MyBB is free, open-source software for building an online discussion forum. It is self-hosted, so a web host is required to run a forum. The Admin Control Panel organizes forum settings, content, users, appearance and maintenance into six sections. A plugin system and built-in template and theme editor support customization, with more plugins and themes available from the community. Plugins can use hooks throughout the PHP code, including in the Admin Control Panel, and often work without changing core files. Moderators can use inline and delayed moderation, custom tools, queues, reports and warnings. Registered users can hold private conversations with several people at once. The Merge System can convert from several forum software products or combine multiple MyBB forums. MyBB includes an English language pack, while community translations include right-to-left languages. Version 1.8 requires PHP, a supported database, a web server, and the SimpleXML, mbstring, gd and database PHP extensions. Support resources include documentation, community forums and Discord; the project is managed, developed and supported by volunteers.
Who it is for
MyBB suits people who want to host and customize a community discussion forum. It requires a web host and a server environment that meets its software requirements.
What is good
- Free and open source
- Plugin system and built-in theme and template editor
- Includes moderation queues, reports and warning actions
- Can merge forums or convert from several products
What to know first
- Requires a web host
- Version 1.8 requires PHP and specified extensions
- The project is managed and supported by volunteers
Verdict
MyBB offers forum features and customization without a software charge, but you must arrange hosting and meet the server requirements. Its documentation, community forums and Discord are available as support resources.
Get started with MyBB
- Visit https://mybb.com/ and obtain the free MyBB software.
- Prepare a web host with PHP, a supported database, a web server, and the required PHP extensions.
- Install MyBB on the web host and configure the forum through the Admin Control Panel.
- Add community plugins, themes, or translations as needed.
What the free plan stops at
The free plan has no software cost and no forced advertisements, but running MyBB requires a web host and a server environment with the listed requirements.
Questions about MyBB
How much does MyBB cost?
The MyBB plan is free. It has no cost and no forced advertisements; a web host is required.
Is MyBB open source?
Yes. MyBB is free, open-source forum software.
What platforms does MyBB support?
MyBB is self-hosted and web-based. A web host is required to run a forum.
What server requirements does MyBB 1.8 have?
It requires PHP, a supported database, a web server, and the SimpleXML, mbstring, gd, and database PHP extensions.
What support is available?
Support resources include documentation, community forums, and a Discord server. Community forum support is free and available to anyone using MyBB.
MyBB plans and pricing
All plansCompared on online community platforms
- Free plan
- Yes
- Moderation tools
- advanced
- Direct messaging
- Yes
