vBulletin vs Flarum : 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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Flarum icon

Flarum

Flarum is the next-generation forum software that makes online discussion fun. Developed by Toby Zerner

License: Open Source

Categories: Development Social & Communications

Apps available for Self-Hosted PHP

vBulletin VS Flarum

vBulletin is a long-standing forum software with extensive features geared towards monetization and security but lacks a modern interface. In contrast, Flarum offers a contemporary, mobile-friendly experience focused on user engagement, though it may fall short in monetization capabilities.

vBulletin

Pros:

  • Established platform with a long history
  • Robust monetization options
  • Comprehensive user management features
  • Strong security features
  • Good performance and scalability
  • Wide range of plugins/add-ons available
  • Detailed documentation for users
  • Customizable themes
  • Active community support
  • Variety of content moderation tools

Cons:

  • Can be expensive due to licensing fees
  • Less modern user interface
  • Limited mobile responsiveness
  • Complex installation and maintenance
  • Less flexible in customization compared to newer platforms
  • Documentation can be overwhelming
  • Fewer updates compared to competitors
  • Limited community-driven development
  • Higher resource consumption
  • Less focus on user engagement tools

Flarum

Pros:

  • Modern and user-friendly interface
  • Highly customizable and extendable
  • Mobile responsive design
  • Strong focus on user engagement
  • Active community-driven support
  • SEO-friendly out of the box
  • Lightweight and fast performance
  • Multi-language support
  • Frequent updates and improvements
  • Simplified installation process

Cons:

  • Limited monetization features
  • Fewer plugins/add-ons compared to older platforms
  • May have less robust user management features
  • Less established compared to vBulletin
  • Documentation is less comprehensive
  • Older community resources may be outdated
  • Some features may require additional extensions
  • Less support for analytics integration
  • May not be suitable for very large forums
  • Initial setup may require technical knowledge

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