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Top Rated Community Software with Access Controls/Permissions in 2026

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Verified reviewer profile picture

All user reviews are verified by in-house moderators and provider data by our software research team.  Learn more

Last updated: April 2026

Access controls and permissions ensure security and privacy by allowing administrators to manage who can access specific content and features. They enable customization of user roles and access levels, enhancing community management and user experience. Our reviewers in community software rated this feature as important.

3 Best Community Software with Access Controls/Permissions

  • Workplace from Meta
  • Squarespace - Highest rated for access controls/permissions
  • Slack

See other top Community products with access controls/permissions

How we picked the 3 top rated products

We chose the high-performing solutions on this list based on verified user ratings on our site. Depending on available data, qualifying products either had to be among the most user-reviewed or the most searched-for products in the community software category. They also needed to have sufficient reviews about access controls/permissions, have a minimum user rating of 3 out of 5 for that feature, and show evidence of U.S. market presence. We then added a distinction for the product with the highest rating for access controls/permissions based on our proprietary ratings and reviews. Sponsorship or client status has no influence on the selection of these products, but it may impact the order in which products appear.

Details for the 3 best products

Workplace from Meta logo
4.4
(1.3K)
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User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers highlight the importance of access controls and permissions in Workplace from Meta for enhancing security and restricting access to sensitive information. They find the feature user-friendly and appreciate the ability to assign unique access credentials and permissions. Users report that these controls help keep data safe and ensure only authorized users access critical information. However, some mention the need for better role separation. Overall, they value the security and functionality provided by these controls.
“Enhances security: Access controls and permissions allow administrators to restrict access to sensitive information and resources, improving the security of the platform.”
yb

yassine b.

drob

“I can assign unique access credentials and I can grant my own permission to improve functionality.”
IJ

Irish J.

Bookkeeper

Community key features coverage

Workplace from Meta offers 5 out of the 6 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Chat/Messaging4.5
Content Management
Communication Management4.5
Real-Time Notifications4.6
Mobile Access4.5
Alerts/Notifications4.5

Pros and cons based on 1,351 verified reviews

56% of users rated Workplace from Meta 5 out of 5 stars, while 3% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 1,351 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Effective team collaboration

Versatile video communication

Efficient information sharing

Streamlined colleague communication

Comprehensive event management

Cons:

Overwhelming notifications

Privacy and security issues

Complicated account management

Inefficient email communication

Limited mobile access

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$4 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Squarespace logo
4.6
(3.3K)
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User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers appreciate Squarespace's access controls and permissions for their ease of use and flexibility. They find it helpful to control specifics of their website, including user permissions and content visibility. Users report that setting permissions is straightforward, and they value the ability to manage team access and maintain high security. However, some feel that the controls are not as sophisticated as those in WordPress. Overall, they find the options understandable and beneficial for maintaining website integrity and security.
“There is a lot of content you might not want third parties to have access to. But also have the ability for other people such as web designers to have the rights to change easily. Personally I used it when I had a friend do some digital modification.”
SS

Selina S.

Dog Trainer

“Able to select different permission amounts for different user”
CF

Colin F.

Physical therapist

Community key features coverage

Squarespace offers 5 out of the 6 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Chat/Messaging4.5
Content Management4.5
Communication Management
Real-Time Notifications4.7
Mobile Access4.6
Alerts/Notifications4.7

Pros and cons based on 3,380 verified reviews

64% of users rated Squarespace 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 3,380 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Ideal for small businesses

Efficient client website creation

Professional website appearance

User-friendly website creation

Diverse and customizable templates

Cons:

Customization constraints

Frequent technical issues

Limited page design flexibility

Short and restrictive free trials

High cost concerns

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$25 flat rate/per month|Free version:Not available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Slack logo
4.7
(24K)
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User insights about the access controls/permissions feature

Reviewers indicate that Slack's access controls and permissions are user-friendly and secure. They appreciate the ability to set permissions on channels, manage user roles, and control access to sensitive information. Users report that these controls are easy to understand and implement, providing flexibility and security. They also value the integration with other tools like Jira and Google Workspace. However, some users note the need for improved admin functionality and the importance of maintaining permanent admin roles to ensure security.
“This feature helps to feel secure about their data. The workspace or channel feature is an important and secure feature in slack because each channel has its link. Due to this only authorized users can only authenticate that specific channel or workspaces.”
SM

Satish M.

