Best course platforms for community-led masterminds and paid groups in 2026
Paid mastermind buyers are not just buying a course library. Members pay for accountability, peer access, live calls, networking, cohort momentum, or a coaching experience that keeps them showing up. We picked this shortlist around that job, not around general LMS features. Skool suits simple community-first paid groups, Mighty Networks suits richer branded and cohort communities, and Kajabi is the better fit when community supports a wider course, funnel, email, and coaching business. This is not a full LMS ranking. If you want the broader market view, start with [Best LMS & Online Course Platforms (2026)](/best/best-lms/) or [How to Choose an LMS or Online Course Platform (2026)](/guides/how-to-choose-an-lms/).
Scored by the EverythingLMS review panel · Best-of hub · how we score · Last updated June 2026 · affiliate disclosure
At a glance
| Tool | Index | Ease | From | Free | Best for |
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Keep narrowing the field
Choosing the right tool
Start with what members are paying for. If the community itself is the product, Skool is the cleanest fit, but it is not built to replace a full marketing and funnel stack.
Do the fee maths before you price a high-ticket group. Skool is recorded at $99, but current Pro transactions are 2.9% + $0.30 up to $899 and 3.9% + $0.30 above $900, while Growth Boost can take 30% on Skool-attributed paid customers if left on.
Use Mighty Networks if the member experience needs more structure. Spaces, events, courses, chat, and branded community design are useful for cohort-style groups, but plan-level transaction fees and payment processing can change the real cost.
Do not buy Kajabi just for a discussion board. Kajabi starts from $89 and includes landing pages, funnels, and marketing emails, which makes sense for a course or coaching business, but it is overkill for a simple paid accountability group.
Check mobile purchase economics if members join from phones. Mighty Networks treats iOS purchases differently from web payments, with Apple charging 15%, so your payment route can matter as much as your monthly plan.
Plan for moderation, not just launch. A paid mastermind needs prompts, calls, onboarding, and member matching; the platform can support that, but it will not create the culture for you.
FAQ
What is the best platform for a paid mastermind community?
Skool is the best fit if the paid community is the main product and you want discussion, accountability, gamification, and simple course support in one place. Choose Mighty Networks if the brand experience and cohort structure matter more, or Kajabi if the mastermind sits inside a wider course and coaching business.
Should I use Skool or Mighty Networks for a mastermind?
Use Skool for a simpler expert-led group where speed and member activity matter more than custom structure. Use Mighty Networks for a richer community with spaces, events, courses, member discovery, and a more branded feel. The trade-off is that Mighty’s pricing and transaction-fee model needs closer checking.
Is Kajabi a good platform for paid groups?
Kajabi is a good choice if the group supports courses, coaching, email, funnels, checkout, and digital products. It is less compelling if all you need is a paid discussion community, because simpler community-first tools cost less and are easier to run.
Can I run a high-ticket mastermind on these platforms?
Yes, but check payment fees and limits before you sell. Skool’s current documentation includes different Pro fees above $900, Mighty’s fees vary by plan, and Kajabi’s costs depend on the plan and payment setup. For high-ticket offers, the fee difference can be material.