V-Bulletin vs. IPB

[boochkn]

I am brand new and would like opinions on how vBulletin compares to IPB ver. 1.3 Also, how would one convert?

[DaveTomneyUK]

I am brand new and would like opinions on how vBulletin compares to IPB ver. 1.3 Also, how would one convert?

There are many reasons why I use vBulletin but one of them is because the support is first class.

As for converting from IPB you would use ImpEx which is within the members area which you have access to after you purchased vBulletin.

[bmc]

I use both vBulletin and IP.Board and they are both great forum solutions. Jelsoft does have faster support than IPS in most cases from what I've seen, though. You'll have to try each one for yourself by using the demo to see which best fits your needs, and then make your decision from there. :) Should you want to convert from IPB v1.3 to vBulletin 3.6.4, you would need to use ImpEx, which as stated can be downloaded from the Member's Area after purchasing vBulletin.

[Quillz]

I am brand new and would like opinions on how vBulletin compares to IPB ver. 1.3 Also, how would one convert?
Compared to IP.Board 1.3, of course vB 3.6 is better. A fairer, and more relevant, comparison would be between IP.Board 2.2 and vB 3.6. Both BBS have their own strengths and weaknesses, and you'll have to evaluate each separately to make your decision.

[VietLang]

I am brand new and would like opinions on how vBulletin compares to IPB ver. 1.3 Also, how would one convert?
I just found out that IPB changed their pricing shcemes and licensing system once again. By the looks at their prices, it seems like the IPB folks want to cater into the business and enterprise class and has become much more expensive than vBulletin.

For the Standard license, it's $149 for half a year of support and updates. After that it's another 25$ for 6 more months. So it's $149 + $25 = $174 for one year of support. Meanwhile vBulletin you get a license and one year of support for $160. The IPB Business license is just way too much for my taste. I purchased an IPB Perpetual license back in Jan of this year (1) and now I have no idea what's the status of my license and where it belongs and how to get support. I need to send the IPB folks an email soon. To the best of my knowledge, this is the third time Invision change their pricing structures in a little over two years. With vBulletin you don't have to worry about this issue and wondering about the status of your license for the forseeable future.

I own two vB lifetime licenses and one IPB perpetual license. IMO, I like vB much, much better than IPB 2.1.7 (I have no knowledge of the 2.2.xx so I can't comment on it).


(1) Back then, with IPB Perpetual license you have one year of support and access to all future IPB versions beyond the initial year for free. I wonder if I can upgrade my IPB 2.1.7 to 2.2.1 without a $25 or $50 fee or not.

[whitetigergrowl]

I just found out that IPB changed their pricing shcemes and licensing system once again. By the looks at their prices, it seems like the IPB folks want to cater into the business and enterprise class and has become much more expensive than vBulletin.

For the Standard license, it's $149 for half a year of support and updates. After that it's another 25$ for 6 more months. So it's $149 + $25 = $174 for one year of support. Meanwhile vBulletin you get a license and one year of support for $160. The IPB Business license is just way too much for my taste. I purchased an IPB Perpetual license back in Jan of this year (1) and now I have no idea what's the status of my license and where it belongs and how to get support. I need to send the IPB folks an email soon. To the best of my knowledge, this is the third time Invision change their pricing structures in a little over two years. With vBulletin you don't have to worry about this issue and wondering about the status of your license for the forseeable future.

I own two vB lifetime licenses and one IPB perpetual license. IMO, I like vB much, much better than IPB 2.1.7 (I have no knowledge of the 2.2.xx so I can't comment on it).


(1) Back then, with IPB Perpetual license you have one year of support and access to all future IPB versions beyond the initial year for free. I wonder if I can upgrade my IPB 2.1.7 to 2.2.1 without a $25 or $50 fee or not.

The difference is you do not need to pay the $25 for support for 6 months until you need it. Its not a forced option. Some people have almost zero problems with their forums and likely will rarely ever have to pay an extra $25. And if they do need help, they just post a request for help on a site affiliated with that type of forum software. Unless its something very forum specific. The perpetual license used to be $185....PLUS you still would have to pay another $30 per year for support. The new license structure, even with 1 year of support (which is not required, but even with it), makes it cheaper than the old perpetual license cost with cost of support per year.

IPB 2.2 is considerably better than 2.1. Try IPB 2.2 and VB 3.6 and make up your mind that way with what you feel will best suit your needs.

[Colin F]

Meanwhile vBulletin you get a license and one year of support for $160.

Actually, you get one years access to upgrades, support is included forever with an owned license.

[boochkn]

Wow! Thanks for all the fast replies.

I am going to have to consider what I need to do.

I have had Zero problems in the past 4 years or so of running IPB...would be nice to upgrade but it's been running fine and I have even found mods that I have had zero problems installing. I have a very limited coding background but it's been enough to keep me from ever considering contacting the support for IPB.

That being said, I like how refined the later versions of IPB and vBulletin have become...not being one to sit and tweak for weeks and weeks (not to mention I am not a great PHP guy) I really think I would be ok just getting the newer version without any support...but then if I have to buy a license to access the migration program then I will have to contemplate the next step.

[Dilly]

Impex (the tool used to convert IPB to vBulletin) is included when you buy a vBulletin license.

[AlexndR]

I decided to buy vBulletin after a long time of thinking. Why did I?

The pricing is better and cheaper in the longer term for vBulletin
I don't like how IPB are removing features, changing to higher prices
vBulletin's support is superior to IPB's, faster, and also IPB doesn't even have a pre-sales forum, they require you to email or call them
I feel overall vBulletin is a better investment.


I also like the professional style of vBulletin, its features, its use of AJAX, it seem to be more powerful, more plugins, easier customized skinning/theming and so forth.

