XenForo vs Discourse : Which is Better?

XenForo icon

XenForo

XenForo is an Internet forum software package written in the PHP using the Zend Framework. Developed by XenForo, Ltd.

License: Commercial

Categories: Social & Communications

Apps available for Windows Linux Online

VS
VS
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

XenForo VS Discourse

Discourse is an open-source forum platform that emphasizes modern discussions and user engagement, making it suitable for communities focused on conversations. In contrast, XenForo is a commercial solution that offers extensive community management features and monetization options, making it ideal for larger forums and businesses.

XenForo

Pros:

  • Rich features for community management
  • Excellent monetization options
  • Robust analytics tools
  • Highly customizable with themes and add-ons

Cons:

  • Not open source
  • Costly licensing fees
  • Can be complex to set up for beginners

Discourse

Pros:

  • Free to use and modify
  • Strong community support
  • Modern design and user interface
  • Focus on discussions rather than traditional forums

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
  • Limited monetization options
  • Fewer built-in features compared to XenForo

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