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Head-to-head · Social Networking Software

Discourse vs NING

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Discourse #1 in Social Networking Software 9.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Discourse
NING #4 in Social Networking Software 8.8/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit NING

Discourse leads on 1 check, NING on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDiscourse · 9.3/10
  • Lowest starting priceNING · $12.50/mo
  • Free planonly Discourse
  • Free trialboth

Discourse scores higher on our rubric for social networking software: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

Discourse offers free plan; NING doesn't. NING is cheaper to start at $12.50/user/mo against $100/user/mo.

Discourse is the better fit for forums and discussion-led communities. NING is the better fit for low-cost, branded social network websites.

  • Discourse fits best

    Forums and discussion-led communities

  • NING fits best

    Low-cost, branded social network websites

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Discourse 9.3/10 Visit ↗ NING 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.8
Ranking #1 in Social Networking Software #4 in Social Networking Software
Best for Forums and discussion-led communities Low-cost, branded social network websites
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $100/mo $12.50/mo (best)
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 14 days 14 days
Free trial length 14 days 14 days · card required
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 11 integrations 9 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Discourse 1/5 · NING 1/5
Private communities Not checked yet Not checked yet
Mobile apps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Single sign-on Not checked yet Not checked yet
Community analytics Not checked yet Not checked yet
Moderation tools ✓ ✓
Specs
Members included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Searchable long-form discussions, chat, categories, and tags
  • Free plan includes unlimited members and chat
  • Hosted or self-hosted, with iOS and Android apps
  • Combines groups, forums, feeds, messaging, events, and media
  • Custom domains, member moderation, and paid-access options
  • Starter includes a drag-and-drop builder and analytics
Cons
  • Pro starts at $100/month; Business is $500/month
  • Events and advanced reporting are reserved for Business
  • Enterprise hosting and services require a custom plan
  • Web-only platform, with no listed mobile platform
  • Listed member limit of 10 constrains larger communities
  • 14-day trial requires billing information up front
Our verdict

Discourse is an open-source platform for organizations, teams, and projects that want a community centered on searchable, long-form discussions. It also includes real-time chat, categories and tags, moderation tools, authentication…

Read the review →

NING is a hosted platform for creating branded social network websites and online communities without coding. It suits community groups, nonprofits, creators, classrooms, families, and organizations that want a site they can manage…

Read the review →
  1. DiscourseSocial Networking Software 9.3Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. NINGSocial Networking Software 8.814-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Discourse — where it wins

    • Searchable long-form discussions, chat, categories, and tags
    • Free plan includes unlimited members and chat
    • Hosted or self-hosted, with iOS and Android apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Pro starts at $100/month; Business is $500/month
    • Events and advanced reporting are reserved for Business
    • Enterprise hosting and services require a custom plan

  • NING — where it wins

    • Combines groups, forums, feeds, messaging, events, and media
    • Custom domains, member moderation, and paid-access options
    • Starter includes a drag-and-drop builder and analytics

    Where it doesn't

    • Web-only platform, with no listed mobile platform
    • Listed member limit of 10 constrains larger communities
    • 14-day trial requires billing information up front
  • Discourse9.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A discussion-first community platform with hosted and self-hosted options.

    Visit DiscourseFull verdict →
  • NING8.8/10 · 14-day trial

    A hosted community builder with social-network basics and paid plans starting at $12.50 per month.

    Visit NINGFull verdict →

More comparisons

All social networking software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update