[whitetigergrowl]

I decided to buy vBulletin after a long time of thinking. Why did I?
The pricing is better and cheaper in the longer term for vBulletin
I don't like how IPB are removing features, changing to higher prices
vBulletin's support is superior to IPB's, faster, and also IPB doesn't even have a pre-sales forum, they require you to email or call them
I feel overall vBulletin is a better investment.
I also like the professional style of vBulletin, its features, its use of AJAX, it seem to be more powerful, more plugins, easier customized skinning/theming and so forth.

What features has IPB been removing? I've seen far more being added than taken away. IPB is considered the more professional looking of the 2 forum software. I have seen things done with IPB skins I have YET to see done with Vbulletin skins. IPB uses Ajax and is equally as powerful. I use both forum software and I find IPB's skinning to be much more detail oriented. IMO to an extent thats a good thing. I have been able to do much more with IPB's skinning than VB's. Vbulletin is too 'tabled' and less flexible.

I'm a bit more advanced at the 2 forums so both skinning systems more me are generally easy. And if worse comes to worse, just read the documentation. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. And they both seem to like to 'borrow' from each other. So if you see something popular on IPB, you will likely see it on an upcoming version of VB. Same for IPB. If you see a popular feature on VB, odds are in a future version of IPB it will be added. Mostly due to customer demand for both. Both have improved in various areas.

[AlexndR]

What features has IPB been removing? I've seen far more being added than taken away. IPB is considered the more professional looking of the 2 forum software. I have seen things done with IPB skins I have YET to see done with Vbulletin skins. IPB uses Ajax and is equally as powerful. I use both forum software and I find IPB's skinning to be much more detail oriented. IMO to an extent thats a good thing. I have been able to do much more with IPB's skinning than VB's. Vbulletin is too 'tabled' and less flexible.

I'm a bit more advanced at the 2 forums so both skinning systems more me are generally easy. And if worse comes to worse, just read the documentation. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. And they both seem to like to 'borrow' from each other. So if you see something popular on IPB, you will likely see it on an upcoming version of VB. Same for IPB. If you see a popular feature on VB, odds are in a future version of IPB it will be added. Mostly due to customer demand for both. Both have improved in various areas.

An example is the Card feature, which was great, but they removed it because they think it is "unneeded" but some people might think it is useful and might wanna use it. Also I don't like IPB's new style, their attitude.
vBulletin is better, that's it. I know lots about forums, and that is what I know after I have checked both of them. Al thought IPB's default style is kinda nice but I know you can skin vBulletin more easily, and IPB styles looks too much like eachother. I prefer vBulletin.

[carnid]

In my experience, vBulletin is certainly easier to maintain with added mods through the product / plugin system. I used ipb and remember wading through lines of code modifications to do the simplest things and eventually got fed up. Also if you use a unique design in my own opinion it is much more difficult to convert your skin with each upgrade as ipb tends to change dramatically in that area frequently. Of course both systems are great at what they do and it boils down to personal preference. Try asking opinions outside a vbulletin or invision forum though for more balanced views.

[Colin F]

Here's a poll on a relatively impartial site: http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=440565

To be honest I was surprised at the result, since I expected there to be a lot more people going for one of the free options.

[SSSlippy]

I own a license for both and I personally perfer vbulletin plugin system. The most annoying thing is plugins of IPB you need to install a 3rd party mod to be able to quick install mods.

I also personally perfer the admin section of vb over ipb. I perfer the vertical menu where everything is one big list. It frustrated me to search through a whole bunch of menus for what i want.

The best skins I have ever seen are for phpBB. I havnt gotten a chance to play with IPB skinning as much though.

[Smoothie]

I made a mistake. Long time vB user, I some how convinced myself that IPB was better, so I purchased a IPB lifetime license. But, in one word, support. When IPB removed support from the forums and you had to dick around with submitting a ticket, I decided it was time to switch back to vB. It's simple, you ask a question or have a problem and post on the vB forums, you get answers. With IPB it takes days, weeks, months to get answers. That's enough for me.

Code, I can get my way around. So, I'm not sure who's is better. I do know that vB.org is one of the best modding sites around. IPB has nothing even close. And skins? Forget about it. More, more and more for vB than IPB could ever dream about. Just my experience, your mileage may vary.

[Quillz]

I made a mistake. Long time vB user, I some how convinced myself that IPB was better, so I purchased a IPB lifetime license. But, in one word, support. When IPB removed support from the forums and you had to dick around with submitting a ticket, I decided it was time to switch back to vB. It's simple, you ask a question or have a problem and post on the vB forums, you get answers. With IPB it takes days, weeks, months to get answers. That's enough for me.

Code, I can get my way around. So, I'm not sure who's is better. I do know that vB.org is one of the best modding sites around. IPB has nothing even close. And skins? Forget about it. More, more and more for vB than IPB could ever dream about. Just my experience, your mileage may vary.
Actually, IP.Board has several popular sites dedicated to modifying the visual source, including IPS Beyond, Invisionize and Invision Modding. All three are comparable to vBulletin.org in that all the aforementioned sites offer hacks and skins for their respective bulletin board system. Although it's true that vB does have more styles available, if only because vB has been around longer than IP.Board has.

[Smoothie]

I know IPB's modding sites, all of them. I'm a member at those sites. I used IPB for 2 years, and they in no way compare to vB.org. All of them combined.

[Quillz]

Wow! Thanks for all the fast replies.

I am going to have to consider what I need to do.

I have had Zero problems in the past 4 years or so of running IPB...would be nice to upgrade but it's been running fine and I have even found mods that I have had zero problems installing. I have a very limited coding background but it's been enough to keep me from ever considering contacting the support for IPB.

