Best Free Forum Software for Beginner Forum

[Captured Enigma]

I am thinking of starting a forum, could you please tell me the best free forum software and why its good (pros and cons)

 

[RH-Calvin]

You can use MyBB for starting a forum. MyBB is a free PHP and MySQL based discussion system. It uses an intuitive discussion board structure, so that visitors can easily start and reply to discussions and markup their posts.

 

[cpvr]

Probably smf. I've seen too many mybb forums get flooded with spam smh

 

[pandaa]

MyBB/phpBB are really good for beginners. I'd recommend checking out this topic to see what other people like. 🙂

 

[Scarface]

I tried PhpBB and Mybb both are good but I like Mybb more. Its much easier to use and has lots of themes and plugins. Also the mybb support staff are really helpful.

 

[MasterA]

Phpbb/mybb are very good for beginners but I would say phpbb is probably better.

 

[Reverse Flash]

I recommend MyBB
It's fast, nice, clean, has good support, and has lots of add-on's (themes, plugins)
phpBB is also pretty good

 

[Ashley]

You can use MyBB for starting a forum. MyBB is a free PHP and MySQL based discussion system. It uses an intuitive discussion board structure, so that visitors can easily start and reply to discussions and markup their posts.

This idea is perfect. I've worked with MyBB in the past, and while I don't know coding or anything like that to save my skin, I've found it really easy to use from an administrator's persepective overall.

 

[Sharon]

If you want a really simple to use software and don't really care much about having FULL control over everything in your forum I actually would recommend Proboards. It's extremely easy to use and their support board is really active. If you ever had any questions someone usually responds within the hour or less from my experience.

 

[Agent_Zero]

I see myBB a lot. I have thought about picking up another domain and playing with it to see what I think.

I have to say that spending the money and going for xenforo was totally worth every penny though. It really wasn't much and it's so fun. So many great features and the support is amazing.

 

[Forces of Steel]

As others have posted, I'd start with MyBB. Not only is it free, but it's the easiest forum software to customize themes for. I'd avoid most of the plugins by certain shady individuals, though.

 

[Migi]

From few free forum software I've tried (phpBB, MyBB, SMF, ZetaBoards), I enjoyed using MyBB most. As a member it's simple and easy to use. The administration panel is also not too confusing even though there are many menu. Second to it will be phpBB. It's more troublesome when we need to edit codes and permissions, but in general also easy to use.

 

[Tommy M.]

I am thinking of starting a forum, could you please tell me the best free forum software and why its good (pros and cons)

I think it's PHPBB, I started building a forum with it and really it's good one for beginners, easy to customize your theme and manage. I would suggest this.

When your forum is popular with more members and posts, you can switch to other forum softwares by using a script to upgrade.

 

[pandaa]

When your forum is popular with more members and posts, you can switch to other forum softwares by using a script to upgrade.

This is a good point. Pretty much as long as you use a host that allows database access, you can always switch to another forum software later on down the line. 🙂

 

[Teg]

Everyone knows that I support ProBoards 100% for any type of forum. The Pros: Easy to customize, can install themes directly from the library to your forum, tons of plugins include a money and shop system, and top notch support. Cons, have to pay for ad free and it's by views rather than monthly, have to purchase year domain stuff if you want your own domain. Have to purchase super keys if your plugins use more than 2, but generally, that rarely happens.

 

[Captured Enigma]

Thanks for the suggestions! I went with MyBB after a lot of thought..I had several issues haha but t seems to be going okay...I'm not sure if I am 'enjoying' using MyBB though. I will give it a week and see.

 

[Reddyash]

My Vote also goes to MYBB. I feel MYbb is good because of the support and being user friendly.

 

[Cosmic]

I would recommend ZetaBoards. The software is pretty good, and they handle all of the hosting, etc. for you. 🙂

 

[Mikaya]

I think MyBB would be worth using. Apparently the look is similar to that of vB. The Admin/ModCP are both easy to use, themes are decent, the layout is nice and user-friendly.

 

[Undoxable]

MyBB is THE BEST forum software. ever.
Use it for all your boards. Its great for beginners, and pros.