Freedom251 › Content Management Systems
PHPBoost
by PHPBoost
What PHPBoost is
PHPBoost is free, open-source content management software for creating websites. It is distributed under the GNU/GPL license and runs as a self-hosted installation on a web server, with local-server use possible for testing. The required environment is a PHP/SQL server with MySQL or MariaDB; the homepage links version 6.0.4 and states PHP 7.2 minimum. Listed modules include articles, calendar, forum, gallery, news, newsletter, downloads, and wiki. PHPBoost supports editorial workflows, multilingual content, SEO tools, media management, granular permissions, groups, customizable themes, menus, templates, and CSS. Official and compatible third-party modules extend it, while Google Maps and ReCaptcha modules are listed integrations. Automated updates cover the core and official modules through the administration interface. Support is provided through the forum, documentation, and FAQ. URL rewriting works with Apache but is unavailable on IIS. PHPBoost was founded in 2005 and lists Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Who it suits
PHPBoost suits beginners and experienced users who can provide PHP hosting and MySQL or MariaDB. It fits site owners wanting multilingual content, SEO, media, modules, and configurable permissions.
What it does well
- Free GNU/GPL software
- Multilingual content support
- Built-in SEO and media tools
- Many core content modules
- Automated core updates
What to know first
- Requires self-hosted PHP/SQL hosting
- Needs MySQL or MariaDB
- URL rewriting unavailable on IIS
- Third-party modules are not maintained by PHPBoost
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PHPBoost CMS | Free and open-source under GPL version 3 or greater · requires a PHP/SQL web server and MySQL or MariaDB | Free |
As phpboost.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
PHPBoost provides a broad, free CMS for users prepared to manage their own server environment. Its modules and customization options are substantial, but hosting requirements and the IIS rewriting limitation matter during setup.
Facts from PHPBoost's own pages
- Audience
- The maker describes PHPBoost as designed for beginners and also suitable for experienced users who want to extend it or build modules. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Core modules
- The maker lists modules including articles, calendar, forum, gallery, news, newsletter, downloads, and wiki. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Current version
- The official homepage links PHPBoost 6.0.4 and states PHP 7.2 minimum. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Administrators can customize site appearance, menus, themes, templates, and CSS through the product’s customization tools. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Editorial workflows
- Yes · phpboost.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Extensions
- PHPBoost has officially maintained modules and third-party modules validated for compatibility; the maker says it does not maintain unofficial modules. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2005 · phpboost.com, 19 Oct 2026
- Free and open source
- PHPBoost is distributed free under the GNU/GPL license. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · phpboost.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Hosting
- PHPBoost installs on a web server and requires web hosting, with a local server also possible for testing. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The feature page describes a Google Maps module for adding maps to contact and calendar areas, and a ReCaptcha module for form verification. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Media library
- Yes · phpboost.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Multilingual content
- Yes · phpboost.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Notable limitation
- The installation guide says URL rewriting works only with Apache and is unavailable on IIS. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Permissions
- User permissions can be configured globally, by module, or by category, and the product supports granular permissions and groups. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Platform type
- self_hosted · phpboost.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Product
- PHPBoost is a French content management system for creating websites. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The repository says PHPBoost requires a PHP/SQL web server and currently needs MySQL or MariaDB. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security features
- The maker lists configurable access permissions, anti-robot protection for contact and guestbook forms, and visual CAPTCHA modules. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- SEO tools
- Yes · phpboost.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Support
- The maker says software support is handled by its teams through the forum and provides documentation and an FAQ. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Updates
- The feature page describes automated updates for the core and official modules through the administration interface. · phpboost.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where PHPBoost stands on Freedom251
- Content Management Systems#70 of 165