Back to feed
Spark Promotion Webmaster Discussions Join

What is the best forum software to use for a new online community?

U Uptrend · 2 weeks ago · 6 replies · 68

I have try different options like phpBB for free but my forum look like it was designed in the dial-up era, and the mobile experience is like a torture. Then, also you have XenForo that is so beautiful but the license fee is something else, very expensive. What do you recommend?

6 replies
S
Shawn · 2 weeks ago

I’m almost referring people to Forum Spark who want to pay and SMF who want something free.

Jason · 1 week ago

On Sep 8, 2026, Shawn said:

I’m almost referring people to Forum Spark who want to pay and SMF who want something free.

Why is that?

S
Shawn · 1 week ago

On Sep 9, 2026, Jason said:

Why is that?

I just assume XenForo is eventually going to either shut down or go to a cloud-hosting-only platform.

I doubt they get a lot of new customers. So, their main customer base is renewals.

Gizmo · 1 week ago

ForumSpark is really cool. I also love phpBB.

DigitalNomad · 1 week ago

You can use premium themes for open source forum platforms to create amazing design. For instance, you try premium theme for phpbb. You will get a fresh look. If you are low on budget, phpBB is the best one.

Jason · 1 week ago

On Sep 9, 2026, Shawn said:

I just assume XenForo is eventually going to either shut down or go to a cloud-hosting-only platform.

I doubt they get a lot of new customers. So, their main customer base is renewals.

Around 60 USD a year for Forum Spark - compared to around 200 for XenForo.

But these days 60 is 30 in 2005 money and 200 is 100.

Create a free account to join the conversation.
Sign up free
ForumSpark © 2023 - 2026 · ForumSpark.net · Terms