What is the best forum software out there? I know there are quite a few phpbb, vb, ipb, xmb,mybb, etc. Which one is the best based on apperance, how user-friendly it is, extras/modifications, and price.

I think Vbulliten is the best forum software but it is incredibly expensive. If you were to choose a free script then phpBB would be your best option because it is very easy to customize.

I like XMB(eXtreme Message Board) since it is also free but unique as well. The layout is alot different, and they have all the regular modifications you'd find on a forum.

I think you forget to include SMF. This is the best forum software which is available in free. There are many mods and add-ins which make it very easy to perform webmaster tasks. I am using it on my two forums and I love it.

I haven't heard about this software ever. Can you show me some forums which are being operated on this software. I am using PHPBB and SMF in these days.

I have used phpbb, smf, invision, vbulletin, mercury boards, phpbb extreme, and lots of others, and if its going to be paid go with vbulletin it was not the greatest when it was in its version 2 era, but now it has lots of features and new vb is going to have even more features in it.

So, if you money go buy vbulletin.

VB has many features but it is expensive and uses up a lot of server resources. SMF is good as it is free and with some customization it can work great for everyone.

I have read this topic more than 30 times in forums and web blogs and after a long research and personal experience, I can simply sugesst ::

If you have the money go for :: VBulletin

If you can't afford and want a big site use :: phpbb

If you are looking for normal site use :: SMF

I don;t think there is another option.

Yes there are so many many of them you can search on google but as far as i concerned i know a really good forum based and a good web site you can get there all the latest and old softwares with their cracks and serials too
the web address is http://www.phazeddl.com
it is really really a good site
so go and check it out you will be pleased.

Phorum is solid -> http://phorum.org

also

PHPBB ->http://www.phpbb.com/

these are the two most popular ones.

I like phpbb and using it. I think it is cool.

PHPBB3 is the best free forum script you will get

vBulletin is abviously excellent but pricey

MyBB and SMF are also good but arent much customizable and lack some essential features

Demo : free forums

It doesn't use up lots of server resources if the server is configured correctly.

As to what is the best forum software, you won't get an objective answer, everyone will come up with a different answer, best thing to do is to try them all out, of course if you can't afford an IPB or vbulletin licence then you won't be able to test those two.

I would be happy to say PHPBB3 has come a long way although... I am using it for these forums . Now if only my host would improve it's mysql performance, although for pricing I don't really suppose it can be grumbled at. Any tips on peformance tweaks very welcome although I know this isn't really the best place for them here.

I wonder if there are any fast forum scripts out there? any experience's with differences in speed say from free to commercial boards?

I think it all boils down to personal preference along with how much you have to spend or if you even want to. I have seen some nice forums on all the popular softwares, and I have seen some really bad ones too. I do not personally like VB (from an Admin POV), I run SMF and have no issues with it.