Communication·Standings

Compare Discussion Forum Software

Discussion forum software gives people a place to post and discuss topics; the right choice depends on where you want to run it and which features matter to you.

Use the signal score out of 10 as one comparison point, then check the API, open-source and free-tier marks against your needs.

• 16 platforms
• 1 with a public API on this page
• 8 with a free tier
• Checked 22 Oct 2026

1. #PlatformSignalPlugs inPrice
2. 1
   N

   NodeBBnodebb.org

   Forum software with a free plan, self-hosting, and a public API; paid from $20/mo.

   6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $20/mo
   →
3. 2
   IC

   Invision Communityinvisioncommunity.com

   Forum software for web and mobile, with events, private spaces, and moderation tools.

   6.2 APIOpenFree From $89/mo (lower tiers unpriced)
   →
4. 3
   D

   Discoursediscourse.org

   A hosted-by-you discussion hub for events and members-only spaces; free plan, paid plans from $100/month.

   6.1 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $100/mo
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5. 4
   F

   Flarumflarum.org

   A free discussion site you host, with tools to limit access and moderate posts.

   6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
   →
6. 5
   M

   MyBBmybb.com

   A free forum for a web host, with plugins and built-in theme editing.

   6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
   →
7. 6
   Q

   Question2Answerquestion2answer.org

   A free community question site with voting, comments, search, and member roles.

   5.9 APIOpenFree Free tier
   →
8. 7
   T

   Talkyardtalkyard.io

   Discussion software for threads, idea votes, and shared answers; from €4/mo.

   5.6 APIOpenFree From €4/mo
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9. 8
   WS

   WoltLab Suitewoltlab.com

   Paid, self-hosted community software with forum, gallery, calendar, and blog apps.

   5.6 APIOpenFree From €431/yr
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10. 9
    X

    XenForoxenforo.com

    A paid discussion platform you host, with Q&A threads, moderation, and built-in payment options.

    5.1 APIOpenFree From $60/mo
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11. 10
    V

    vBulletinvbulletin.com

    Paid forum software with page-building tools, searchable content, and moderation.

    4.9 APIOpenFree From $14.99/mo
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12. 11
    P

    PhorumPhorum.org

    Free forum software for online communities.

    4.7 APIOpenFree Free tier
    →
13. 12
    E

    ElkArteElkArte

    Free forum software for online discussions.

    4.6 APIOpenFree Free tier
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14. 13
    P

    PunBBPunBB

    Free software for running an online discussion forum.

    4.6 APIOpenFree Free tier
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15. 14
    VF

    Vanilla ForumsHigher Logic

    Forum software for hosting online community discussions.

    3.9 APIOpenFree —
    →
16. 15
    AF

    Asgaros ForumAsgaros

    Forum software for building and running online discussion spaces.

    3.8 APIOpenFree —
    →
17. 16
    M

    MuutMuut, Inc.

    Software for creating online discussion forums.

    3.8 APIOpenFree —
    →

Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this board are open to sponsors. Take #1 · Other ways to advertise

How to choose

Where do I need to run the forum?

Choose a platform that fits where you want to host and access the forum. The platform labels include self-hosted, web, API, extension, macOS and iOS.

If you plan to host it yourself, look for the self-hosted label; if you want browser access, check for web.

Can I use the forum for free?

Check the free-plan mark to see whether a free plan is listed. A free trial is different: it gives you a limited period to try paid software rather than a continuing free plan.

Compare the listed pricing model and pricing notes before choosing.

Does it have an API or open-source code?

Check the API and open-source marks for those details. A public API can let other software connect to a forum, while open-source code can be inspected or changed under its licence.

If either matters to your plans, confirm the details for the specific product before deciding.

What does the signal score mean?

The signal score out of 10 combines published information about use, a public API, documentation depth, open-source code and a free tier.

Use it as a comparison point, then weigh the features and platform labels that fit your requirements.

Questions

What is discussion forum software used for?

It provides a place for people to post and discuss topics. Compare where it runs, its pricing, and whether it has an API or open-source code if those matter to you.

How do I know if a forum has a free plan?

Check its free-plan mark and pricing notes. A free trial is not the same as a continuing free plan.

What does self-hosted mean for forum software?

It means the software can be hosted on infrastructure you manage. Check the platform label to see whether self-hosting is listed.

What is a public API in forum software?

An API is a way for other software to connect to a forum. Check the API mark for whether a public API is listed.

Does discussion forum software have to be open source?

No. If you need to inspect or change the code, check the open-source mark and review the software's licence.

Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure