Discourse: Discourse is a popular paid forum software that offers a modern and user-friendly interface. It includes features like real-time updates, notifications, and a strong focus on community engagement.
vBulletin: vBulletin is a commercial forum software known for its robust features and flexibility. It provides a wide range of customization options and is suitable for both small and large communities.
Invision Community: Invision Community (formerly known as IP.Board) is a paid forum platform that offers not only discussion forums but also blogs, galleries, and other community-building tools. It's known for its powerful moderation and administrative features.
XenForo: XenForo is another commercial forum software that emphasizes performance and ease of use. It includes features like a responsive design, social integration, and an active developer community.
Muut: Muut is a paid discussion platform that can be embedded into websites. It offers real-time commenting, notifications, and social media integration, making it suitable for adding discussion features to existing sites.
ProBoards: ProBoards is a free forum hosting service that also offers premium plans with additional features. It's known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for beginners.
Vanilla Forums: Vanilla Forums is a paid platform that focuses on community engagement and customer support. It offers features like gamification, social integration, and a modular plugin system for customization.
Zoho Discussions: Zoho Discussions is a part of the Zoho suite of productivity tools. It provides a platform for building online communities and forums. While it's primarily used for support and collaboration, it can also serve as a discussion forum.
PlushForums: PlushForums is a paid forum hosting service that offers a clean and modern interface. It includes features like social sign-ins, content embedding, and customizable themes.
Ning: Ning is a platform that allows you to create custom social networks, including discussion forums. While it's not dedicated solely to forums, it provides tools for community building and discussion.