Best Forum Software?

[asmithz]

IB paid version for free is the best.

[Mr. Blunt]

IPB is the best currently. Ikonboard was the best a couple of years back ago though. I don't think that they can make a comeback.

[sparsely]

the poll should be edited...IPB isn't completely free.

[TheFilePirater]

stfu sparsely

[true_neo]

wBB is the best.
wBB stands for Woltlab Burning Board. It is free from http://www.woltlab.de (yes you can see it in English by clicking the English flag. There are both a free and a paid version of this one.)
The reason I think it is best is that it is SOOO much easier to mod than IB, sure the Admin CP dont have ALL those options, but there is a mod for 1.2 that allows you to see all the Paid Version options too.
The ACP is less confusing than IB, the mods are easier to both find and make, and its easier to administrate from phpMyAdmin.

[Amarjit]

I use phpBB - it's free and it's very efficient, more so than IPB. Also, it has more templates available for it.

I've used vBulletin on one occasion (sparing my green ) but in order to change the CSS toolbars and form properties, you have to hack the template .

But correct me if I'm wrong, but technically IPB is not free, but merely offers a free license or simply a trial.

[I.am]

IPB is free. For a year support or lifetime support you have to pay.

The major difference between IPB and Phpbb is the Admin control panel. IPB has a very strong and useful control panel unline Phpbb.

[Ynhockey]

Let's compare...
(Please note that everything in this post is strictly my personal opinion)

vB vs. PHPBB vs. IPB:

vB pros:
- Has by far the best default look, can be skinned easily.
- No anti-piracy policy because, after all, you bought it.
Cons:
- Higher Price

IPB pros:
- Most options in admin CP.
- Probably the most features.

PHPBB pros:
- Completely open-source (bugs fixed fast, etc.).
- Has the most mods out.
- No crappy anti-piracy policy.
- Easily the best code (easy to make new mods).
Cons:
- Least features by default by far.

Conclusion:
PHPBB is the best board for those who know PHP and can modify it to their needs, and those who like to screw around with boards customizing them, VB is the best package for businesses who can spend the cash no prob but don't have the time nor money to play around with the settings, IPB is best for everyone else.

Ikonboard isn't even in competition... too many bugs.

The other fairly good board is YaBB - tons of mods and features, however, it's too old and inefficient.

[klapy]

Invision!

Positive:
Easy to handle
Easy to administer
Easy to moderate

Negative:
At start it might be a bit hard to set up

[thewizeard]

IPB for me!