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Help me choose - vB, XenForo, IPB, MyBB, Vanilla,YaBB, phpBB, SMF, punBB or XMB

Discussion in 'XenForo' started by BeautifulDomainNames, Mar 30, 2012.

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Best Overall Forum Software - Regardless of Price

  1. vB

    26 vote(s)
    30.2%
  2. XenForo

    36 vote(s)
    41.9%
  3. IPB

    10 vote(s)
    11.6%
  4. MyBB

    15 vote(s)
    17.4%
  5. Vanilla

    4 vote(s)
    4.7%
  6. YaBB

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  7. phpBB

    6 vote(s)
    7.0%
  8. SMF

    4 vote(s)
    4.7%
  9. punBB

    1 vote(s)
    1.2%
  10. XMB

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. #1
    I've used SMF in the past and while I liked it I didn't really like the Admin CP.

    The field seems to be rather cluttered these days with too much variety for me to make a quick and easy decision. So I've started this thread with the hopes of finding out which is the best software period!

    For anyone who has used forum software, regardless of price, please let me know which do you think is the best overall.


    Thanks,
    Darlene
     
    BeautifulDomainNames, Mar 30, 2012 IP
  2. Wad!e

    Wad!e Member

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    #2
    Been asked many times. I vote for phpBB.
     
    Wad!e, Mar 30, 2012 IP
    BeautifulDomainNames likes this.
  3. BeautifulDomainNames

    BeautifulDomainNames Peon

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    #3
    Thanks Wad!e!

    I repped you.

    So, you like phpBB but why? I want forum software that's easy to learn but I don't mind putting some time into either. I was always led to believe that vBulletin was the king but after reading around a little I'm not so sure anymore. I mean it looks like most very important forums use it (this one included) but I wonder if they're not just following suit.

    Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.


    Best wishes,
    Darlene
     
    BeautifulDomainNames, Mar 31, 2012 IP
  4. HostOwnage

    HostOwnage Peon

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    #4
    I went ahead and voted for MyBB.
    Why?
    - Simple admin interface
    - Packed with many features, I like calling it VBulletins brother but without the price tag.
    - Very customisable.
    - Has a great active Online community which can help within minutes.
    - It's open sourced.
     
    HostOwnage, Mar 31, 2012 IP
    BeautifulDomainNames likes this.
  5. adworder

    adworder Peon

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    #5
    phpBB it has plugins for everything and anything :)
     
    adworder, Mar 31, 2012 IP
    BeautifulDomainNames likes this.
  6. initiotech

    initiotech Well-Known Member

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    #6
    I voted for MyBB

    Reasons :

    1) I am using them on 2 of my forums and am very comfortable with managing Plugins (Finding them and getting support from the plugin developers)

    2) Their Community is very helpful and answer to most of your questions.

    3) The interface is very simple to understand

    4) All Extra Settings which come after the plugin is installed is easily found under one place...Unlike others where you need to search where the settings are...or read the ReadMe file ofcource..

    5) Adding Themes , Plugins etc.. are very easy.
     
    initiotech, Apr 1, 2012 IP
  7. BeautifulDomainNames

    BeautifulDomainNames Peon

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    #7
    I repped everyone I could. Thanks so much for the input everyone. I have to admit I am surprised that MyBB is leading the way considering price is not a concern.




    Best wishes,
    Darlene
     
    BeautifulDomainNames, Apr 1, 2012 IP
  8. DJboutit2

    DJboutit2 Active Member

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    #8
    Vbulletin is almost dead a few of the coders jumped to XenForo wait about a yr to 15 months before using XenForo there is not enough versions skins & plugins

    I have been using Mybb for about 18 months now it is really good a few thing a little hard to do but over you should be able to get the hang of it in no time
     
    DJboutit2, Apr 1, 2012 IP
  9. Cucumba123

    Cucumba123 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    From past experience, PHPBB is time confusing when it comes to modding it, it's just too much manual work. SMF is great and it's actually very easy to use but if you got the money go for vBulletin or XenForo, they are solid softwares.
     
    Cucumba123, Apr 6, 2012 IP
  10. d3wlin

    d3wlin Well-Known Member

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    #10
    I have experience with many forum engines and each have their +/-. However I would like to specially accent MyBB, which I use for 2 years already. The software is feature full by default and further customisable with easy to add plugins. Also I so much prefer its Control Panel.

    IPB is superb as well.
     
    d3wlin, Apr 6, 2012 IP
  11. River J

    River J Member

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    #11
    Really, i've used so many different forums. The free forums lack customization. vBulletin is by far the most powerful forum script out there and offers a huge amount of themes and modifications to it. It's awesome for those who aren't professional coders.
     
    River J, Apr 6, 2012 IP
  12. tiffanywilliams12i2

    tiffanywilliams12i2 Peon

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    #12
    try them all and use what works best for you
     
    tiffanywilliams12i2, Apr 7, 2012 IP
  13. dumindushalika

    dumindushalika Notable Member

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    #13
    My vote is for Xenforo.
     
    dumindushalika, Apr 8, 2012 IP
  14. munnakv

    munnakv Active Member

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    #14
    I voted for VB.
    Reasons : (not in any particular order)
    1) Support
    2) Easily customizable templates, skin and add-ons
    3) Very active community.
    4) Spam control (question and answer mod stops all the bot registrations).
    5) I am using it and is comfortable with its interface.

    The cost is a bit high, but in the long run, it is worth every cent.
     
    munnakv, Apr 8, 2012 IP
  15. leetone

    leetone Greenhorn

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    #15
    Voted for vbulletin
    Makeup as your needs
     
    leetone, Apr 11, 2012 IP
  16. Econox

    Econox Well-Known Member

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    #16
    Even though Xenforo is just starting up, I feel it has a solid product (Currently using it for one of my sites). There are many nice features available and the Admin Control Panel is very easy to navigate around and use.
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2012
    Econox, Apr 11, 2012 IP
  17. River J

    River J Member

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    #17
    Alright, I know what I said about vB up above, honestly, I take that all back. I used xenforo for my first time and I have to say it's amazing. The default features you get with it are amazing. I suggest going to xenforo.com and using the demo. Try out the reports system, that's one thing that really made me like xenforo. I have it installed and love it. vB is starting to get old, xenforo is fresh and it's solid.
     
    River J, Apr 11, 2012 IP
  18. Lazybuttons

    Lazybuttons Active Member

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    #18
    PunBB and the slightly better forked version FluxBB is amazing if you want a very simple traditional forum.

    Invision Power Board has great support and a lot of included default features. I would go with those.
     
    Lazybuttons, Apr 11, 2012 IP
    d3wlin likes this.
  19. ironcladus

    ironcladus Active Member

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    #19
    Voted for phpBB simply because there's one theme I use everywhere. Also enjoy using MyBB and occasionally SMF.
     
    ironcladus, Apr 11, 2012 IP
  20. mukesh4bs

    mukesh4bs Active Member

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    #20
    Well I am using smf and must say very admin friendly and easy to use but feeling some difficulty to add mods.
     
    mukesh4bs, Apr 29, 2012 IP