17.6
NodeBB is a discussion platform for creating forums and online communities, including brand communities and product support boards.
Free planWebAPILinux
Best Discussion Forum Software in 2026
Discussion forum software helps you host conversations, member communities and question-and-answer spaces. Options in this category can run as self-hosted software or as web services, with related API and browser-extension access. On a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device, check whether the product has an Android app or a mobile-friendly web interface. Compare its supported platforms, including web, iOS and macOS, before…
27.3
AndroidiOSWeb
37.1
Discourse is community software for hosting discussions, with options to self-host or use managed hosting.
Free planSelf-hosted
- 4
WoltLab Suite
WoltLab Suite is community and forum software for brands, businesses, and communities.
WebExtensionSelf-hosted6.5From €431.40 a year - 5
Talkyard
WebAPISelf-hosted6.4From €4 a month - 6
MyBB
MyBB is free, open-source forum software for building an online community.
Free planWebSelf-hosted6.2Free plan - 7
XenForo
WebAPISelf-hosted6.2From $60 a month - 8
Flarum
Flarum is free, open-source forum software for hosting discussions on websites and online communities.
WebAPIExtensionSelf-hosted6.1 - 9
Question2Answer
Question2Answer is a free, open-source platform for running a question-and-answer community on a self-hosted website.
Free planWebSelf-hosted6.1Free plan - 10
vBulletin
WebSelf-hosted5.9From $14.99 a month - 11
Vanilla Forums
Higher Logic
4.4 - 12
Asgaros Forum
Asgaros
4.3 - 13
ElkArte
ElkArte
4.3 - 14
Muut
Muut, Inc.
4.3 - 15
Phorum
Phorum.org
4.3 - 16
PunBB
PunBB
4.3
Choosing well
Choose how it is hosted
Self-hosted software gives you a forum you run yourself, while web services handle hosting through a browser. Check whether you need an API or browser extension alongside the main forum.
Check phone and desktop access
Confirm how members will use the forum from Android, iOS, macOS and the web. If Android support is not clearly listed, plan to use the site's mobile browser experience or ask the maker.
Compare free plans and trials
A free plan can help you start without a subscription. Paid products may instead offer a trial period, so check what remains available after the trial ends and whether a free plan is provided.
Review the licence and code
If you need to read or change the code, check the software's licence and whether its source is open. This matters most when you plan to host and maintain the forum yourself.
Questions people ask
Can I run a forum on my own server?
Yes, self-hosted is one of the platform types in this category. Check the individual product's hosting requirements before installation.
Are free forum options available?
The category includes products with free pricing or a stated free plan. Review the terms for the product you are considering.
Do paid forum products offer trials?
A free trial is offered by products in this category. Trial length and conditions depend on the individual product.
Can I use a forum from iPhone or Mac?
iOS and macOS are listed platform types for products in this category. Confirm support for the specific software before choosing it.