3 Open Source Alternatives to vBulletin

A list of 3 carefully selected open-source alternatives to vBulletin.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated3 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of vBulletin open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Discourse logo

Discourse

43,432
8,466

Discourse is an open source platform for community discussion designed to foster engagement and collaboration. It offers an intuitive interface that supports real-time chat, robust moderation, and extensive customization to meet diverse community needs.

Discourse screenshot

Key Features

  • 100% open source forum software with free self-hosting option
  • Managed hosting plans starting at $20 per month
  • Modern discussion experience with seamless transition between chat and long-form posts
  • Advanced moderation tools and built-in spam protection
  • Customizable themes and extensive API integration
  • AI enhancements for topic summarization and toxicity detection
  • Seamless single sign-on and popular social login integrations
  • Mobile-first design for optimal performance on any device

Discourse enables communities to connect and collaborate with thoughtful, uninterrupted conversations. Its features include just-in-time loading, integrated real-time chat, AI-powered tools for summarizing topics and detecting toxicity, and a fully customizable design with comprehensive API support. Whether you choose free self-hosting or managed hosting starting at $20 per month, Discourse adapts to both small groups and large enterprises.

#2
Flarum logo

Flarum

15,629
1,605

Flarum is a modern, fast, and free community forum software designed to build vibrant online communities. It brings simplicity and flexibility to forum management with a highly extensible core and a rich ecosystem of extensions.

Flarum screenshot

Key Features

  • Modern, responsive design
  • Highly extensible via a vast ecosystem of extensions
  • Flexible groups and permissions management
  • Supports both markdown and WYSIWYG editors
  • Customizable appearance with themes and custom CSS
  • Free and open-source with no vendor lock-in

Flarum powers communities of any size with a solid forum platform that combines a sleek, responsive interface with robust features. The tool offers extensive customization through themes, custom CSS, and hundreds of extensions, ensuring groups, permissions, rich editor capabilities, and real-time notifications meet diverse community needs.

#3
MyBB logo

MyBB

1,127
413

MyBB is a free and open source forum software that enables users to create and manage vibrant online communities. Its intuitive interface and expandable features make it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced forum administrators.

MyBB screenshot

Key Features

  • Free and open source
  • User-friendly interface
  • Extensible with hundreds of plugins and themes
  • Multilingual support
  • Robust moderation and administration tools
  • Backed by a dedicated community

MyBB offers an extensive range of tools including a robust plugin system, customizable themes with an advanced template editor, and comprehensive moderation and administration controls. Designed for efficiency, it supports multilingual forums and is backed by a passionate volunteer community that continuously enhances its capabilities.

Price comparison of vBulletin open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Details
Discourse logo
Discourse
$20
Managed Forum Hosting
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About vBulletin

With over a decade of experience, vBulletin has empowered more than 40,000 online communities, helping users foster vibrant discussions and interactions. The platform is designed with a strong emphasis on security, powerful administration tools, and speed, ensuring a seamless user experience. vBulletin offers various products, including vBulletin 6 and vBulletin Cloud, tailored for different community needs. Additionally, the brand provides extensive technical support, with a commitment to respond to support tickets within 24 hours, ensuring users receive timely assistance. Based in Southern California, vBulletin is operated by MH Sub I, LLC, a division of Internet Brands, and is also registered for EU VAT in the UK. For all forms of community engagement and support, vBulletin stands out as a trustworthy choice for building and managing online communities effectively.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
vBulletin logo

vBulletin

vBulletin Community Software

Employees

11

Location

El Segundo, United States

Social Media
Browse Alternatives to vBulletin