Best Forum Software?

**priyanka-m6.net** · 05-16-2005, 10:06 PM

Hi guys,
Out of the following,which forum software is most popular and what features makes it popular?
1.vBulletin
2.SMF
3.Invision Power Board
4.phpBB

Apart from above, are there any other good forum softwares?

**MarkB** · 05-16-2005, 10:19 PM

I'd say phpBB has the larger userbase, but vBulletin is the better software (and 3.5 - out in June - will kick everything else's butt!).

**Nintendo** · 05-17-2005, 04:20 PM

vBulletin is the best. Every thing else is crappy!!!

**Todd W** · 05-18-2005, 05:24 PM

Another vote for VB!

**James** · 05-19-2005, 02:45 PM

Oh god is this killing me to say this:
I agree with Nintendo.... that vB is the best.
However, to keep my whole soul from being torn from me, I'll say a small disagreement: IPB is also quality forum software. Second best, IMHO.

**moonshield** · 05-19-2005, 03:29 PM

the new phpBB looks like it will be exceptional.

**chromate** · 05-19-2005, 05:26 PM

I really don't have much of a clue when it comes to the admin / webmaster side of things and forum software. But from a user's perspective, I've always loved IPB! It just looks and feels so natural to use.

If I were starting a forum (which I may do soon), then I would probably just go for vBulletin - because that's what everyone else seems to go for. Lame reason eh?

**MarkB** · 05-20-2005, 01:00 AM

Very lame

**Chris** · 05-20-2005, 06:57 AM

Well the admin areas are where VB really shines. I used to use phpbb and I didn't see the big deal with upgrading to vb.

Then I got access to Sitepoint's backend, and that clinched it for me.

**chromate** · 05-20-2005, 08:57 AM

Anyone know how IPB's admin compares to VB's?

**5starAffiliates** · 05-20-2005, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I have been thinking about starting a forum for a long time. I would not go PHPBB due to all the security issues I have heard of. Recently consulted for a friend to help her start a new forum and recommended VB and at this point after all my research, still think it sounds like the best option.

**Todd W** · 05-20-2005, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by chromate

Anyone know how IPB's admin compares to VB's?

Not near as many options. I migrated a forum from IPB at the end of last year. The main reason I upgraded was the subscription automation process VB has... now the new IPB may have this but the older one didn't.

**MarkB** · 05-20-2005, 12:38 PM

Linda, vB has the tools needed for any forum situation - and the next major version (3.5) will be even better.

As a happy 5starAffiliate user, I'd be happy to help you set a forum up if you need it