What is a good forum I can use on my website?

I've decided to start a forum section on my website but I don't want to be spending a load of money on it just yet. I am looking for a free version that is very good.. I know I'm asking for a lot but what would you suggest?

I have tried phpbb but I started getting a load of spam and I don't think it's safe

 

MyBB is good. I have been using it and it's running fine with no issues as such.

 

As you don't want spend money in forums, they best free forum software is Mybb, go for it you'll be fine and it's very easy to use and lots of themes, plugins etc.

 

Now free forum software in trending MyBB, phpBB, SMF how ever these are opensource you can try it once then you can decide, every one suggest only these three options only, main drawback in these lack of Security.

 

I decided to use SMF in the end. It's pretty easy to use but obviously like many opensource packages, it has a downside. I am getting a lot of spam users signing up and posting. It's less now since I made it so that they have to activate using an email and also to answer 3 non-bot questions.

 

Does your site use a CMS? If you use Wordpress, you might find bbPress a better option for the integration.

 

I have personally used just about ever single forum software on the market today. I used to be an avid vBulletin user until here recently. I have now switched over to XenForo (just like DigitalPoint) from vBulletin. I have to say I am extremely glad that I switched and my members are also. I just think that there is a whole lot more features with XenForo and I think it just looks a whole lot better and more modern. To me, I think vBulletin actually looks cheap, even though it is expensive. I would try the demo of XenForo before you purchase it, I think you will enjoy it though, I really do!

 

Yes. MyBB, SMF are targeted by spam bots.
Have tight rules for new members. only members with 3 days post with 5 approved posts can sharelinks/urls

 

I'm a fan of xenforo. Best platform I ever worked with and I kinda tested them all

 

xenforo is awesome but phpbb is also a good option.

 

use smf more good for maintaining and development

 

All forum scripts have plugin that you can use to stop spam including phpBB.

 

MyBB is good. Have been using it for almost 12 months. It's a large forum with most of the requirements being met. Spam can be taken care of, it hasn't been an issue so far.

 

I have used phpbb, smf and recently mybb. Out of the lot I would chose mybb to be the best free option.