
About NodeBB
NodeBB is forum software built on Node.js. It is designed for community discussions that work well on phones and desktops.
What it does
NodeBB lets you run a discussion forum with threaded topics, categories and user profiles. Moderation tools help community managers keep conversations on track. The layout is responsive, and the software supports a localised interface and translatable content. Search engine features such as readable URLs and structured page markup help people find your discussions. You can install NodeBB on your own server or use a hosted plan run by the NodeBB team.
Key features
- Threaded discussions in topic categories
- Responsive layout for phones and desktops
- Multilingual interface and content
- Search friendly URLs and page markup
- Self-hosted or hosted plans
Who it's for
Communities, hobby groups and businesses that want their own forum rather than a social network feed. It suits teams with someone able to maintain a Node.js server, or groups that prefer a hosted plan.
Pricing and good to know
The software is open source under the GPL and is free to self-host. The team also offers monthly hosting plans, a free trial and custom enterprise services. Running your own server means paying for hosting and upkeep, and the project recommends keeping plugins and the core software updated. Check the current plans before choosing between self-hosting and a hosted account.
Highlights
- Threaded topics in categories
- Responsive layout for phones
- Multilingual interface
- Search friendly URLs
- Self-hosted or hosted plans











