Misago

Self-Hosted

Open-source forum software for building engaging online communities

Overview

Misago is a modern, open-source forum platform designed to help you create vibrant, self-hosted communities. It offers core features like threaded discussions, user profiles with reputation systems, and real-time notifications. Built on Django and React, it includes comprehensive moderation tools (reports, bans, permissions) and responsive design for mobile users. Deployment is flexible—use Docker for quick setup or manual installation on Python-supported servers. Customizable themes and API access allow extensions, making it ideal for users wanting full control over their community data without relying on third-party SaaS platforms.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  misago:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: misago
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Threaded discussions with real-time updates
Comprehensive moderation tools for community management
Customizable themes and responsive mobile design
User reputation and profile management systems

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Misago hard to install?

Misago offers Docker images for straightforward deployment, ideal for users familiar with containers. Manual installation requires setting up Python, Django, and PostgreSQL, which needs basic technical knowledge—but detailed documentation is available to guide you through the process.

? Is Misago a good alternative to Discourse?

Yes—Misago is lighter and more focused on core forum features, making it faster for smaller communities. It uses Django/React (preferred by some developers) instead of Discourse’s Ember. However, Discourse has more third-party integrations and a larger user base for support.

? Is Misago completely free?

Absolutely—Misago is open-source under the BSD license, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host without any licensing fees or hidden costs. All core features are available for free, with no premium tiers.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (full control over community data via self-hosting)
⊕ No subscription fees (free and open-source under BSD license)
⊕ Flexible deployment options (Docker or manual setup)

Cons

⊖ Requires basic technical skills for installation and maintenance
⊖ Smaller community support compared to larger platforms like Discourse
⊖ Limited third-party integrations relative to proprietary alternatives