At a glance
| Skool | Circle | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Hobby $9/mo + 10% fee | Professional $89/mo (annual) |
| Upper plans | Pro $99/mo + 2.9% fee | Business $199, Scale $419 /mo (annual) |
| Members | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Courses & live | Courses, videos, live calls | Courses, live events, website |
| Extras | Custom URL, affiliates | Workflows & APIs (Business+), branding removal (Business+), Email Hub add-on |
| Trial | Free trial | 14 days |
Official sources, checked Nov 2026. Skool · Circle. Prices in USD unless shown otherwise. Vendors change pricing, so confirm on their site before buying.
Which costs less?
Skool Pro’s 2.9% fee is all you pay Skool beyond the plan. Circle’s plan price is higher, but you get a branded platform with more tools. Check Circle’s pricing page for its payment fees on your plan.
Skool
Best for simplicityHobby $9/mo (10% fee) or Pro $99/mo (2.9% fee)
- Unlimited members, courses, videos and live calls on both plans
- Only two plans, easy to understand
- Built-in affiliate options
- 10% fee on Hobby eats into paid communities
- Limited branding/customisation vs site builders
Circle
Best for brand & scaleFrom $89/mo (annual billing)
- Unlimited members on every plan
- Community, courses, events and website together
- Workflows and APIs on Business
- Higher entry price than Skool Hobby
- Email marketing is a paid add-on
- Branding removal needs Business
Skool to launch fast; Circle to build a branded community business
Skool gets a paid community live in an afternoon for $9. Circle is the better long-term home if you want your own brand, events, workflows and a website in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Is Circle better than Skool?
For branded communities that need events, workflows and a website, yes. For a simple community with a course classroom, Skool is cheaper and faster.
How much is Circle?
Professional is $89/month, Business $199 and Scale $419, billed annually (checked Nov 2026). There’s a 14-day free trial.
Does Circle include email marketing?
Email Hub is an add-on, listed at +$99/month for 10,000 contacts.
Keep comparing
Skool alternatives for paid communities
Skool is simple and cheap to start, but some communities need more branding, automation, email or native apps. These are the strongest alternatives.
Read the guideSkool pricing. Hobby vs Pro
Skool keeps it simple, two plans, both with unlimited members, courses and live calls.
Read the guide
Skool vs Kajabi
Skool is a community with a classroom attached. Kajabi is a course business platform, website, email, funnels, with a community attached.
Read the guide