ProBoards
ProBoards: A free, web-based forum host with generous core usage limits and optional paid extras. Ranked #22 of 29 in Forum Hosting by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free hosted forums with unlimited core usage.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree hosted forums with unlimited core usage
- Free planYes
- Custom domainYes
- Founded2000
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Unlimited members, posts, and pageviews on the free plan
- Themes, plugins, search, analytics, and moderation controls
- Cloud hosting with mobile-ready access and file attachments
Where it doesn't
- Web-only access limits platform reach
- Tapatalk is the only listed integration
- Paid options are narrower than the free core offering
Our verdict on ProBoards
ProBoards is a cloud-hosted forum platform for individuals, hobby groups, organizations, and businesses that want to create and manage online discussion communities. The Free Forum Hosting plan includes managed hosting, unlimited members, posts, and pageviews, along with customizable forums, mobile-ready access, and file attachments. Administrators can manage members, permissions, privacy, and moderation through a web-based control panel.
Its strongest fit is a community that needs broad forum functionality without paying for core usage. Themes and forum styling support customization, while plugins can extend functionality. Live forum search, built-in analytics, attachments, privacy controls, moderation tools, and email notifications cover the main needs of an ongoing discussion space. Private communities are supported, and the platform is designed for web access rather than a broad multi-platform ecosystem. Tapatalk is the listed integration.
Optional services focus on presentation and identity rather than expanding the core forum model. Ad-Free removes advertisements for up to 50,000 ad-free pageviews, while Custom Domain Name links an existing domain to a forum. Change Forum URL can update a ProBoards forum address while keeping existing content and members. These options suit administrators who want a cleaner presentation or a branded address. ProBoards is a practical choice for free, hosted communities that value unlimited core usage and built-in administration. Organizations seeking a wider integration ecosystem or platforms beyond the web should consider alternatives with broader platform coverage.
Your product? Our editors can test ProBoards in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
ProBoards pricing
All 5 ProBoards plans and prices →
ProBoards fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Custom domain | Yes |
| Private communities | Yes |
| Moderation tools | Yes |
| Email notifications | Yes |
| SSO support | Not verified |
| File storage | Not verified |
| Data export | Not verified |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Tapatalk |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | proboards.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
ProBoards integrations
ProBoards lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Tapatalk
Alternatives to ProBoards
- DiscourseA mature forum platform with structured discussions, chat, moderation, and flexible hosting.9.4
- Invision CommunityA broad community suite for forums, private groups, events, content, apps, and monetization.9.2
- XenForoA feature-rich forum platform for communities that need deep moderation and permissions.9.0
See all ProBoards alternatives →
Also Ranked In
ProBoards is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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