SMF vs MyBB?

[Naiwen]

I have used both and love both.

 

[saoussen5765]

MyBB looks more professional. SMF is easier to use.

 

[Cedric]

Would prefer MyBB over SMF. Mainly because of past experience and customization. But I haven’t seen much nicely skinned SMF forums lately.

 

[Jason]

SMF has some advantages for newbies. Well, for one thing, it has one click installation of mods, themes, and forum upgrades. Also, it's default theme is mobile ready.

 

[Tracy]

Would prefer MyBB over SMF. Mainly because of past experience and customization. But I haven’t seen much nicely skinned SMF forums lately.

Depends on what one desires.... the "core" look of this SMF install is very similar to what I had with IPS.

Granted... the post area kinda sucks compared to IPS... but there is a definite difference in what each costs.
And yes... there is a repeating error in a template with SMF... apparently it's a known bug dealing with non-existent "labels" in templates... maybe it will be fixed in the next year or two.
The nice thing about SMF.. it works well on an iPhone 13 Pro... myBB "mobile" interface still lacks quite a bit.

 

[Jason]

Depends on what one desires.... the "core" look of this SMF install is very similar to what I had with IPS.

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Granted... the post area kinda sucks compared to IPS... but there is a definite difference in what each costs.
And yes... there is a repeating error in a template with SMF... apparently it's a known bug dealing with non-existent "labels" in templates... maybe it will be fixed in the next year or two.
The nice thing about SMF.. it works well on an iPhone 13 Pro... myBB "mobile" interface still lacks quite a bit.

You can get a free theme that is mobile, compliant, though, or buy one. Anyway, why does the SMF posting not up to par?

 

[Tracy]

You can get a free theme that is mobile, compliant, though, or buy one. Anyway, why does the SMF posting not up to par?

No, a simple "theme" does not equate to mobile compliance... there is a LOT more engagement than a "theme".
In fact, last time I checked, you actually had to install an add-on to get REAL mobil ability in myBB.
SMF's default mobile ability FAR exceeds that myBB currently offers.
BTW, does not the "buying" a theme for myBB to get mobile capacity actually defeat the base purpose if it being "free"?
Feel free to hit my (no mobile add-ons involved nor a "mobile" specific them) here.. then feel free to compare it to a default myBB site.... then come back and tell use the differences.

As for "posting not up to par"... I'd rather have the ability in certain areas to add custom thread fields like I can in XF.

 

[Jason]

No, a simple "theme" does not equate to mobile compliance... there is a LOT more engagement than a "theme".
In fact, last time I checked, you actually had to install an add-on to get REAL mobil ability in myBB.
SMF's default mobile ability FAR exceeds that myBB currently offers.
BTW, does not the "buying" a theme for myBB to get mobile capacity actually defeat the base purpose if it being "free"?
Feel free to hit my (no mobile add-ons involved nor a "mobile" specific them) here.. then feel free to compare it to a default myBB site.... then come back and tell use the differences.

As for "posting not up to par"... I'd rather have the ability in certain areas to add custom thread fields like I can in XF.

Yeah, a theme isn't free, but compare that to a base price of around $160 for XenForo and also there is the optional $55 upgrades each year, after the first one.

 

[Tracy]

Yeah, a theme isn't free, but compare that to a base price of around $160 for XenForo and also there is the optional $55 upgrades each year, after the first one.

Or how about ZERO for SMF to get mobile ability when compared to myBB.
As I said, my pipe site has NO specific mobile add-ons or styles enabled on it... it is all base script.

 

[Jason]

Or how about ZERO for SMF to get mobile ability when compared to myBB.
As I said, my pipe site has NO specific mobile add-ons or styles enabled on it... it is all base script.

I think phpBB mobile comparability is like SMF. If only there was a reactions mod, I probably would have kept it for my main website.

 

[Tracy]

I think phpBB mobile comparability is like SMF. If only there was a reactions mod, I probably would have kept it for my main website.

Welp... guess SMF is out then.. 🤭

 

[Jason]

I'd like to try SMF again. I used it one time for this SMF theme project I was doing. Too bad I didn't stick with it but I needed people to code the themes.

 

[Arantor]

As for "posting not up to par"... I'd rather have the ability in certain areas to add custom thread fields like I can in XF.

You were very adamant that if one wanted the nice things in life, one had to pay for them. Get your wallet out.

 

[Shortie]

I have used both SMF and MyBB and I have always been happier with using MyBB as either a member or an owner of the forum.

I always found MyBB to be like a free version of some of the paid-for software such as vBulletin and Xenforo and I feel that is why I prefer that software.

 

[Cory]

I really enjoyed the experience of MyBB when I was actively posting on a forum that used the software. As for SMF, if I ever been a part of an SMF community it had to be a rather long time ago because I don't remember ever being a part of one so I can't speak for it. Just taking a glance at the official SMF community I think I like the "feel" of MyBB better.

 

[Jason]

I had used MyBB and liked it. I had one of those MyBB themes from Theme House. It was good times 😏.

 

[Tracy]

You were very adamant that if one wanted the nice things in life, one had to pay for them. Get your wallet out.

Oh, I do... but guess what... those aren't "niche things in life". Those are getting to the point where they are becoming core.
No need to "get my wallet out"..... Already have another license of XenForo sitting unused.
Now, if I wanted to put IPS back on it... yep, would have to "get my wallet out" to the tune of $300'ish...

 

[Ravenfreak]

I've always preferred SMF over MyBB. SMF is mobile friendly just out of the box with the default theme, whereas MyBB isn't. Plus I just like the look and layout of SMF over MyBB forums, of course this is all going by the default themes and not custom themes, layouts, etc.

 

[Jason]

I've got four unused XenForo licences, but whatever floats your boat. If you like free forum software, why not use it? It's free and good enough for many projects.

 

[Tracy]

If you like free forum software, why not use it? It's free and good enough for many projects.

And for many they are perfectly fine.
That's the beauty of the offerings.... pick what you need/want.
No different than almost any other aspect in life.... I don't use the 'Vette for towing the RV... I use the truck for that. And I don't use the truck to run on the track with... when I decide to do that it's with another vehicle. You simply pick the tool for the job needed.
But, not everyone is satisfied with the "good enough" philosophy. They want to push for "better".