That being said, I like how refined the later versions of IPB and vBulletin have become...not being one to sit and tweak for weeks and weeks (not to mention I am not a great PHP guy) I really think I would be ok just getting the newer version without any support...but then if I have to buy a license to access the migration program then I will have to contemplate the next step.
If you have had no outstanding issues with IP.Board, I see little reason to change. I am in no way saying that vB is not worth the investment, but you should really be sure to fully test vB, IP.Board and any other BBS before considering a migration or a new financial investment. After testing, you may very well prefer vB, because of its wealth of features and thorough documentation, or you may completely hate everything about it.
An example is the Card feature, which was great, but they removed it because they think it is "unneeded" but some people might think it is useful and might wanna use it. Also I don't like IPB's new style, their attitude.
vBulletin is better, that's it. I know lots about forums, and that is what I know after I have checked both of them. Al thought IPB's default style is kinda nice but I know you can skin vBulletin more easily, and IPB styles looks too much like eachother. I prefer vBulletin.
Styles and skins have absolutely nothing to do with the board software, and everything to do with those reponsible for creating the styles and skins. I've seen plenty of vB, IP.Board, phpBB, etc. styles and skins that look like each other, that are highly unoriginal, etc. And then I've seen many others that are incredibly unique and have a very admirable design. Although I do feel that it is easier to modify vBulletin styles, because vB uses live preview within the Style Manager of the ACP, something that I wish that IPS would adopt in future versions of IP.Board.

[Quillz]

I know IPB's modding sites, all of them. I'm a member at those sites. I used IPB for 2 years, and they in no way compare to vB.org. All of them combined.
There are hundreds of modding sites for vB and IP.Board. Are you really a member at every single one?

[Google Guru]

The whole new profile look thing of Invision Power Board is horrible. Looks more like MySpace with last visitors, comments, friends, etc. Seriously, people want more features that make a forum more usable, not to have their own myspace. Seriously, I've been a long time fan of IP.Board, having my own yearly license before they screwed up everything with the removal of support in the forums, creation of IPS Beyond and the new personal and business license types. Now I am just running phpBB until my forum gets larger and I will purchase a vBulletin license then.

[Quillz]

The whole new profile look thing of Invision Power Board is horrible. Looks more like MySpace with last visitors, comments, friends, etc. Seriously, people want more features that make a forum more usable, not to have their own myspace. Seriously, I've been a long time fan of IP.Board, having my own yearly license before they screwed up everything with the removal of support in the forums, creation of IPS Beyond and the new personal and business license types. Now I am just running phpBB until my forum gets larger and I will purchase a vBulletin license then.
You are able to turn off the personal profile settings and use a classic profile design. And the new licensing scheme for IP.Board is better for current customers, as it becomes cheaper in the long run. As for new customers, IP.Board certainly is a bit more expensive than vBulletin, although "you get what you pay for."

[AlexndR]

Don't choose IPB. They are just bad, unfair, support is bad and slow.

BTW, Quills it looks like you like IPB more than vBulletin, but you can like whatever you want.

[Comtech]

IP.Board certainly is a bit more expensive than vBulletin, although "you get what you pay for."

That isn’t necessarily true in all cases and the IPB pricing scheme is proof of that. IPB in the eyes, minds of the majority of forum users and administrators is 2nd best and at times it is even considered 3rd best – behind PHPBB.

As a former license holder of IPB, I have to say it lacked and the latest version I tried was 2.2, reminds me more of how not to create a forum software package.

With VBulletin, you do get what you pay for & that being a high quality (the highest quality) discussion board.

[AlexndR]

That isn’t necessarily true in all cases and the IPB pricing scheme is proof of that. IPB in the eyes, minds of the majority of forum users and administrators is 2nd best and at times it is even considered 3rd best – behind PHPBB.

As a former license holder of IPB, I have to say it lacked and the latest version I tried was 2.2, reminds me more of how not to create a forum software package.

With VBulletin, you do get what you pay for & that being a high quality (the highest quality) discussion board.

I agree, vBulletin is much better.
Read my post here: http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214156

[Quillz]

Don't choose IPB. They are just bad, unfair, support is bad and slow.

BTW, Quills it looks like you like IPB more than vBulletin, but you can like whatever you want.
Actually, while I use IP.Board on my own live board, I own licenses to both vB and IP.Board, and use vB for an intranet board that I manage. I try to be as fair as possible when evaluating both solutions. Yes, I'm on Jelsoft's board, but no, I will not blindly say that vB is the uber best!!!!!!!!!1111!!!11+shift!

With that said, exactly what makes IPB "bad?" I don't find IPS to be unfair, just because they have different business tactics from Jelsoft. While I agree that having a pre-sales forum is a better solution than relying entirely on e-mail, it really comes down to what works best for each company. I do agree their support is not as good as Jelsoft's though, but like anything, things take time. Jelsoft has been consistent with their company since their beginning, whereas IPS has changed a few times.

[whitetigergrowl]

The whole new profile look thing of Invision Power Board is horrible. Looks more like MySpace with last visitors, comments, friends, etc. Seriously, people want more features that make a forum more usable, not to have their own myspace. Seriously, I've been a long time fan of IP.Board, having my own yearly license before they screwed up everything with the removal of support in the forums, creation of IPS Beyond and the new personal and business license types. Now I am just running phpBB until my forum gets larger and I will purchase a vBulletin license then.

Simply not true. Just because your forum may not need those features doesn't mean another forum doesn't. Its natural progression and its highly likely we will see something similar with an upcoming Vbulletin upgrade. Having such features helps enhance the community and community feel. Why do you think that websites like Facebook and Myspace are doing so well? Community. It gives people their own identity, which on forums at the moment is a rather limiting thing. Why have member profiles if all they are there for is looks? Why not make them more interactive? IMO IPB 2.2 took the next logical step with the profile system. How much do you wanna bet VB and others will be following suit at some point.

Don't choose IPB. They are just bad, unfair, support is bad and slow.

BTW, Quills it looks like you like IPB more than vBulletin, but you can like whatever you want.

Thats your opinion. I'm just curious what experience you have with them. Lets put it this way. If they were that bad and that unfair, people wouldn't be comparing VB to IPB so much now would they? Both forum software and those in charge of it and the respective forums have their strengths and weaknesses. It doesn't mean one is necessarily better than another. And considering how young IPB is compared to VB, and how often the 2 get compared...it looks to me like IPB is doing well. Both are based out of Great Britain. I'm curious which forum software company makes the most money. That would help tell some tales I'm sure. Just look at their incomes.

