For creators looking to build engaging online communities with courses and events, choosing the right platform is crucial. Circle and Skool offer two of the most comprehensive community platforms, each with distinct approaches to community building and monetization. This comparison breaks down their pricing models and key features to help you make an informed decision.
Circle is a dedicated community platform that combines discussions, courses, events, and member management in a polished, branded environment.
Platform Fee: 0% - No transaction fee on Professional plan
Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.3 (domestic)Standard payment processing fees apply
Rich discussion forums and member interactions
Built-in course creation and delivery
Schedule and host events with built-in tools
Member engagement and rewards system
White-label community with your own branding
Headless API for custom integrations (Business and up)
Custom iOS and Android apps (Plus Branded App plan)
For a creator with $1,000 in monthly memberships on the Professional plan
Skool is an all-in-one platform that combines community, courses, and events in a single interface with a flat monthly fee and low transaction fee.
Platform Fee: 2.9% - transaction fee
Payment Processing: 0% + $0 (domestic)Included in platform fee
Posts, comments, likes, mentions, real-time interactions
Integrated courses with progress tracking
Scheduling with timezone conversion
Points, levels, and rewards system
Search across posts, comments, courses, and members
One-click broadcasting to all members
For a creator with $1,000 in monthly revenue
Your choice between Circle and Skool should depend on your specific business needs and growth plans:
- Choose Circle if you need extensive customization, white-labeling, and API access. Circle offers a more professional, scalable platform with tiered pricing that grows with your business. It's ideal for established creators who prioritize brand presentation and need advanced features, especially at scale.
- Choose Skool if you prefer simplicity and an all-in-one solution with integrated email and unified search. Skool offers a more straightforward approach with a single pricing tier and consistent features. It's great for creators who want to get started quickly without complex decisions.
For creators prioritizing extensive customization and scalability, Circle provides more options as you grow. For those valuing simplicity and consistent pricing, Skool offers a more straightforward solution with all core features included.