Choosing a free self hosted forum software algorithm in 2025

[Ahmed nabil]

Q1: you have technical skills to run server (control panel, ssh access, FTP, database management, domain, ssl, email)?
A1: No ——-> choose cloud software (stop here)
A2: Yes ——> Q2

Q2: you want classic forums with categories or modern forums with unlimited scroll?
A1: classic forums ———> Q3
A2: modern forums——> Q4

Q3: You want dynamic forum with realtime updates?
A1: Yes ———> NodeBB
A2: No ————-> q3*: you want slightly faster development?
a1* Yes ———-> phpbb
a2* No ————> smf

Q4: You have a powerful server?
A1: Yes ———> Discourse
A2: No ————-> Flarum

Notes:
- Discourse only available as docker container app and can be challenging to set up for people unfamiliar with docker and containers

• flarum has good community and resources but smaller than discourse
• NodeBB can go unlimited scroll

• Don’t forget to check and browse each forum software before deciding

 

[Ravenfreak]

Discourse isn't too difficult to install if you're familiar with Linux. I ran into an issue but it was because my server wasn't updated, all I had to do was update my installation of Ubuntu and then the docker installed.

 

[Nomad]

If I was to start a forum with free software, I would either choose phppbb or SMF. I have used these software and they are good. I do not know much about Discourse.