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Top Rated Community Software with Discussions/Forums 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: March 2026

Discussions and forums enhance engagement, knowledge sharing, and communication within communities. They allow members to share experiences, ask questions, and connect over common interests, fostering a stronger, more active community. Our reviewers in community software rated this feature as important.

3 Best Community Software with Discussions/Forums

  • Slack
  • Microsoft Viva Engage - Highest rated for discussions/forums
  • Instagram

See other top Community products with discussions/forums

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 discussions/forums, 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 discussions/forums 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

Slack logo

Slack

4.7
(24K)
visit website

User insights about the discussions/forums feature

Reviewers highlight Slack's discussions/forums as a core aspect of the platform, enabling efficient communication and collaboration. They appreciate the ability to create channels for specific topics, which keeps discussions organized and focused. Users find it easy to manage permissions, create groups, and follow conversations. They report that Slack is beneficial for real-time updates, feedback sharing, and team collaboration. However, some users mention occasional confusion with threading and navigating large groups, but overall, they find it valuable for maintaining clear and organized communication.
“Slack is a platform that suits any team that require frequent and instant communication. Teams can create different channels for specific projects and discuss project progress as well as updates. Channels can pretty much serve as a discussion/forums for the team.”
SM

Samantha M.

Senior Business Facilitator

“Being able to create different channels for specific topics is perfect for all of us to send relevant information and stay on-topic.”
BB

Brendan B.

Sales and Marketing

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 24,019 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 24,019 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.

Microsoft Viva Engage logo
4.2
(819)
learn more

User insights about the discussions/forums feature

Reviewers appreciate Microsoft Viva Engage's discussions/forums for facilitating company-wide information sharing and connecting employees globally. They find it easy to participate in discussions, comment on posts, and engage with like-minded communities. Users report that the platform is helpful for brainstorming, organizing events, and sharing updates without cluttering email inboxes. They say the forums are well-structured, allowing for easy navigation and filtering of topics, which enhances engagement and knowledge sharing within the organization.
“The ability to able to discuss and comment on yammer posts is vital in sharing knowledge and information particularly if incidents are taking place and larger formal comms cannot be produced in a rapid time”
KR

Karan R.

Cyber security manager - risk

“Great feature used at the firm I work in to receive firm wide updates and ask questions to colleagues and other employees on a global scale. Social media on a professional scale.”
VP

Vivian P.

Executive Assistant

Community key features coverage

Microsoft Viva Engage offers 5 out of the 6 key features for Community software identified by reviewers:

Chat/Messaging4.4
Content Management3.6
Communication Management4.4
Real-Time Notifications
Mobile Access4.5
Alerts/Notifications4.4

Pros and cons based on 819 verified reviews

45% of users rated Microsoft Viva Engage 5 out of 5 stars, while 4% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 819 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Global colleague communication

Efficient file sharing

Centralized news sharing

Enhanced employee engagement

Cons:

Overwhelming notifications

Disorganized post management

Outdated user interface

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Starting price:$8 per user/per month|Free version:Available|Free trial:Not available

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

Instagram logo
4.7
(5.1K)
learn more

User insights about the discussions/forums feature

Reviewers have mixed opinions about Instagram's discussions/forums. Some users appreciate the platform for networking, socializing, and engaging in conversations through comments. They find it useful for exchanging ideas and opinions. However, many users feel that Instagram is weak in facilitating discussions and forums, with some noting the prevalence of spam and fake engagement. They report that the platform lacks effective tools for deeper engagement and community building, and some prefer other social media platforms for more meaningful discussions.
“The platform itself allows for some great conversations due to the visual aspect however also opens a door for spam and fake engagement. Had some good connections with the community but also many fake accounts or spam comments.”
RS

Ryan S.

Director

“Weak in discussions and forums. It does not provide the best way for discussions or forums. There is something better than it”
AS

Ahmed S.

agent

Community key features coverage

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

Chat/Messaging4.6
Content Management4.5
Communication Management
Real-Time Notifications4.5
Mobile Access4.8
Alerts/Notifications4.5

Pros and cons based on 5,136 verified reviews

73% of users rated Instagram 5 out of 5 stars, while 1% gave it 1 or 2 stars. To determine these pros and cons insights we analyzed 5,136 reviews and identified the topics where users expressed positive and negative sentiment.

Pros:

Connecting with family

Following celebrities

Supporting small businesses

Sharing photos

Effective marketing tools

Cons:

Issues with spam

Algorithm challenges

Account management issues

Excessive advertising

Mobile-centric limitations

See pros and cons details

Pricing

Free version:Available|Free trial:Not available

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

Other Top Rated Community Software with Discussions/Forums in 2026

GrowthZone Community Platform logo

GrowthZone Community Platform

Enhancing Membership via Engagement & Connection

visit website
GrowthZone Community Platform boosts member engagement for associations with personalized networking, dynamic learning, and interactive tools.

Read more about GrowthZone Community Platform

Users also considered
Bettermode logo

Bettermode

All-in-one community platform for branded communities

visit website
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
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
Instagram logo

Capture, edit, and share photos, videos, and messages

learn more
Instagram is a social networking app which lets users share photos & videos from their mobile phones, like posts, comment, send private messages, and more

Read more about Instagram

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
Zendesk Suite logo

AI powered customer service across all channels

learn more
Zendesk offers an AI-powered service platform that unifies conversations from multiple channels. It features AI agents for resolving inquiries, ticketing for support requests, and analytics for tracking service quality. Its Resolution Learning Loop technology enhances automation by integrating AI, human agents, and knowledge resources on one platform.

Read more about Zendesk Suite

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
Discord logo
Category Leaders

Online platform for audio, text, and video communication

learn more
Discord is a complete communication tool that makes it possible to exchange text and audio messages, and individual or group video calls. This interaction takes place on public or private servers, which are only accessible to users who have received an invitation.

Read more about Discord

Users also considered
Microsoft Viva Engage logo

Enterprise Social Network (ESN) to connect and communicate

learn more
Microsoft Viva Engage is a private enterprise social networking solution that enables employees to collaborate securely across time and distance. Microsoft Viva Engage provides a single, secure platform on which companies can share information, resources and business applications

Read more about Microsoft Viva Engage

Users also considered
Yotpo logo

Marketing platform for collecting and showcasing reviews

learn more
Give shoppers the information they need to purchase confidently with quick and reliable responses from your customer community, or from your own team.

Read more about Yotpo

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
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

Learning Commerce Platform

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

Key features for Community software

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

  • Chat/Messaging: Users value real-time communication with options to send text, voice, and video messages, share files, and use customizable emojis and stickers. 95% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Content Management: Reviewers appreciate tools for organizing, scheduling, and editing posts, including features for managing multimedia content and engaging with the audience effectively. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Communication Management: Users highlight the ability to organize and control various communication methods, including group chats, voice and video calls, ensuring efficient and secure interactions. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Real-Time Notifications: Reviewers emphasize the importance of instant notifications for engagement, allowing users to stay updated on activities, messages, and significant events promptly. 92% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Mobile Access: Users benefit from easy access to their communities and content on-the-go, with features available across various mobile devices, ensuring constant connectivity. 91% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.
  • Alerts/Notifications: Reviewers appreciate the customizable notification settings that help keep users informed about important updates, interactions, and content engagements without overwhelming them. 86% of reviewers rated this feature as important or highly important.