Add to Chrome
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Add to SafariWhen comparing AsmBB vs phpBB, the Slant community recommends AsmBB for most people. In the question“What are the best web forum software packages?” AsmBB is ranked 4th while phpBB is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose AsmBB is:
AsmBB does not create any SQL queries in run time and from user provided data. This way, SQL injection is impossible by design. AsmBB uses very few external libraries, this way preventing exploitation of 3rd party bugs and vulnerabilities.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Very high security level
AsmBB does not create any SQL queries in run time and from user provided data. This way, SQL injection is impossible by design.
AsmBB uses very few external libraries, this way preventing exploitation of 3rd party bugs and vulnerabilities.
Pro Supports database encryption
Since v2.7 AsmBB supports database encryption.
Pro Highly customizable design
The whole design of the forum is defined in external template files that can be easily edited without need to change the code.
Pro No library dependencies - everything needed is in the package
Pro Easy installation even on shared hosting
Pro Mobile friendly
AsmBB provides specially optimized skin for mobile browsers, resulting for best UX on any device.
Pro Multiple user selectable skins
The whole look & feel of AsmBB can be changed by using template and CSS files. Several sets of template files can be installed simultaneously. Every user of the forum can select the skin he likes.
Pro Real-time chat
Since v1.5 AsmBB includes real-time chat in order to allow instant communication between users for themes not suitable for the "message board" format.
Pro Really high performance and low requirements to the hosting
Pro Open source
Source code is available on GitHub under GNU General Licence.
Pro Premium extensions
There are many great developers creating premium extensions to make it go to the next level. With those premium extensions phpBB goes far beyond any other.
Pro Extensible
Is built to be extensible and flexible.
Pro Huge extension repository
Its the forum software with the most ready to go extension repository.
Cons
Con Bad setup
Terrible experience and bad setup.
Con Outdated look and feel
Even the latest version of the software looks like the typical '90s forums which is now pretty outdated.
Con Slow (phpBB 3.0)
phpBB 3.0 was not optimized for slow connections.
Con Poor community communication
There is a release lifecycle, but it is not adhered to. Migrations and updates cannot be planned.
