Which Forum Software to Choose?

[AWS]

Once you decide to start a community you have to decide which forum software to use.

 

Choosing the best forum software depends on your specific needs, such as ease of use, customization, and community features. Here are some popular options:

1. Discourse: Modern and user-friendly, with features like real-time discussions, mobile support, and extensive plugins.
   
2. phpBB: A classic, open-source forum software that is highly customizable and has a large community.
   
3. Vanilla Forums: Offers both open-source and paid versions, known for its clean interface and integration options.
   
4. Flarum: A lightweight and modern forum software that is easy to set up and customize.
   
5. Simple Machines Forum (SMF): A robust and flexible option with a strong community and a wide range of modifications.
   
6. MyBB: Free and open-source, it provides a good balance of features and ease of use.
   
7. NodeBB: Built on Node.js, it offers real-time discussions and a modern interface, suitable for tech-savvy users.
   
8. XenForo: A premium option known for its powerful features and excellent support, ideal for larger communities.
   

Consider your requirements regarding scalability, features, and budget when choosing the right software for your forum.

 

My personal favorite is xenForo. I do like Discourse and in the future I will create a forum using it.

[Geek]

I used vbulletin. It was the best. Too bad corp greed did it in.

[Shawn]

Right now it's mainly XenForo.

 

However, I recently grabbed vBulletin 6 and to my surprise, it's pretty nice. $180 and no annual fees! Full suite-forums, blogs, articles, and social groups. You usually pay a lot more for that suite or have to buy thing individually.

 

vb6 might give XF a run for its money!

[Cedric]

XenForo is really easy to learn for a new admin, so I'd recommend that.

 

I'm looking forward to try Invision Community v5.

[AWS]

I have IPB v4 installed as a test site. I am looking forward to v5 too.

[Shawn]

I'll have to try to get IP when it's on sale LOL

[True Legend]

On 10/13/2024 at 1:20 PM, Cedric said:

XenForo is really easy to learn for a new admin, so I'd recommend that.

 

I'm looking forward to try Invision Community v5.

Indeed and also most plugins 😄

[Cpvr]

On 10/13/2024 at 7:20 AM, Cedric said:

XenForo is really easy to learn for a new admin, so I'd recommend that.

 

I'm looking forward to try Invision Community v5.

I agree. There are also a lot of nice themes available too. Especially Dohthemes and Themehouse’s.

Edited October 29 by Cpvr

[AWS]

7 hours ago, Cpvr said:

I agree. There are also a lot of nice themes available too. Especially Dohthemes and Themehouse’s.

I am working on installing a test site with v5 beta2

[Immortal]

I think the choice for forum software should depend on two things, one, how much money you have to pay for subscriptions and add ons, and how much knowledge and skill you have to use that particular software.

[Shawn]

On 11/4/2024 at 9:49 AM, Immortal said:

I think the choice for forum software should depend on two things, one, how much money you have to pay for subscriptions and add ons, and how much knowledge and skill you have to use that particular software.

I agree with this being an important step or rather two important steps.

If you don't have the budget, get a free forum. Use one that can be easily merged later down the road if you decide you can purchase a forum software.

[Immortal]

10 hours ago, Shawn said:

I agree with this being an important step or rather two important steps.

If you don't have the budget, get a free forum. Use one that can be easily merged later down the road if you decide you can purchase a forum software.

When I started using open source, I always kept the option to merge to another forum or upgrade to premium software. However, I failed to do enough research on merge and this gave me a lot of trouble recently. 😄