Developer

“Project team members will play various roles during the execution of a project, so Slack will work with them based on assigning required access levels.”
Verified reviewer profile picture

Jose P.

Business Change Manager, IPMA, PMP.

Community key features coverage

Slack offers 6 out of the 6 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Chat/Messaging4.9
Content Management4.6
Communication Management4.7
Real-Time Notifications4.7
Mobile Access4.7
Alerts/Notifications4.6

Pros and cons based on 24,036 verified reviews

72% of users rated Slack 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 24,036 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Effective remote communication

Efficient colleague communication

Enhanced team collaboration

Streamlined project management

Extensive integration options

Cons:

High resource consumption

Inconsistent notifications

Confusing thread management

Slack's pricing drawbacks

Messaging limitations

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$8.75 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Available

Prices may vary depending on the number of users and features.

Other Top Rated Community Software with Access Controls/Permissions in 2026

Slack logo
Category Leaders

A single place for team communication and workflows

learn more
Slack is a single workspace that connects users with the people and tools they work with everyday, no matter where they are or what they do

Read more about Slack

Users also considered
Connecteam logo

Enhance employee management with the only all-in-one app

learn more
Connect and manage your employee community with Connecteam’s best-in-class 100% customizable and collaborative environment.

Read more about Connecteam

Users also considered
Webex Suite logo

One app for everything. And everyone.

learn more
Webex brings together Calling, Meeting and Messaging modes of collaboration into a seamless, engaging, inclusive and intelligent experience.

Read more about Webex Suite

Users also considered
Squarespace logo

Cloud-based solution to build websites and online stores

learn more
Squarespace is the all-in-one platform to build a beautiful website, online store, or portfolio. Drive traffic to your Squarespace website and measure your success with powerful marketing and analytics tools.

Read more about Squarespace

Users also considered
Brilliant Directories logo
Category Leaders

All-in-one directory & member management software

learn more
Brilliant Directories is a cloud-based directory software for creating directory websites, with built-in themes, member management, payment processing, and more

Read more about Brilliant Directories

Users also considered
Workplace from Meta logo

A simple and secure way to connect your organization.

learn more
Workplace from Facebook is a secure enterprise social networking platform that connects entire companies, creating a professional online community

Read more about Workplace from Meta

Users also considered
QuestionPro logo

Cloud-based survey solution for generating insights

learn more
QuestionPro is a research suite of tools that lets users conduct surveys and research securely, collect feedback and perform data analytics. It offers survey analytics dashboards, enterprise-grade research tools, and a range of features for customer experience management, employee experience management, and real-time data collection and analysis.

Read more about QuestionPro

Users also considered
Flock logo
Category Leaders

Communication and collaboration platform for teams

learn more
Flock is a collaborative messaging app for teams which enables users to discuss projects and find and share information and ideas effectively and efficiently

Read more about Flock

Users also considered
Influitive logo
Category Leaders

Customer-Powered Growth

learn more
The Influitive platform helps B2B companies discover, nurture, and mobilize their customers, developers, partners, and employees to shorten sales cycles, amplify marketing, increase retention and drive product innovation.

Read more about Influitive

Users also considered
ToucanTech logo
Category Leaders

Association management tool to power community engagement

learn more
ToucanTech platforms are purpose built for community managers, providing solutions to everyday data management and engagement challenges. Make community management more connected with a smart system to store data, encourage email, event and content engagement and track activity.

Read more about ToucanTech

Users also considered
uuki logo
Category Leaders

Community Platform for Web3 creators, brands, and products

learn more
UUKI is a white labelled creator community platform that brings together discussions, memberships and content. With Power your community with management & moderation tools, spaces(subforums), analytics, and monetisation.

Read more about uuki

Users also considered
Bloomfire logo

Knowledge sharing & insights platform

learn more
Bloomfire is an AI-powered knowledge management platform, unifying information access, collaboration, and actionable insights.

Read more about Bloomfire

Users also considered
Preferred Patron Loyalty logo

Innovative Loyalty Programs, Customer Engagement & Gift Card

learn more
Preferred Patron provide customer loyalty and gift card management programs to businesses of all sizes, across many diverse industries

Read more about Preferred Patron Loyalty

Users also considered
Almabase logo
Category Leaders

World's most loved alumni management software.

learn more
Almabase empowers alumni relations and fundraising teams in HigherEd, K12, and nonprofits to enhance engagement, streamline programs, and increase donations. Use data-driven insights to foster meaningful connections and move constituents from engagement to contribution.

