vBulletin vs Discourse : Which is Better?

vBulletin icon

vBulletin

vBulletin (vB) is an Internet forum software package written in PHP and uses a MySQL database server. Developed by Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.

License: Commercial

Categories: Social & Communications

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux Android iPhone

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Discourse icon

Discourse

Discourse is a civilized discussion platform for your community. Use it as a mailing list, discussion forum, long-form chat room, and more. Developed by Civilized Discourse Construction Kit, Inc.

License: Open Source

Categories: Social & Communications

Apps available for Online Self-Hosted Ruby

vBulletin VS Discourse

vBulletin is a legacy forum software known for its extensive features and customization options, making it suitable for large and established communities. In contrast, Discourse offers a modern, user-friendly experience with a focus on community engagement and real-time interactions, appealing to new and growing forums.

vBulletin

Pros:

  • Feature-rich with a wide range of customization options
  • Strong security features
  • Robust user management and permissions
  • Active community support and add-ons
  • Legacy support for older forums

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for new users
  • Higher cost for licensing and upgrades
  • Less emphasis on mobile responsiveness

Discourse

Pros:

  • Modern and user-friendly interface
  • Real-time notifications and updates
  • Built-in moderation tools
  • Responsive design for mobile devices
  • Strong focus on community engagement

Cons:

  • Requires ongoing updates and maintenance
  • Some features may require third-party plugins
  • Potentially limited in customization compared to vBulletin

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