BuddyPress or PeepSo, built well.
We build on both plugins, so you get an honest recommendation for your project instead of a sales pitch for whichever one we happen to sell.
- Since
- 2013
- Client projects
- 600+
- Trustpilot
- 4.8 from 93 reviews
- Communities on Reign
- 10,000+
Where each one fits
BuddyPress fits an open build
The core plugin is free and open source, with full source access. If you want deep, unusual customization with no ceiling on what can be changed, BuddyPress is the more open base to build on.
PeepSo fits a faster start
PeepSo is a commercial, self-contained plugin with more social features bundled in from install: activity streams, groups, points and badges without assembling them from separate add-ons.
BuddyPress fits a tighter budget
You only pay for the specific add-ons and development your community actually needs, on top of a free core plugin. Nothing bundled that you are not using.
PeepSo fits less setup work
One paid plugin covers most of what a social network needs on day one, which shortens the path from install to a working community.
BuddyPress vs. PeepSo
An honest comparison. Neither column is the answer for everyone.
BuddyPress | PeepSo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost model | Core plugin is free; you pay for the add-ons and theme you choose | Commercial plugin sold in paid tiers that bundle features together |
| License and code access | GPL, full source access, no ceiling on customization | Proprietary license, customization goes through PeepSo's own hooks and APIs |
| Features out of the box | Activity streams, groups and member profiles as core features; more through add-ons | Activity streams, groups, points and badges bundled in from install |
| Theme options | BuddyX (free) or Reign, both built to start free | Reign's PeepSo edition, built specifically for PeepSo |
| Ecosystem size | One of the most widely installed WordPress community plugins, over a decade of add-ons | Smaller and more tightly maintained by a single commercial vendor |
| Best fit | Projects that want full control over an open codebase | Projects that want more built in and less to assemble |
What we build the same way on either platform
Whichever plugin you choose, we build the custom groups, activity types, gamification and profile fields your community needs beyond what ships by default.
BuddyX or Reign for BuddyPress, or the Reign PeepSo edition for PeepSo, customized to your brand rather than left as a stock demo.
If your community outgrows its original plugin, we migrate members and content between BuddyPress, PeepSo and BuddyNext, our own community engine.
A care plan keeps either platform updated, backed up and monitored after launch, with a team that already knows the code.
Built on our own products
BuddyX
A free community theme for BuddyPress, ready to launch without a license key.
See BuddyX demosReign
Our premium theme for both BuddyPress and PeepSo communities, with an edition built specifically for each.
See ReignBuddyNext
Our own community engine, for when you would rather move past either plugin altogether.
See the live demoJetonomy
A self-hosted forums layer that pairs with either platform, no per-member fees.
See Jetonomy4.8 out of 5 from 93+ reviews on Trustpilot
What community owners say
Fantastic 6 star support. I wanted to setup a membersite and tried many solutions. I contacted Wbcom for BuddyX and tried the theme with Buddypress. I am not a webdesigner or a coder, but had a requirement that was not standaard. I contacted WBcom and Pallavi helped me from start to finish with snippets to get my requirement working. Thanks Pallavi for your patience and support.
HubertTrustpilot review, ItalyGreat Support and well developed plugins, one of the best Buddypress / Buddypress plugin developers.
Eric HinzTrustpilot review, GermanyWbcom Designs was methodical, reliable, innovative, and knowledgeable. They communicated with us every step of the way and delivered on time and on budget.
Verified Upwork clientUpwork review, Forum setup projectChoosing Wbcom Designs for our WordPress project was a game-changer. Their expertise in BuddyPress and LearnDash plugins transformed our vision into a reality, creating a seamless and engaging eLearning and community platform. The team's professionalism, responsiveness, and innovative solutions stood out, ensuring a smooth development process and a product that exceeded our expectations. The result? A stunning, user-friendly website that has propelled our business forward. For anyone in need of top-tier WordPress development, especially for eLearning and community sites, Wbcom Designs is the go-to agency. Highly recommended for their skill, dedication, and customer-first approach.
ESBO LTDTrustpilot review, BulgariaFrom the moment we partnered with Wbcom Designs in 2016, they have been nothing short of phenomenal, becoming not just our go-to website developers but also treasured friends. Their team, led by the incredibly kind and competent Varun, has saved our operations on more occasions than we can count, proving their indispensability time and again. Honestly, we would not be where we are without Varun! What sets Wbcom Designs apart is not just their exceptional coding and website building skills, which are indeed the best we've ever encountered, but also their remarkable work ethic and dedication. They are always there when we need them, no matter the request or time. This level of availability and commitment is rare and has been instrumental in our company's growth and smooth digital operations. Their expertise is vast, covering all the bases and then some, ensuring that every solution is not just effective but also innovative. Varun and his team have a way of making complex technical solutions understandable and accessible, which has been a huge relief and support to us over the years. We are endlessly impressed by how Wbcom Designs not only meets but consistently exceeds our expectations. They go above and beyond in every project, large or small, demonstrating a genuine care for our success and well-being. Their knowledgeable guidance and friendly support have been pivotal in our journey, and it's clear they invest not just their time but their hearts into their work. In a world where genuine, reliable, and high-quality web development services can be hard to find, Wbcom Designs shines as a beacon of excellence. We cannot imagine going anywhere else for our web development needs. To Varun and the entire Wbcom Designs team: thank you for being such an integral part of our story. Your work ethic, expertise, and kindness have made all the difference.
Tresne MiddletonTrustpilot review, AustraliaWe were having a critical issue with our website. We were able to quickly get through to WBcom Designs and they worked with us to give them what they needed to find the problem and correct it. I highly recommend their team and especially Pallavi.
Sandy EllingsonTrustpilot review, United States