But I digress.

I know IPB's modding sites, all of them. I'm a member at those sites. I used IPB for 2 years, and they in no way compare to vB.org. All of them combined.

Why stop there? How do they not compare..combined.

Crap like this comes down to ideals. IMO its a childish mentality. If you don't pick a side, then that must automatically mean you are sided with the 'enemy'. Thats the largest line of bull.

There are many people here and at the IPS forums that have BOTH VB and IPB licenses. I've tried both IPB and VB forum software out with my members. They prefer and love IPB 2.2 and especially the new profile system which they have been using insanely alot. Whereas before they had no reason to look at profiles since they were so static and unexciting and uninteractive. But that doesn't make VB any less. I could start up a new site aimed at a different demographic and get people that prefer VB over IPB.

IPB is aimed at a different demographic than VB is. IPB is seemingly more for those that prefer a more advanced system. Where as VB is more simple. They both can be tailored to suit a persons needs through template edits and hacks.

In my experience, vBulletin is certainly easier to maintain with added mods through the product / plugin system. I used ipb and remember wading through lines of code modifications to do the simplest things and eventually got fed up. Also if you use a unique design in my own opinion it is much more difficult to convert your skin with each upgrade as ipb tends to change dramatically in that area frequently. Of course both systems are great at what they do and it boils down to personal preference. Try asking opinions outside a vbulletin or invision forum though for more balanced views.

The plug-in system is nice. However the thing about many mods is they add to the number of queries on a site. And its possible some sort of plug-in system or something similar could be coming for IPB 3.0. IPB borrows from VB and vice versa. So its not out of the question. Remember, before VB 3.5, you needed to hack the code too. So this is still relatively new to VB as well. VB plays catch up on some things with IPB and IPB plays catch up on some things with VB.

But I agree. It boils down to personal preference and what you feel would be best for your site and your members. Both have come along way. And both are great forum software. Thus why many have licenses for BOTH boards.

But yes, definetly get several other opinions on less biased sites.

[ThorstenA]

I prefer to surf on vbulletin forums than on IPB forums. User experience is maybe the most important thing if you are considering buying forum software.

[boochkn]

Simply not true. Just because your forum may not need those features doesn't mean another forum doesn't. Its natural progression and its highly likely we will see something similar with an upcoming Vbulletin upgrade. ....
.....But yes, definetly get several other opinions on less biased sites.

Thanks, that's probably the best unbiased thing I have read. I was starting to wonder about all the people that say they have liceses to both...could be they bought one lifetime and then switched and it could mean that the two products are so close to each other that it may not really matter all that much which one you use as long as you become intimately familiar with it enough to utilize it's potential. I have been using v 1.3 for the simple fact that I built the forum for my personal group of friends and me to use without any plans for eventual public interest and as far as I remember the IPB I installed was free indefinitely as long as I didn't remove the 'powered by...' copyright...now I am wondering if that is still the case considering the changes IPB has apparently made (I have been off in limbo just working with my forum and not paying attention to the upgrades..etc.)

Does anyone know if I am still 'legal'?

[whitetigergrowl]

Yes you are still legal as long as the copyright isn't removed.

IMO they are close. Like anything each one has its pluses and minuses. However you are right. It all depends on how each person utilizes the most out of their forum software. Honestly, the forum software is only as good as the person using it. If your skins suck, your forums/topics/posts aren't interesting, members aren't active, etc. it won't matter WHAT forum software you are using. Some like IPB...some like VB. But if they really like your community they usually stay no matter what and will grow accustomed to what there is to offer.

[Sephiroth]

Well, in my opinion, I have been getting quite accustomed to the IPB 2.2/2.1 style admin panel, and I gotta say, their admin panel is pretty well designed. Sure, your stuff isn't all in one big list, but I like the tabbed effect they've done there..

I hold a perpetual licence for IPB, and an owned license for vB, and as others have said in this thread, there's quite a few differences between the two. For both forum software, I've spent countless hours in the admin panel just skinning the forum. I like IPB's "Macro" setup they have, but with 2.2 and the tons of new images they've added, it seems like they didn't want to utilize that macro system for the new images. Also, IPB hasn't come out with a new GDK ever since IPB 2.0.0 FINAL was released, so that's way behind. vBulletin's template editor is quite easy to use, and the CSS editor is great. But I'm one of those people that would rather edit the raw css file right there.

As for skins and styles, vBulletin has a great resource at vb.org, whereas IPB, you gotta google around, and 9 times out of 10, the sites you DO find, just won't accept the average person's email address because they've either been spammed to death in the past, or hacked. I don't like that.

As far as features, I love IPB's editor and how it looks, but it's a tad image heavy. You can't even attach files to an IPB 2.2 board WITHOUT javascript enabled, which is also a bad point there. Polls in IPB 2.2 also require javascript. I absolutely love how vBulletin doesn't REQUIRE the use of javascript to navagate the forums. vBulletin knows that javascript simply isn't available to all users. IPB also has had to COMPRESS their javascript files, because of how excessive it is. Hell, I wonder how I even handled running a 2.1.7 board on dialup. *shrugs*

As far as modules and add-on scripts, IPB has quite a few handy ones, but 9 times out of 10, you're gonna end up having to purchase an additional license just for that module.

But in the end, it all boils down to user preference. I run my own site using vBulletin, and the hacks I got are pretty minimal, because vBulletin gives me just what I need. I run an IPB 2.2 for a friend's site, and it needed a few code hacks just to get some things working as needed.. (Try to get a PNG image to show up in the "Recent PMs tab" of that my assistant thingy without any source edits)

Well, I'm going to close this post with a thought. Reguarding Google Guru's comment on IPB's profile system. I, for one, love the new profiles IPB has introduced, BUT, IPB needs to do something about privacy. Lots of members don't like how all of a sudden, their contacts in their Personal Messenger address list, all of a sudden became "Friends", and that information is now displayed to the public for everyone to see. Myself, I would like to simply turn that off, but you simply can't, because the only options for it is to show 3, 5, or 10 friends in that block. Comments are the same way. Yea, I know, you can simply revert to the old profile view prior to 2.2, but then the profiles go back to something static and unused. I, for one, wouldn't blame it if Jelsoft actually "copies" that feature because of popular demand. iDunno, let's just leave it to fate and see what fate has in store for us.

