What Is The Best Forum Software?

[GamerBB]

Whether paid or free, what currently released forum software is the best out there?

I prefer XenForo and IPB. I think they are the top contenders against the slowly descending (opinion) vBulletin. IPB is probably the top dog behind vBulletin as they have a huge customer base, phone support, tons of mods, and etc. XenForo has the ability to shine over both IPB and vBulletin in my opinion. I can't wait to see what XF will be in the next year or so.

 

[Dan]

I don't have a whole lot of experience with any free solutions out there. For whatever reason I have always used paid software and I have used them all.

Something I have never said in public before, I cannot stand IPB. I can't find anything I like about that software. At it's core, it is a great product, but the layout and usability (both front end and admincp), IMHO, is awful. Totally complicated not very fluid.

I have been around vB the longest, since 2004, and have found it to the best, until XenForo of course. vB still has a place in my heart though even though they are going through very turbulent times, all at their own doing.

 

[GamerBB]

I can agree with you about the layout and usability of IPB. After awhile Add-ons became a hassle to install for me. Not because I didn't know how to do it but because many of them conflicted with other add-ons. That's when I decided to sell my IPB license and switch over to XenForo. vBulletin is a software I haven't owned but I have staffed a few forums and wasn't a fan of the admin cp. Maybe if I sat down and really learned it my opinion would change but since XenForo hit the scene all interest has been lost in vBulletin.

 

[Hank]

XenForo and WordPress will always be my favourite forum software. If I'm forced to choose between the two of them, I would have to go with XenForo because I'm a more into forums and it's best for forums.

 

[Dori]

It's only Xenforo that's clearly mapped out for me as the best paid forum software. I have used some free forum software in the past like Proboards but it's not that good. Xenforo is wonderful.

 

[Mrchris]

I agree xenforo is by far the best. free wise mybb

 

[Zuby]

To the best of my knowledge, Xenforo works like a charm. Even as a forum owner, I appreciate and find it more easier being on other forums that uses Xenforo software.