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

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?

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

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?

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.

ForumSpark is really cool. I also love phpBB.

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.

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.