[Mazinger]

I'm confused... :confused:

I see similar recent features in both vB & IPB...like Multi-Quote, Quote Tags Link to Quoted Post, Jumb to Page, Re-size Lager & Smaller, Switch Editor... etc.

Just wonder who created them first, and who stolen the ideas?

[JakeS]

I've reviewed both, vBulletin is better in my eyes, If you look at the plans of IPB:

Standered Licence:
6 months support/upgrades
30 days phone support
2 business day ticket response -
5 day major version upgrade turnaround
Minor version upgrade via easy upgrade pack
One active installation + one test installation
Optional 6 month renewal for $25$149.99 Personally I think that is a rip off. Plus you have to wait two whole days to get help? I think that is ridiculous.

Business License
6 months support/upgrades
6 months phone support
1 business day ticket response
3 day major version upgrade turnaround
3 day minor version upgrade turnaround
One active installation + one test installation
Optional 6 month renewal for $50For 299.99 That is a major rip off, but you still have to wait a whole day to get help.

But lets look at vBulletin Prices:

vBulletin (Owned License)
The owned vBulletin Forum license allows you to run the software on your site indefinitely. Along with this license, you will receive one year of free updates. Beyond the first year, you will have to pay a nominal fee, currently $30, to obtain updates for an additional year.

This license includes free support via email and on the community forum. Phone Support is not included in the license price but may be purchased for an additional cost either at the time of initial purchase, or afterwards through the Members' Area (http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/../members/).$160.00 each
That price compared to IPB is brilliant as for email support and stuff its almost instant help.

vBulletin (Leased License)
The leased vBulletin Forum license allows you to use the software on your site for 1 year and gives you access to products updates for that year. After 1 year, you must renew your license or remove the software from your site.

This license includes free support via email and on the community forum. Phone Support is not included in the license price but may be purchased for an additional cost either at the time of initial purchase, or afterwards through the members' area.
$85.00 each
That price is also good, and also has almost instant support.

Ok now we got the prices compared lets look at the features..

IPB:
Advanced Moderation Features

IP.Board gives you complete control over what tasks are delegated to your moderators, and they'll find the various moderation tools we've included indispensible!


Moderation queue
User warning system (updated)
User suspension controls
Topic/post multi-moderation


Community-driven user profiles

Improve and encourage user interaction, with the brand-new user profiles. Why should your users go elsewhere for their social-networking fix?


Personal profiles NEW!
Buddy lists NEW!
Comment within profiles NEW!
Rate users NEW!


It's extensible

Want to add your own features or integrate with your own software? IP.Board is highly extensible, so that with some programming skills, nearly anything is possible!


Components system
Active modification community
IP.Converge for 'single sign-on' between boards and even other software NEW!


Easy content sharing

IP.Board supports content-sharing standards right out of the box, making it simple to share your own content with others, or reuse content from elsewhere.


RSS export of any forum
Import RSS content as posts (updated)
Show content on your site with SSI
E-mail or print topics and posts


Powerful customization

Make your board stand out from the crowd, by customizing just about every aspect of it! IP.Board makes it an easy task with its built in customization tools.


Download pre-made skins for your board from our resource site
Powerful skin creator built in
Download and create language packs


Comprehensive Administration Panel

IP.Board has one of the most powerful Admin Panels in the industry - but it's still easy to use. Micro-manage every aspect of your board, or use default options - your choice!


Download pre-made skins for your board from our resource site
Powerful skin creator built in
Download and create language packs



