[ERUPT]

If your going to pay for a forum system, go with vB IMO. Its the best overall.

[Youpi]

In my opinion, phpBB is the best forum software. It's easy, full featured, very customizable, and very popular.

Just try it out on this host : free forums

[DrHarriman]

I'd definitely say go with VBulletin... for the money, it's the best there is. At one time or another I've tried them all. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but overall VB is the best generally in my experience.

[aboyd]

What do you guys think about Phorum:

Phorum | Open Source PHP Forum Software

And what about PunBB (well, actually now it's FluxBB):

FluxBB.org

Are there others out there like these? I mean, others that are Open Source and could maybe compete with phpBB?

-Tony

[Moelman]

I don't have any experience either with administrating or just using either of those platforms so I don't know anything about them, but it'd take a lot to actually compete with phpbb with how big that community is (addons and such).

[TheExoticFish]

I've always used phpBB and haven't really had any problems with it.

[Madman108]

If you want a paid softwae then I would suggest vB, IPB is okay but its template system just plain sucks. If you don't want to pay for your software then I would suggest that you try out phpbb 3.o. I have not tried Mybb yet but I have heard good things about it.