compare
phpBB vs Simple Machines Forum
The same facts for both, read from GitHub every night, and the relation a person reviewed.
| Fact | phpBB | Simple Machines Forum |
|---|---|---|
| Language | PHP | PHP |
| Licence | GPL-2.0 | Other |
| Stars | 2.1k | 751 |
| Latest | release-3.3.19 | v2.1.8 |
| Last push | 2026-10-18 | 2026-10-19 |
| Release cadence | too few releases | about 236 days between releases |
| Active contributors | 8 commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days | 5+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days |
| Flags | none | none |
How they relate
Both replace Invision Community. Alternatives to Invision Community →
PartialphpBBForum software with extensions and styles, without the store or blogs.
PartialSimple Machines ForumForum software with mods and themes, without the store or blogs.
Both replace vBulletin. Alternatives to vBulletin →
Full replacementphpBBForum software with forums, topics, permissions and extensions.
Full replacementSimple Machines ForumForum software with boards, topics, permissions and mods.
phpBB
unsigned The latest release, release-3.3.19, carries no signature GitHub could verify.
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Simple Machines Forum
✓ signed The latest release, v2.1.8, carries a signature GitHub verified.
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