vBulletin:
General Features
Scalable solution - database server and web servers can reside on separate machines.
MySQL back-end database
vBulletin can be run on any machine that can support PHP and MySQL (Solaris, BSD, Linux, Windows, Mac)
Written in PHP which makes for a fast and efficient product
Admin Control Panel
Moderator Control Panel
User Control Panel
Compliant with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998. See this page for more information: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/coppa.htm General Forum Features Threads
Thread display options - sort by, sort order, from date
Thread and forum subscription (notification by email optional)
Thread preview on mouse-over (optional, via Admin CP)
Active Users viewing thread shown
New Post Indicator
Printer Friendly versions on threads
Admin tools for Threads - edit/delete/move/lock/Make sticky/ etc
Email page to a friend option
Similar Threads displayed on all thread viewsPosts
Linear, Threaded, Hybrid display views available
Supports BB Code in posts
Supports HTML in post
Smilies
Avatars
Optional WYSIWYG or standard editors for posts and Private Messages
Attachment images (.gif,.jpg, etc) are no longer in the database (optional, via Admin CP)
Quick reply box (with optional "forced" click on post to quote)
Preview post option
Post rating
User reputation
Polls
Post Reporting - report posts to moderators
User post count
Admin tools for Posts - edit/delete/move/ etc
Preview safe attachmentsMembers
Member List
Member Search
User Style picker
Private Messaging
Buddy list
Member Birthdays shown on Forum homeCalendar Features
Supports multiple private and public calendars
Viewable public and private events (adminCP option)
Weekly, monthly and yearly views
Jump to Today option
Add single, ranged or recurring events
Add all day events
Option to show calendar event on forum home page (adminCP option)
Show events to specific usergroups (adminCP option)
Calendar Moderation
Private events reminder
Ability to add custom fieldsGeneral
Who's online
Search User Control Panel Features Editable user profile This information can be viewed by other members from the member list. Custom user title, URL home page, date of birth, instant messaging medium, location, occupation, biography, interests, vB version, plus any other custom user fields that may be defined by the administrator Profile pictures Allows members to upload pictures that can be viewed in the users' profile. Private Messaging
Pop-up notification when new PM received
Private Message Tracking
Private Message filing in custom folders User Options These include Daylight Savings options, forum style chooser, selection of notification types for PM, emails etc, thread display options, WYSIWYG editor options, language chooser, vCard downloads to allow the user profile to be placed into an address book Attachment Management
View attachment statistics - shows limit and used space
View the attachments you have posted (link or thumbnail views available)
Remove attachments Avatar Options
Admin Defined Avatars
Custom Avatars - upload from your own computer or specify a URLGeneral
View and manage subscribed threads and forums
Calendar event reminders for subscribed events
Pop-up auto-refreshing buddylist with ICQ-style alerts when new buddies come online
Signature Editor
Email and password changes require current password
Joinable Public User Groups Admin Control Panel Features Styling & Templates
Templated system
Conditionals supported in the templates
Ability to create multiple styles which can be applied to different forums and users
Ability to upload / download styles and languagesLanguage & Phrase Management
Language manager - allows you to easily translate your forums in any language
Multiple languages supported
Phrase managerUsers & Usergroups
User registration options
User banning (by name & IP)
Global ignore user aka 'Tachy goes to Coventry' - when enabled all posts by the specified user will be ignored/unseen by other members. Automatically added to the all users ignore lists
Unlimited Moderators and SuperModerators
Permission system, based on user, usergroup or forumsBoard Maintenance
Task Scheduler
Control Panel, Moderator & Task logs
Board statistics
Maintentance - Database backups, table repair
Post PrunningModeration
Moderation queues for user registration and posting
Calendar moderationImport Facility
Import facility - import posts and members seamlessly upgrade from other bulletin board systems, including Infopop's Ultimate Bulletin Board, UBBThreads, OpenTopic, ezboard, and IkonboardAttachments
Multiple attachments and types (types defined by admin in CP)
Attachment thumbnails (requires PHP to have GD enabled)
Storage type options for attachements (database or file system)
Attachment moderationGeneral
Multiple calendars supported
Paid Subscriptions (PayPal, WorldPay, NOCHEX and Authorize.net)
Private forums
COPPA compliant
Server Settings and Optimisation options configurable via the adminCP
Editable FAQ for your own boards
Context sensitive help throughout the adminCPIPB May look like it has "Better" Or "More" features but when you actually use it, It's not as good as it sounds as for vBulletin they are true to their word, I'm not saying they don't have the features just saying there not as good :).

I've used:
IPB 1.3/.1 IPB 2.0.x IPB 2.1 to 2.1.4, IPB 2.2, vB 3.5.4 to 3.6.4.

Thats all from me :) Hope this helps.

[Kevuk2k]

I am brand new and would like opinions on how vBulletin compares to IPB ver. 1.3 Also, how would one convert?

It's awesome, and I am absolutely unbiased on this. I develop scripts myself so will ignore the cost of the script, it is WELL worth the money.

[Mazinger]

I'm confused... :confused:

I see similar recent features in both vB & IPB...like Multi-Quote, Quote Tags Link to Quoted Post, Jumb to Page, Re-size Lager & Smaller, Switch Editor... etc.

Just wonder who created them first, and who stolen the ideas?
Do any one know?

[Blue-inc]

Do any one know?

I know vBulletin had Switch Editor first. Becuase I use it all the time, and when I bought an IPB license (IPB 2.1.4), it didn't include switch editor. But the new version (2.2.x) does include switch editor.

Multi-Quote - I can't be certain on that one, I think IPS had that first.

I'm not sure on the others though.

[mrwuss]

Most features are not started on either software but rather on the smaller 'home grown' solutions out there.

Users then see them in use in other places and request them, or create their own addons/mods/etc and the software company sees a larger request and soon complies.


I was a fan of Matt's work before it became commercial, iB (ikonboard) was the first BB I ever used and 'modded'.

[whitetigergrowl]

~SNIP~

IPB May look like it has "Better" Or "More" features but when you actually use it, It's not as good as it sounds as for vBulletin they are true to their word, I'm not saying they don't have the features just saying there not as good :).

I've used:
IPB 1.3/.1 IPB 2.0.x IPB 2.1 to 2.1.4, IPB 2.2, vB 3.5.4 to 3.6.4.

Thats all from me :) Hope this helps.

This makes absolutely no sense. Either it does or it doesn't have more features. Then you say you aren't saying it doesn't have the features, you're just saying they aren't as good. Again, that makes no sense. If they have the same features, it means just that, they are the same and work in the same manner. Sounds to me like you have little to no experience with IPB regardless of what you have said.

For example I prefer IPB's post editing system. I can choose between quick edit or full edit right away. VB on the other hand has this odd (i.e. makes no sense and is unintuitive) way of forcing you to choose quick edit, THEN have to choose Full edit just to get to the full edit option. Why isn't that an immediate option? Makes zero sense.

I know some people point out that VB has a plug-in system so you don't have to do all kinds of file edits and you can add what you want. But common sense dictates something like that will likely be coming soon for IPB. And whats to say it won't be integrated better? Being first doesn't always mean its being done best. VB and IPB have proven that if its a popular enough feature on another forum, it will likely make its way into their software soon enough. If you were to compare who had what first between the 2, it would likely almost be a tie. They have 'borrowed' from each other alot.

Server resource use is another thing. I've used both VB and IPB on the same server with the same # of people, posts, etc. VB was more server resource intensive. When I converted to IPB, I noticed a noticeable drop in those resources. What I also like is how when I do an sql backup from the admincp, I can have the file gzipped. My 175 MB sql files end up being around 35MB to download. I also well prefer IPB's admincp and new security features over VB's.

Things like this just end up being a pissing contest. There are people that use SMF, PHPBB, and numerous other free forum software. It works best for them and their members and thats what matters. The ONLY reason people compare IPB and VB isn't just because of price, but because of how similar they really are. IPB has some very nice things VB doesn't have and vice versa.

