Which free forum software should I choose?

[Xuzuno]

I am making a forum but I don't know which forum software to use. I am going to use a free one before I go and pay for a vBulletin. I have broken it down and I don't know what to choose between MyBB and phpBB. I know that phpBB is a lot more known than MyBB but they are both good.

Here are the URLs if you don't know them already:
phpBB: www.phpbb.com
MyBB: www.mybboard.com

PhpBB has a lot of modifications and skins and has a lot of great features, but MyBB matches up to it, as in a review here (http://www.forumuniversity.com/campus/showthread.php?t=235). So I am really stuck now and need your opinions. I will appreciate all your comments.

[CD Burnt]

could you install them both in testing directories, and see which you like better as an administrator?

[Xuzuno]

I've tried them both, but I'll try side by side if that was what you were saying.

[CD Burnt]

not necessary; I didn't know you had experience with them.

[Scott]

Which one did you find had more features, was easier to use, etc? It really all depends on what you need out of the software.

In saying that, I would MyBB because phpBB is so popular. It's nice to stand out from the crowd IMO ;) Although, if you want to heavily mod your copy, phpBB will give you a lot more freedom since it has a huge mod database.

[sporate]

If you use phpBB, you have to update your forum often or it will be hacked, because it so popular. I used it, but I don't like it. Lack of administrative options I think. You could also try SimpleMachines forum (SMF)

[beller]

I've tried afew of the PHBB,SMF ,Pro Boards & vBulletin...
I'd recommend vBulletin every time.

[Balloonatic]

Since I have used phpBB for almost all the time I have been a web developer, I can say it's the best for me. I would chose vbulletin if you are willing to pay,though.
Demo : free forums (http://www.forumotion.com)

[Tank]

Since you have already gotten the 'whats best for you' spiel; I like phpBB. Yes, it can be a little hard to stand out with phpBB. I would recommend putting a lot time into modifications. It can be a pain with the upgrades but at least it will keep you busy.

PhpBB has became so popular for a reason. IMO, it has one of the most active communities behind it for support. It also has a very active mod team.

[amccoy]

Personally i would choose phpbb as i know it best and have used it the most. I have also found it to have the most features that are useful to me.

[Dude111]

I would say SMF for free software.....

http://www.simplemachines.org/community

Otherwise PHPBB is nice :)

[archey]

Go with MyBB, it is a clone of vBulletin, almost, and Phpbb get spammed too much, unless you edit some file(some knowledge of php).
To ensure you mybb forum more, use the recaptcha plugin.