The community software you actually need, not the one we'd rather sell.
BuddyPress, BuddyBoss, PeepSo, FluentCommunity, bbPress, Jetonomy or BuddyNext: we help you choose the right fit, then build it properly.
- Scoping
- Free
- First reply
- 1 working day
- Tools we build on
- Six, plus BuddyNext
- Recommended for new builds
- BuddyNext
The tools we build on
Every one of these is a first-class option in the right situation. We recommend based on what your community needs, not what we would rather build.
BuddyPress
The open-source core of WordPress community sites. The largest plugin and theme ecosystem, extended with our own 68 community add-ons.
BuddyPress developmentBuddyBoss
A polished, all-in-one theme and platform built on BuddyPress. Strong when you want a native mobile app without building one from scratch.
BuddyBoss developmentPeepSo
A lightweight community plugin with its own activity, groups and profile engine. A good fit for simpler communities that want to launch fast.
FluentCommunity
A newer community plugin built for speed and a clean member experience, without depending on BuddyPress.
bbPress and Jetonomy
Forum-first communities. bbPress for classic threaded forums, Jetonomy for a modern discussion and Q&A layer.
LMS and membership stacks
LearnDash, Tutor, Sensei, MemberPress and similar, wired into whichever community engine you choose.
LMS integrationBuddyNext
Our own community engine, built for new builds and migrations. The one we recommend when you are starting fresh.
See BuddyNextHow we choose the tool with you
An honest look at where each option is strongest. None of these is the wrong answer, they fit different situations.
BuddyPress | BuddyBoss | PeepSo | FluentCommunity | BuddyNext | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | Deep customization and the largest ecosystem | A polished, maintained platform with a native app | A lightweight, fast community you can launch quickly | Speed and a clean member experience | Communities built from scratch, on modern foundations |
| Cost | Free core, paid theme and add-ons | Paid platform license | Free core, paid add-ons | Free core, paid add-ons | Free |
| Good fit when | You want the largest plugin ecosystem and full control | You want an app and a maintained all-in-one platform | You want something simple and fast to launch | You want a modern, lightweight build without legacy plugins | You are starting a new community with no existing platform to keep |
Built on our own products
The products we build are proof of the engine choices we recommend: we run the same stack for our own communities.
BuddyNext
One community engine instead of stitching together forums, courses, events, jobs and marketplaces from different vendors.
Visit buddynext.comJetonomy
A self-hosted forum you own outright, no monthly per-member fees, with a straight import path off bbPress or wpForo.
Visit jetonomy.orgWPMediaVerse
A member photo and video community that runs itself: members upload, tag and share, the owner sets privacy rules and moderates. Ships with BuddyPress integration built in.
Visit wpmediaverse.comBuddyX
Own your members and your data with no monthly platform fee; launch a working community the same afternoon.
Visit buddyxtheme.comHow we pick the right tool together
We start from what the community needs to do, not from the tool we would rather build.
Tell us what the community needs to do
Members, groups, courses, a paywall, a mobile app. We start from the outcome, then match it to a platform.
We recommend a tool, with the tradeoffs
Usually BuddyPress, BuddyBoss, PeepSo, FluentCommunity or BuddyNext. You get the honest reasons for each, not a pitch for whichever one we prefer.
We build it properly
On a staging copy, in your repository, reviewed before it goes live.
WBCOM Designs has constantly updated and supported their plugins and themes. Recently the new BuddyNext project is Amazing! - and the new line of addons like Mediaverse, Jetonomy, Mediashield, and Listora.. are likewise Amazing! - and very well built. Today their online Chat solved a download problem I had immediately!
