I'm not really sure, but SMF would be at the bottom of the list - mainly because it has only one mobile friendly theme I think - and it's premium (unless you want to pay - your call).   Anyway, MyBB seems to be more popular than phpBB - but it's confusing on whether the two softwares equal each other or if - one or the other is better.

OK, some have considered Vanilla Forums - but I don't have much experience with that one - and other brands are bbPress, which this forum might run on, and FluxBB.

MyBB is probably the best free forum software you can get out there. It's very popular with a lot of themes, modifications, plugins, add-ons and more available. It's highly customizable. And the support seems to be good enough for a free service. You can create an amazing forum with this software if you have the right skills and knowledge to do so.

phpBB, been using the forum software since 2014 when I first started my discussion community online. First of all, it's free which has helped me save on costs. From an Advanced ACP to the ability to install modifications and customized themes, phpBB has it all and is definitely better compared to other competitors. 

Posted by: XXInfectedXx

phpBB, been using the forum software since 2014 when I first started my discussion community online. First of all, it's free which has helped me save on costs. From an Advanced ACP to the ability to install modifications and customized themes, phpBB has it all and is definitely better compared to other competitors. 

Just curious, what makes you to prefer phpBB over MyBB forum software? I mean, they are pretty similar to each other but I think MyBB has a little bit more features and don't have as many security holes as phpBB. Also, the community of MyBB seems to be bigger. After all, every person has their own preferences. 🙂

As long as you don't mind the lack of your own hosting, I highly recommend Jcink. It's a heavy custom IPB 1.3 software and perfect for any forum starting out.

Posted by: Keranov

Posted by: XXInfectedXx

phpBB, been using the forum software since 2014 when I first started my discussion community online. First of all, it's free which has helped me save on costs. From an Advanced ACP to the ability to install modifications and customized themes, phpBB has it all and is definitely better compared to other competitors. 

Just curious, what makes you to prefer phpBB over MyBB forum software? I mean, they are pretty similar to each other but I think MyBB has a little bit more features and don't have as many security holes as phpBB. Also, the community of MyBB seems to be bigger. After all, every person has their own preferences. 🙂

True, I can't argue or disagree with you there. Probably the  reason is definitely something to do with preference. The company has had my loyalty for over five years now and counting... 

During my five years with this software provider, I've had no real problems, issues, or bugs and glitches. Their customer service is there when I need it most and its been outstanding

I can't complain. 

Posted by: Lee

It has been such a long time since I have used any free forum software, I'm not sure what the go to is any more.

What free forum software do you recommend for someone wanting to start a project in 2019?

Likewise.  Honestly, I don't like any free forum software. lol They each lack features...

Hey there you lot! I'm Rick new to this forum I am not doing a introduction not to sound rude just don't do them.

MyBB and PHPBB are more the less the same, just a lot of different UI. But personally MyBB is going to 1.9 which means they will support mobile friendly themes without going to a 3rd party theme designer and a few other tweaks.

Posted by: Rick

Hey there you lot! I'm Rick new to this forum I am not doing a introduction not to sound rude just don't do them.

MyBB and PHPBB are more the less the same, just a lot of different UI. But personally MyBB is going to 1.9 which means they will support mobile friendly themes without going to a 3rd party theme designer and a few other tweaks.

I tried them both.  This is just my opinion, but both are junk compared to say Xenforo. 🙂

Posted by: zoldos

Posted by: Rick

Hey there you lot! I'm Rick new to this forum I am not doing a introduction not to sound rude just don't do them.

MyBB and PHPBB are more the less the same, just a lot of different UI. But personally MyBB is going to 1.9 which means they will support mobile friendly themes without going to a 3rd party theme designer and a few other tweaks.

I tried them both.  This is just my opinion, but both are junk compared to say Xenforo. 🙂

Well they say you get what you pay for.

Posted by: Demon_skeith

Well they say you get what you pay for.

hehe Yes indeed.

I would recommend ElkArte or MyBB, both are good. ElkArte has many cool features with inbuilt responsive theme. I have used their software for while and i loved it.

Posted by: Jason5

I would recommend ElkArte or MyBB, both are good. ElkArte has many cool features with inbuilt responsive theme. I have used their software for while and i loved it.

Never heard of ElkArte.  Is it new?