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Simple Machines Forum alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Simple Machines Forum alternative is NodeBB (2.4 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Simple Machines Forum compared with 5 alternatives: phpBB, MyBB, Flarum, NodeBB and Asgaros Forum.

Simple Machines Forum is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
Simple Machines ForumThis toolFreeFreeWeb
phpBBFreeFreeWeb
MyBBFreeFreeWeb
FlarumFreeFreeWeb
NodeBBFree plan · from $20/moYesWeb
Asgaros ForumFreeFreeWeb

Price against what you get

Simple Machines Forum has no paid plan and scores 1.7 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 5 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

NodeBB scores higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$5$10$20$50$100$200$500$1kMore for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessSimple Machines ForumphpBBMyBBNodeBB

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of course and community platforms, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Simple Machines Forum

  1. phpBB

    Free open-source bulletin board software written in PHP

    • phpBB is free.

    Suits: Groups that want a free forum on a server they control

    phpBB vs Simple Machines ForumphpBB pricing and details

  2. MyBB

    Free open-source forum software with plugins and themes

    • MyBB is free.

    Suits: Hobby and fan communities that want a free forum they host

    MyBB vs Simple Machines ForumMyBB pricing and details

  3. Flarum

    Free open-source forum software you host yourself

    • Flarum is free.

    Suits: Hobby and open-source communities that want a plain discussion forum

    Flarum vs Simple Machines ForumFlarum pricing and details

  4. NodeBB

    Open-source forum software with managed hosting plans

    • NodeBB starts at $20 per month for hosting; self-hosting is free.

    Suits: Developers who want to run a forum on their own Node.js server

    NodeBB vs Simple Machines ForumNodeBB pricing and details

  5. Asgaros Forum

    Lightweight discussion board plugin for WordPress

    • Asgaros Forum is free.
    • Asgaros Forum also covers rSS reader.

    Suits: WordPress site owners who want a light forum without a paid license

    Asgaros Forum vs Simple Machines ForumAsgaros Forum pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Simple Machines Forum

  • You install and maintain it yourself; the project's site does not offer hosted plans on the pages read.
  • The project's own website could not be read during research, so details come from its GitHub repository.
  • Support comes from the project's community forum and wiki.
Simple Machines Forum pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Simple Machines Forum?

The alternatives to Simple Machines Forum in this directory are phpBB, MyBB, Flarum, NodeBB and Asgaros Forum. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Simple Machines Forum.

Is there a free alternative to Simple Machines Forum?

Yes. phpBB, MyBB, Flarum and Asgaros Forum are free to use. NodeBB has a free plan alongside paid ones.

When were these prices checked?

Every listing on this page was checked on Nov 13, 2026, against the pages it cites. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.