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phpBB

phpBB is free, open-source software for building online forums.

Place
#10 of 20
Score
6.2

What phpBB is

phpBB is free, open-source software for building online forums. It is self-hosted as a web application, so running it requires a PHP web server and a supported SQL database. For phpBB 3.3, the server needs PHP 7.2 or later; listed database systems include MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle. Board features can be adjusted in an administration panel without directly editing code. Community-built extensions can add features, while styles change a board’s appearance. The default prosilver style uses HTML5 and CSS3 and is designed for desktop and mobile browsers. phpBB supports UTF-8 and offers language packs for additional translations. It hashes passwords before storing them; newer platforms use Argon2id and Argon2i hashing. Support resources include documentation, knowledge base articles, community forums, and limited-support Discord and IRC chats. Administrators are instructed to remove the install directory after installation because leaving it can create a security issue. phpBB is released under the GNU General Public License v2.

Good

  • Free and open source under GNU GPL v2.
  • Administration panel avoids direct code edits for board features.
  • Extensions and styles support customization.
  • Default style is designed for desktop and mobile browsers.
  • Supports multiple SQL database systems.

Watch out

  • Requires a PHP web server and SQL database.
  • phpBB 3.3 requires PHP 7.2 or later.
  • Administrators need to remove the install directory after setup.
  • Discord and IRC support is limited.

Who it suits

phpBB suits people who want to run and customize an online forum and can provide a PHP web server and supported SQL database. It can also suit communities needing language packs or styles for desktop and mobile browser use.

Verdict

phpBB provides a self-hosted forum with administration controls, extensions, and styles. Before choosing it, confirm the server requirements and include removal of the install directory in the setup process.

Plans and prices

From phpBB's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
phpBBFreeFree and open source forum software · requires a PHP web server and SQL database

The facts

Each one read from phpBB's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Administration
The administration panel lets users customize features without directly editing code.checked 4 Oct 2026
Customization
Community-built extensions can add features, and styles can customize a board’s appearance.checked 4 Oct 2026
Database support
The installation guide lists MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle as supported database systems.checked 4 Oct 2026
Extensions
The official support site directs users to separate sections for help with extensions and styles.checked 4 Oct 2026
Languages
phpBB supports UTF-8 and offers language packs for additional translations.checked 4 Oct 2026
License
phpBB is released under the GNU General Public License v2.checked 4 Oct 2026
Origin
phpBB was created by James Atkinson in June 2000.checked 4 Oct 2026
Password security
phpBB hashes passwords before storing them and says newer platforms use Argon2id and Argon2i hashing.checked 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
phpBB is an open-source bulletin board system for building online forums.checked 4 Oct 2026
Responsive design
Its default prosilver style uses HTML5 and CSS3 and is designed for desktop and mobile browsers.checked 4 Oct 2026
Security setup
The installation guide instructs administrators to remove the install directory after installation because leaving it can create a security issue.checked 4 Oct 2026
Server requirements
phpBB 3.3 requires a web server with PHP 7.2 or later and a supported SQL database.checked 4 Oct 2026
Support
Support resources include documentation, knowledge base articles, community support forums, and limited-support Discord and IRC chats.checked 4 Oct 2026

The company

Founded
2000checked 28 Sep 2026

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