Forums & Communities

phpBB

The world's most widely used open-source forum platform, with unlimited subforums and support for multiple databases.

About phpBB

What is phpBB?

phpBB is open-source forum software described as the most widely used open-source bulletin board software in the world. It lets you build and manage online communities, from a small group of friends to a large board.

Needs a database? Yes
Install size 22.38 MB
Requirements According to Softaculous, it takes about 22.38 MB. Requires a database, with several options supported.
Official website Visit site ↗
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Use cases

What is phpBB for?

  • A large community with unlimited subforum levels.
  • A forum that needs to choose between several database engines (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle).
  • A project that requires a highly customizable permissions system.

Benefits

Main benefits of phpBB

A modular administrative control panel.

Compatibility with multiple database systems.

Unlimited subforum levels and a customizable permissions system.

Private messaging and advanced search.

Is phpBB right for you?

Is phpBB the right choice for you?

It's a great fit if…

  • You want the most proven and documented forum platform on the market.
  • You need to choose between several database engines.
  • You're building a large community with many subforums.

It might not be for you if…

  • You're after the lightest install in this category (consider FluxBB or PunBB).
  • You want direct WordPress integration (consider bbPress).

Installation

How to install phpBB on your hosting

01

Open your hosting panel

Log into your miHosting professional hosting panel and open Softaculous, the application installer included with every plan.

02

Find phpBB

One-click install via Softaculous from the hosting panel.

03

Configure and go live

Choose the domain, language and admin details. Softaculous creates the database automatically and your install is ready in minutes.

Recommended hosting

Why install phpBB on miHosting

miHosting's professional shared hosting includes Softaculous, PHP and databases already configured, NVMe storage with no artificial limits, free SSL and real technical support if you need help during installation or maintenance of phpBB.

Choose your plan

Install phpBB today

Choose the professional hosting plan that best fits your phpBB project, or try it risk-free with the free plan.

Plus

50% OFF
7.08 $/mo

170 $/yr 85 $/yr — free domain included

  • 15 websites
  • 1 free domain for the first year
  • Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
  • Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
  • Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
  • Free migration included
  • Real 24/7 technical support

Webmaster

50% OFF
8.25 $/mo

198 $/yr 99 $/yr — free domain included

  • 100 websites
  • 1 free domain for the first year
  • Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
  • Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
  • Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
  • Free migration included
  • Real 24/7 technical support

Not sure which to choose?

For 1–3 of your own websites, the Emprendedor plan is more than enough. To manage client sites or multiple projects, the Webmaster plan is the go-to choice for agencies and freelancers.

Talk to a technician on WhatsApp →
🎁 100% free hosting

Not ready to commit yet?

Try it with the same NVMe infrastructure as the paid plans, no credit card and no fine print. When you're ready, upgrade to a professional plan with a 50% discount.

  • No credit card required
  • Softaculous included
  • Upgrade whenever you want
Start free now →

Frequently asked questions about phpBB

Is phpBB good for small forums or only large communities?

Both: according to its own description, it works for staying in touch with a small group of friends as well as for setting up a large forum.

What databases does phpBB support?

It supports several engines, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server and Oracle, giving flexibility depending on the available infrastructure.

Launch your project with phpBB today

Professional hosting with Softaculous, real technical support and a 60-day money-back guarantee.