewer customization options. |
| Kajabi | Course and membership-focused with marketing tools, less community discussion emphasis. |
| Discord | Real-time chat for gaming/communities, lacks built-in courses and payments. |
Reputation
Circle is recognized for its all-in-one approach to communities, courses, and monetization since 2020, with users appreciating native features like events and paywalls.8 Strengths include customizable profiles and onboarding, though some note plan-specific feature availability.6 Criticisms involve dependency on higher tiers for advanced settings like SSO.6 Overall, it maintains active development with regular updates like AI summaries and app builders.9
Sources (10)
- https://community.circle.so/c/product-updates/member-profile-information-is-now-community-specific
- https://help.circle.so/c/member-management/how-can-admins-use-the-member-directory
- https://help.circle.so/p/administration/custom-profile-fields
- https://community.circle.so/c/product-updates/customizable-profile-fields
- https://circle.so
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4-VnmBIvR0
- https://help.circle.so/c/custom-profile-fields/welcome-to-custom-profile-fields
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBeNCRyoK0Y
- https://community.circle.so/c/product-updates/april-2025-release
- https://community.circle.so/c/ask-the-community/public-member-profiles-outside-of-community