And how much you wanna bet, an upcoming version of VB will have some sort of new profile system similar to IPB's and an overhauled Admin CP. Wouldn't be suprised to see something at least in the same vein. Common Sense dictates.

I'm not a fan of IPB's pricing structure, but at least you aren't being forced into paying for support unless you need it. The $299 price is a business license. Like I said previously, both IPB and VB are based out of Great Britain. I would love to compare both of their sales figures and see if the prices matter as much as some people think they might.

Either way, use what you feel is best for you, your members, and your forum. Like has been stated, look for less biased opinions elsewhere.

[Mirrorball]

As a user, I prefer vBulletin. The thread description field is so stupid. If someone wants to create a thread about New Year's Day, they would usually do this:
Thread Title: New Year's
Thread Description: Day
It annoys me so much. I refuse to write thread descriptions. Why do threads have to have a description? Useless feature. One day I decided to count the number of threads with useful descriptions in a board where I go often and I couldn't find one!
In that board, the threads I read aren't always marked as read and I often think a thread has new messages when in fact I have already read all of them. I don't know whose fault it is, but it's a serious usability bug.
In vBulletin, if a user has chosen a bad title for a thread, it's easy to see what it is about because if you place your mouse over the thread title, the first words of the first message appear in a tooltip. Immensely useful. Invision Board doesn't have this feature. Instead you have to rely on the stupid thread description. :P

[Mazinger]

also try to post while screen resolution 600*800...

you will find the emoticons table above post message table. :confused:

[Mazinger]

For example I prefer IPB's post editing system. I can choose between quick edit or full edit right away. VB on the other hand has this odd (i.e. makes no sense and is unintuitive) way of forcing you to choose quick edit, THEN have to choose Full edit just to get to the full edit option. Why isn't that an immediate option? Makes zero sense.


i think quick edit as defaul is better...as you usually need to edit your post to fix a typo or add a link, image... etc...

you don't usually need go to full edit in a new page unless you want to add attachements, or add codes...

so it with quick reply, full reply

what IP is better than vBulletin in, i think you can add emoticons in quick reply/edit... in vbulletin you can't. :confused:

[Quillz]

As a user, I prefer vBulletin. The thread description field is so stupid. If someone wants to create a thread about New Year's Day, they would usually do this:
Thread Title: New Year's
Thread Description: Day
It annoys me so much. I refuse to write thread descriptions. Why do threads have to have a description? Useless feature. One day I decided to count the number of threads with useful descriptions in a board where I go often and I couldn't find one!
In that board, the threads I read aren't always marked as read and I often think a thread has new messages when in fact I have already read all of them. I don't know whose fault it is, but it's a serious usability bug.
In vBulletin, if a user has chosen a bad title for a thread, it's easy to see what it is about because if you place your mouse over the thread title, the first words of the first message appear in a tooltip. Immensely useful. Invision Board doesn't have this feature. Instead you have to rely on the stupid thread description. :P
Yes, because we all know that with IP.Board, it's impossible to disable topic descriptions and mods for topic previews on mouseover simply don't exist. :p If topic descriptions are such a stupid idea, as you claim, then why have they been requested on vBulletin.org several times in the past?

[Gaia]

I have a license for both IP.Board/IP.Blog and also vBulletin. I personally like the plugin system and styling better in vB then in IPB. But, I like the more community feel that IPB has, specially with the new profiling system.

I think IPB is starting to aim more to companies and businesses, while vB is still kind of directed to new forum owners, personal communities, etc.

[Mirrorball]

I'm sure you can mod phpBB to do everything that vBulletin and IPB do. That's not the point. And I'm not responsible for what other people have requested. I certainly didn't request topic descriptions and I can only be thankful that vB developers have not listened to their requests. In the IPB forum I go to, if I were the administrator, I would have certainly disabled topic descriptions. The problem is that I'm just a user.

I don't like IPB's profiling system. I want people to discuss a specific subject, not to blog about their uninteresting lives. I don't want anyone to become a member to have a page without being interested in my forum's main purpose. But that's me, I don't make money off my community.

By the way, I think topic ratings in vB are pretty stupid and I have disabled it in my forum. Fortunately it doesn't bother me when it's enabled.

[Mazinger]

I don't like IPB's profiling system. I want people to discuss a specific subject, not to blog about their uninteresting lives. I don't want anyone to become a member to have a page without being interested in my forum's main purpose. But that's me, I don't make money off my community.
The same here. :)

I think topic ratings in vB are pretty stupid.

How is that? :confused:

[Quillz]

Not everyone has a use for thread and topic ratings. On some boards, they are used to rate walkthroughs or guides, but for the most part, they tend to be a bit abused, imo.

[Mirrorball]

How is that? :confused:
I don't see the point of rating a discussion. And most people ignore ratings. Threads that have 1000 posts might have 3 ratings.

[TomJames]

I suppose it depends what you are looking for, in the new IPB2.2 it has that profile feature, you can get a similar thing by using the Zoints mod for vB though.

Anyway I prefer the skins etc for IPB, it looks nicer, however I love how vB runs. I use both, I current use vB for my main forum because of its reliability.

[Mirrorball]

Another thing that annoys me in IPB... I can't search for a phrase that has a short word. I understand that searching for "two" might be disabled, but why not let me search for "two wheels" as a sentence?

[Quillz]

Another thing that annoys me in IPB... I can't search for a phrase that has a short word. I understand that searching for "two" might be disabled, but why not let me search for "two wheels" as a sentence?
You can change the minimum character length, as well as what phrases can be used in searches.

[whitetigergrowl]

i think quick edit as defaul is better...as you usually need to edit your post to fix a typo or add a link, image... etc...

you don't usually need go to full edit in a new page unless you want to add attachements, or add codes...

so it with quick reply, full reply

what IP is better than vBulletin in, i think you can add emoticons in quick reply/edit... in vbulletin you can't. :confused:

I and many others use full edit quite a bit. Its better to have an option than be forced to go the long route. Its not intuitive at all. Its basically ASSUMING more people use quick edit more. At least in IPB's case there is an immediate option you can choose that would work best for you. But I digress.

