phpBB Is PhpBB the best free forum software?

I see more forums using phpBB when creators have to get free software.

Do you feel like it's the better forum software out there when it comes to free traditional forum structure and platforms?

Or is there something better?

I don't think it's the "best"... but when using a cPanel/WHM situation, it's generally easily available as a package that can be rolled out.
Currently one of the best is Discourse, but it does require a special environment to easily run and most shared hosting providers do not offer that environment.

Tracy said:

I don't think it's the "best"... but when using a cPanel/WHM situation, it's generally easily available as a package that can be rolled out.
Currently one of the best is Discourse, but it does require a special environment to easily run and most shared hosting providers do not offer that environment.

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I feel like Discourse is more of a modern platform.

I meant phpBB might be the best for traditional platforms. Discourse changes the way the forum looks altogether I think.

Or does it feel like a forum to you still?

Shawn Gossman said:

I meant phpBB might be the best for traditional platforms. Discourse changes the way the forum looks altogether I think.

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You mean antiquated then?
The reason you see a lot of phpBB sites boils down to many people will get a shared hosting plan to start with. And as I mentioned, there is the direct option usually to install phpBB from the Softaculous installation option. And that is what a lot of people will use. I know I did when I first got into running a forum. Softaculous offers several packages for direct installation from within.

Discourse has some modern features.
But overall Discourse looks a LOT like a regular forum layout for an index to me, just with the ability of the user to choose directly how they want to see it.... either with category nodes or a list of current topics.



or




And topic lists are topic lists in each category like any other forum (if you want it to be).



And the discussions themselves are not that much different - other than styling and options.

I'm surprised Discourse isn't offered as a one-click but then again, it's not the best on shared right?

Shawn Gossman said:

I'm surprised Discourse isn't offered as a one-click but then again, it's not the best on shared right?

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I t is officially only supported under a Docker based installation. I know very few shared hosting providers that offer that functionality.
You can install it manually, but if you do you will have issues getting any official support questions answered by developers.

I had a peak at Discourse and to me it seems a little targeted for those who don't like using Discord or kick? Idk it seems more like a usage for a company for internal uses only?

As per the topic though, phpBB is so classic and renowned. It's not my favorite free software though.

I know it has a certain vibe to it. I believe phpBB4 has been in 'development hell' for years because its all contributors and volunteers mostly. Last update according to their site was April, 2025 3.3.5 and before that is November 2024. So development there is extremely slow. Flat threaded topics is becoming outdated.

Larry said:

Idk it seems more like a usage for a company for internal uses only?

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I don't disagree... but that applies to any forum style software.
It can easily be used for a forum based website just like other scripts can be.
phpBB remains dated back into the early times of forums.