Side by side
MyBB vs NodeBB
Both stand on discussion forum software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
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.
Visit MyBB
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
NodeBB covers community discussions, moderation, integrations, and extensions, with a free self-hosted option and paid hosting from $20/mo. Consider its bundled search limits and the potential data collection of third-party plugins and themes.
Visit NodeBBThe facts
| MyBB | NodeBB | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Starter: $20 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | NodeBB |
| Website | mybb.com | nodebb.org |
| On discussion forum software | #4 of 16 | #1 of 16 |
MyBB: what it does well
- 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
NodeBB: what it does well
- Members can post using a visual editor or Markdown.
- Includes real-time chat and activity notifications.
- Administrators can create unlimited admin and moderator accounts.
- More than 500 plugins and themes are available.
- Self-hosted software is free under GPLv3.
What to know first
- Basic full-text search uses the bundled database engine.
- Solr and Elasticsearch require third-party plugins.
- Third-party plugins and themes may collect data outside its DPA.