Discourse Cloud features: tier-by-tier list (2026)
Hosted version of the open-source Discourse forum with flat monthly pricing and a free self-host option.
Core capabilities (15)
Conversations, not pages
Why break conversations into awkward and arbitrary pages, where you have to constantly find the Next Page button? We’ve replaced all that with the power of just-in-time loading. Want to read more?
Source · core
Chat in real time
Create channels for community members to chat more informally and build relationships.
Source · core
A personal touch
A custom sidebar and deliberately chosen user preferences allow community members to fine-tune their experience on your site to best meet their needs while out-of-the-box defaults and site settings allow you to configure the default experience for your communi
Source · core
Simple, but with context
Discourse is a simple, flat forum, where replies flow down the page in a line. Expand context at the bottom and top of each post, and also in quotes, to reveal the full conversation without losing your place.
Source · core
Born mobile, born to touch
Discourse was designed for high resolution touch devices, with a built-in mobile layout.
Source · core
Single sign-on
Seamlessly integrate Discourse with your existing site’s login system with easy, robust single sign on.
Source · core
Trust system
As members become trusted regulars over time, they earn abilities to help maintain their community.
Source · core
Community moderation
Let the community suppress spam and dangerous content, and amicably resolve disputes.
Source · core
Summarize topics
Use the Summarize button to condense long topics to just the most interesting and popular posts.
Source · core
Reply via email
When you aren’t active on the website, your notifications will be automatically sent to you via email.
Source · core
Official plugins
Add chat integration, topic voting, Google Adsense, and more with our officially supported plugins .
Source · core integrations
100% Open Source
Incorporate Discourse into your site with complete confidence – the code belongs to everyone.
Source · core
Configure
SEO optimized for Google indexing and searching Markdown , BBCode, and HTML formatting in posts Automatic backups Blog integration Automatic & custom avatars Email invitations Mailing list support Dark mode and WCAG color scheme
Source · core integrations
Professional Services
Professional Services Free Starter Pro Business Enterprise Migrations We'll help you migrate your community from your current platform to Discourse, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime.
Source · core
Authentication
Authentication Free Starter Pro Business Enterprise Discourse ID Discourse ID provides a faster login experience with no setup required and lets users use one account for all their favorite Discourse communities.
Source · core
AI features (2)
AI translations
Translate the contents of your community using AI or manual translations. Translations are available for up to 49 languages, with more continually supported.
Source · ai
Empowering possibilities with AI
Our one-stop solution for integrating Artificial Intelligence to your Discourse community , and making it easier to use and moderate.
Source · ai
Integrations (1)
Comprehensive API
Anything you see on screen, you can also do via an API call. Discourse is a JavaScript app that talks to our Discourse API .
Source · integrations api
Collaboration (1)
Links automatically expand
Want to share a cool link you found? Just paste it in on a single line and we’ll make it awesome.
Source · collab
Reporting and analytics (2)
See Discourse Cloud pricing in detail
This page lists what Discourse Cloud does. For per-seat math, tier comparison, and the full hidden-fee list, see the Discourse Cloud pricing breakdown.
Closest alternatives
Other community platform tools buyers shortlist when they evaluate Discourse Cloud.
Sources
Features evolve. Confirm directly with the vendor before purchase decisions. This list was last refreshed on 2026-05-27.
Frequently asked questions
What features does Discourse Cloud include?
This page tracks 21 verified Discourse Cloud features across 5 categories, sourced from Discourse Cloud's official site.
Which tier do I need for Discourse Cloud?
Discourse Cloud's feature availability varies by plan. Compare the public Discourse Cloud tiers, calculator, and hidden fees on the Discourse Cloud pricing page.
How does Discourse Cloud compare on features to alternatives?
Buyers commonly compare Discourse Cloud against Vanilla Forums, Circle, Mighty Networks. Each alternative's feature page is linked below where we cover it.