Read more about Almabase

Users also considered
ThoughtFarmer logo
Category Leaders

Where teams + ideas grow.

learn more
ThoughtFarmer is a modern intranet with 240+ features that connects teams, boosts culture, and simplifies communication. It’s easy to set up, simple to use, and comes with a 90-day risk-free guarantee.

Read more about ThoughtFarmer

Users also considered
Uscreen logo
Category Leaders

Uscreen enables video creators to own their memberships!

learn more
Uscreen is an all-in-one membership platform built for video creators to launch paid memberships that include an on-demand video library, live streaming capabilities, and their own community space, all in their own branded site and OTT apps.

Read more about Uscreen

Users also considered
Glue Up logo

Community and event management solution

learn more
Give your members a digital space where they can connect with you and your mission 365 days a year even when meeting face to face isn’t possible.

Read more about Glue Up

Users also considered
Quip logo

Docs, tasks, & spreadsheet collaboration with built-in chat

learn more
Quip is a collaboration solution which allows teams to create and work on documents, spreadsheets, and task lists in real time with built-in chat and commenting

Read more about Quip

Users also considered
Thinkific logo

Platform to create and sell online courses

learn more
Thinkific Communities are online spaces where your audience learns together and connects. With group discussions, live events, sub-spaces, and paid memberships, Communities turn learning into a collaborative experience. Enjoy full control and brand ownership on one integrated platform.

Read more about Thinkific

Users also considered
Blink logo

Blink. And connect your people, tools and culture.

learn more
Blink delivers a modern, social digital employee experience, giving access to communication, information, workflows, surveys and tools in one easy-to-use app.

Read more about Blink

Users also considered
Mattermost logo

Open source workplace messaging for web, PCs & phones

learn more
Mattermost is an open source workplace messaging system for web, PCs & phones, that supports 1-1 & group messaging, file sharing, multiple languages, & more

Read more about Mattermost

Users also considered
Almashines logo

Alumni management for institutes and corporates

learn more
Almashines is an alumni portal and mobile app that helps institutes manage their alumni community with features for jobs, fundraising, and events

Read more about Almashines

Users also considered
AlumnForce logo

Alumni success, networking, and engagement

learn more
AlumnForce is a private professional social network solution for managing alumni networks. The modular platform facilitates the management of school, university, and other educational networks, and allows students, graduates, alumni, recruiters, teachers, and staff to engage and connect.

Read more about AlumnForce

Users also considered
Bettermode logo

All-in-one community platform for branded communities

learn more
Bettermode is an all-in-one customer community platform that unifies customer engagement tools to create better customer experiences. It is popular for its unmatched level of customization, an app ecosystem, third-party integrations, and premade templates that simplify community building.

Read more about Bettermode

Users also considered
eXo Platform logo

Digital Workplace Software

learn more
Create customer facing sites to nurture and engage your online communities thanks to eXo Platform’s advanced content management capabilities.

Read more about eXo Platform

Users also considered

Key features for Community software

Based on GetApp's analysis of verified user reviews collected between July 2021 and August 2024.

  • Chat/Messaging: Reviewers appreciate the real-time communication, multimedia sharing, and secure messaging features. They value the ease of use, customization options, and group chat capabilities. 95% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Content Management: Users highlight the ease of organizing, editing, and sharing diverse content formats. They appreciate tools for scheduling posts, audience targeting, and maintaining a consistent brand presence. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Communication Management: Users value the ability to efficiently organize and control various communication methods, such as text, voice, and video calls. They find contact organization and message syncing across devices helpful. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Real-Time Notifications: Reviewers emphasize the importance of instant alerts for engagement and timely responses. They appreciate customizable notification settings for managing updates from specific people or groups. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Mobile Access: Users find mobile access critical for staying connected on the go. They appreciate seamless functionality across devices, allowing for easy communication and content management. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Alerts/Notifications: Users value customizable notifications for staying informed about important updates and interactions. They appreciate the ability to manage alerts to avoid being overwhelmed. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.