Welcome to the unofficial ForumPromotion Best Forum Software Poll!
With thousands of forums out there, it can be hard to choose one to go with. From personal experience, it can often lead to moving software several times before feeling comfortable!
So all aged, new or just plain interested webmasters - vote here!
Let's see which Forum Software is the highes rated in regards to:
No opinion. I don't think there's been any add-on on any software that I couldn't get.
- Support
IPB, they actually fix things for you if you ask them on ticket support. You don't get that on vBulletin and on XenForo, you can't really expect Kier and Mike to do too much. XenForo's forum support is decent, though.
- Skins/Themes
Again, no opinion. You can get a good-looking forum in ANY forum software. Though MyBB has a really simple template system.
- Functionality
XenForo. Alert System, Facebook Connect, jQuery, Trophy System, Kier's thought of it all.
- Security
Everyone has security audits and any flaw found is patched quickly enough. Gone are the days where phpBB forums would be hit by the Santy Worm, so I have no opinion on that again.
- Reliablity
Only loser I can think of is vBulletin 4. Not like Internet Brands has fixed all their problems, and adding new stuff in the maintenance release versions is only going to slow down the process of bug fixing, break skins, and make the upgrade process that much harder. Not really a well-managed company or a product at all. I'm also losing it a bit with MyBB for other reasons. Other than that, I don't really see a clear winner here.
- Add-ons
SMF takes this IMO there is so many darn mods for it its un believable.
- Support
This is a tough one all forum software has great support,but I think IPB has the edge.
- Skins/Themes
MyBB is the easiest for theming, and has a great selection.
- Functionality
All forum software is good in this field.
- Security
Tough choice in this field,but I think I will give this to SMF aswell.
- Reliablity
MyBB easy... I have never had a forum break when it is on MyBB.
- Add-ons
MyBB has one of the best and bug free addons. With 3rd party plugin sites, its extended even more.
- Support
Excellent support from Support team and even from members.
- Skins/Themes
MyBB's template system is so easier that even a noob designer like me can design good themes for it.
- Functionality
I never saw a glitch or lag in MyBB's functions. Their SQA team does a really great job.
- Security
MyBB undertakes professional security audits. You rarely see a vulnerability in it.
- Reliablity
There is no other Forum software that has a consistancy as MyBB.
Paid forums like Xenforo are more like a Social network than being a forum. MyBB did have a reliable growth.
I'm going to make this short and sweet, XenForo because after being on a forum running it and seeing it's features I have fallen in love with the software, though I run MyBB. I would switch, if only they had a supported converter.
There's a massive MODs Database, as well as many members willing to create them on request for free. You can also get high quality Paid MODs for a really good price. As well as MODs, you've got Code Snippets. It's also easy to learn how to create your own.
- Support
The Community Support for phpBB would be the best I've seen. There's also a dedicated Support Team and a great support system.
- Skins/Themes
Again, a massive database with more being added all the time. You've also got a large number of premium and custom theme designers at your disposable. You can also find designers/coders easily and even create your own, with a basic understanding of HTML and CSS as well as Design Skills.
- Functionality
What phpBB doesn't offer in a Vanilla installation, a MOD does.
- Security
Sure, it's got its flaws but nothing that isn't fixed straight away.
It really depends what you're after. For better security and a bigger forum you want to go paid and vBulletin is a bad option so that often leaves IPB and XF. In my opinion both are equal but XF has lots of bugs as it is newer.
As for free forums - MyBB and phpBB are the only two that are really worth considering. I put MyBB above phpBB due to it's advanced plugin system but otherwise they are much the same.
Lol what Vbulliten might be more like a social network,but XF is a forum software and not trying to be a social network.<br /><br />-- 02 Jun 2011, 19:35 --<br /><br />
Clarkie said:
As for free forums - MyBB and phpBB are the only two that are really worth considering.
