PhpBB to vBulletin? Is it really worth it?

[kjmz]

Hi,

I own a forum as you can see in my signature. My forum is getting bigger everyday and I don't really like the navigation, also phpBB isn't the best either. It's great for free but it's a little limited. I would basically like my forum to look like NamePros but with a whole different topic.

Since vBulletin costs $160.00 for an owned license, do you think it's worth it? I added a poll to this as well just for extra opinions.

If anyone has bought vBulletin can you tell me if you thought it was worth it or not worth and why.

Thanks!

 

[peter phillips]

If you are looking to develop a serious community go for vBulletin, if you can't afford the price tag stay with PhpBB.

vBulletin is powerful, has better security, has much cleaner code, fewer bugs, comes with many more options configurable via the admin panel. In addition, their templating system is amazing. I would suggest you to go vBulletin.com and test out the demo admin interface to see just how configurable it is.

 

[Host47]

I couldn't afford an owned so went for leased, that way you have a year to make it work, but it's well worth it, phpbb sux and is easily hacked.

 

[kjmz]

I couldn't afford an owned so went for leased, that way you have a year to make it work, but it's well worth it, phpbb sux and is easily hacked.

Yeah, that's what I'm scared of but also vBulletin has a lot more features.

I know there is some places that give you a discount on vBulletin licenses, can anyone name one? Also I could try and find someone to sell a license to me but that may take a while since I have to get a vBulletin staff member to insure it's a real copy.

 

[AlexK]

If you can afford it, buy vB!
No discussion about that

 

[Masahiro]

Actaully, there is a discussion - do you really need all the extra features? I use MyBB - it's based on vB, has about 85% of the features (and you can always request one), and best of all, it's FREE.

 

[kjmz]

Actaully, there is a discussion - do you really need all the extra features? I use MyBB - it's based on vB, has about 85% of the features (and you can always request one), and best of all, it's FREE.

Where do you get it from?

 

[SiteGuy]

VB is nice, I run a owned copy on one of my websites....but I have recently become very fond of IPB...it is so easy to administer and the skins for it are very easy to manipulate. I have read that it is very secure...unfortuanely, they stopped offering the popular slimmed down version for free and now only sell the lics. versions.

If you ask me though...I would have to vote for "C" above and go with Invision Power Boards...(IPB) :imho:

 

[dkr]

If you got the money. Go ahead, but it does cost a lot. It's definitly worth it though.

 

[AcornDomains.co.uk]

Do yourself a favour and buy VB, the admin options are so much more extensive than PHPBB and mods are incredibly easy since v3.5.1 where they have a plug-in system to add new features to your site.

My forum has grown in stature and well as member numbers since converting, it gives a more professional feel to your site.

 

[Momo]

If you could afford it and are serious with your forum, go for VB! It's much more professional looking IMO.

 

[Dresdan]

I am glad you started this topic. I am seriously considering a VB forum, I've looked them over and talked to alot of people and the general consensus is that it's the best forum software on the market. I'm also currently running a phpbb forum. I do want to upgrade in the near future to a VB though.

 

[kjmz]

I am glad you started this topic. I am seriously considering a VB forum, I've looked them over and talked to alot of people and the general consensus is that it's the best forum software on the market. I'm also currently running a phpbb forum. I do want to upgrade in the near future to a VB though.

Yeah, me too I'm thinking of getting it really soon though because my Adsense is getting pretty high , so I want to update the site.

 

[SiteGuy]

no one here likes IPB?

 

[def1]

theres hacks and skins to make your php look and seem like vb i belive

 

[1901gt]

hmmm interesting.. i might switch my forum to Vb soon.. :D cheers!~~

 

[deu12000]

I'm a big fan of phpbb, but it stops there. VB has many more options out of the box. You can make your phpbb seem like VB but that's a lot of mods you have to install. I'd recommend VB and I'd also recommend the owned license. The way you get it cheaper is if you buy it off of someone. Look around in the for sale section a lot of times you can find VB licenses for a discount.

 

[Sergio965]

no one here likes IPB?

Me

<3.

Yeh, I would go with IPB instead of VB.

But um, Yea, VB is way better than phpBB. I would consider you get a leased license and see if the website is going to work out, and if it does, go ahead and buy the full license I suppose.

 

[kjmz]

Me

<3.

Yeh, I would go with IPB instead of VB.

But um, Yea, VB is way better than phpBB. I would consider you get a leased license and see if the website is going to work out, and if it does, go ahead and buy the full license I suppose.

Well there's no doubt in my mind that the website is going to work out. I'm positive it will because all the users I've talked to have been pleased with the site.

 

[wasistdas]

If you need just a forum with not too many ppl to come, go phpBB. If your forum is intensively used and there are over 100 user at the same time, no doubt, go VB.