MyBB

Self-Hosted

Open-source forum software for building online communities

Overview

MyBB is a free, open-source forum platform designed for creating engaging online communities. It features customizable themes, a rich plugin ecosystem, and an intuitive admin panel for managing discussions, user groups, and moderation. Key capabilities include threaded conversations, private messaging, spam protection, and multi-language support. Deployment requires a PHP/MySQL stack (compatible with most web hosts) and can be done via manual setup or one-click installs on many hosting platforms. Lightweight and scalable for small to medium communities, it’s backed by an active community providing updates and support, making it a reliable self-hosted forum choice.

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:
  mybb:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: mybb
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Customizable themes and plugins
Robust moderation and user management tools
Threaded discussions and private messaging
Multi-language support and spam protection

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is MyBB hard to install?

MyBB installation is straightforward for users familiar with PHP/MySQL setups. It needs a web server (Apache/Nginx), PHP 7.4+, and MySQL 5.6+ or MariaDB. The installer guides you through database config and admin setup, and many hosts offer one-click installs to simplify deployment even further.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary platforms like vBulletin?

Yes—MyBB provides core forum features (moderation, user groups, plugins) for free, avoiding subscription fees. While it lacks some enterprise features of vBulletin/XenForo, it’s ideal for small/medium communities wanting full data control and no recurring costs.

? Is MyBB completely free?

MyBB is 100% free under the LGPL license. There are no costs for the core software, and most plugins/themes are free. You only pay for hosting, domain, or optional premium third-party extensions if you choose to use them.

Top Alternatives

vBulletin Search Google

XenForo Search Google

Invision Community Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ 100% free and open-source
⊕ Easy-to-use admin panel
⊕ Active community for support and extensions
⊕ Lightweight and compatible with most web hosts

Cons

⊖ Requires PHP/MySQL server setup
⊖ Default theme feels outdated (needs customization)
⊖ Less modern UI compared to newer platforms
⊖ Some third-party plugins may lack maintenance