If both IPB and VB weren't both excellent forum software, there wouldn't be so many damn comparisons. Plain and simple.

Another thing that annoys me in IPB... I can't search for a phrase that has a short word. I understand that searching for "two" might be disabled, but why not let me search for "two wheels" as a sentence?

You can.

[Mirrorball]

You can.
It doesn't work here. (http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=idx) Try "loaf of bread" with the quotes.
One or all of your search keywords were below 4 characters or you are searched for words which are not allowed, such as 'html', 'img', etc. Please go back and increase the length of these search keywords or choose different keywords.

[Gaia]

That's something that that administrator would of set up in the ACP.

Then again, it's also a 2.0.x forum, not the latest 2.2, which i know you can, because you can on my IPB 2.2 forum.

[Mazinger]

What about double clicking on Edit button for full editing? (as a suggestion)

I think it might be cool idea.

[Zachery]

What about double clicking on Edit button for full editing? (as a suggestion)

I think it might be cool idea.
It already does that.... in vB anyway.

[Mazinger]

It already does that.... in vB anyway.
It's not working with me now. :confused:

[Zachery]

It's not working with me now. :confused:
Click edit, let it load, click edit again.

[Mazinger]

Click edit, let it load, click edit again.
Ah, that's it. :D

It will be better not to wait untill it loads. :)

[whitetigergrowl]

It doesn't work here. (http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?act=idx) Try "loaf of bread" with the quotes.

Thats because thats how they have it set up. That forum that is. With both IPB and VB you can change that to whatever you want. But its up to that webmaster as to what they want. Many just leave it as default for both VB and IPB.

[c0bra]

The IPB converge system might be enough to persuade me to dump vBulletin and move to their product. We've been wanting a centralized authentication system to run multiple vBulletins before even 3.0 was released. Needless to say it still hasn't happened. IPB will apparently soon offer this, once the product is out of private beta.

[Mazinger]

Comparison between IPB & vBulletin (http://www.forummatrix.org/compare/Invision-Power-Board+vBulletin)

[c0bra]

Comparison between IPB & vBulletin (http://www.forummatrix.org/compare/Invision-Power-Board+vBulletin)

Not a great comparison. The Invision one was last updated 6 months ago, the vB one a couple months ago. The vB feature set is based on 3.6.x (the current stable branch) the IPB one is based on 2.1.x which is not their current release.

I've also just learned the IPB converge system is available to everyone now with a valid license.

[Ascor]

About communication of developpement Ipb have more a professional attitude as Vbulletin
In comparaison after one year using vbulletin i find some aspect of communication here very bad, the only info you can have is some promesse in signature of Vbulletin team, but when customer ask question of what's coming up the thread are simply ignored or you just have the right to see Floris whis his magic answer "Our developper has read blablabli blablabla"
For exemple just look in this forum an make some search about the blog question...
This is request now about 2 year and what you have ? nothing !

[Terminatoronly]

Well To Be Honest i think that i can help you mate because i have a leased license which means for 1 year of vbulletin and you know i will get another license and i was thinking to get ipb or vb and i asked many forums many of the votes was to vBulletin but to be honest i do like ipb especially the new but when you see the look of the ipb its not like vBulletin the vbulletin is much better with the look and stuff like that and they do have The Best Staff and i know ipb have many mods released and they are good i know this but in my oponion the thing that make vBulletin Better is that the ajax Technology used in the vBulletin its really useful so i did deside to Get A vBulletin Owned License :D

[Quillz]

Well To Be Honest i think that i can help you mate because i have a leased license which means for 1 year of vbulletin and you know i will get another license and i was thinking to get ipb or vb and i asked many forums many of the votes was to vBulletin but to be honest i do like ipb especially the new but when you see the look of the ipb its not like vBulletin the vbulletin is much better with the look and stuff like that and they do have The Best Staff and i know ipb have many mods released and they are good i know this but in my oponion the thing that make vBulletin Better is that the ajax Technology used in the vBulletin its really useful so i did deside to Get A vBulletin Owned License :D
There is AJAX in both IPB and vB. And to say that one product looks better than another is not a good selling point, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[ManagerJosh]

There is AJAX in both IPB and vB. And to say that one product looks better than another is not a good selling point, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Adding to what Quillz says, you could customize both beyond recognition should you desire.

[harmor]

The reason I bought vBulletin is that I understood the coding. It took me a while but I figured out how to make a new page on my illegal vbulletin board. When I was trying to make a new page for IPB 2.1 I had no idea what to do.

[---MAD---]

About communication of developpement Ipb have more a professional attitude as Vbulletin
In comparaison after one year using vbulletin i find some aspect of communication here very bad, the only info you can have is some promesse in signature of Vbulletin team, but when customer ask question of what's coming up the thread are simply ignored or you just have the right to see Floris whis his magic answer "Our developper has read blablabli blablabla"
For exemple just look in this forum an make some search about the blog question...
This is request now about 2 year and what you have ? nothing !
I agree about that but the support is just fantastic. Some people dont care when new features are avalible as they are happy with what they have and only upgrade when a new version is out for the sake of it being the "latest".

I hope to see in the future the communication improving as its a vital thing in a business like vBulletin. Even if competitors can make something out of hints here and there which used to be given out, at least the customers are happy to know whats going on behind the scenes and whats to come. (All we know is: Some products are being made (no idea which ones). 3.6.5 is in development (bug fixes / tune ups). 4.x.x will be a future version but we have no idea if 3.7.x will come out before that or not.

Also vBulletin are quite slow when it comes to releasing new things such as a CMS or w/e but I think the development team know what is going on and have planned it all out for us. I have faith in the small deveopment team here :).

If you ask me which way to go I say go for vBulletin as they have great support, great community between members that help you and also a fantastic product being developed all the time behind the scenes and also lead to lots of surprises for you.

If your a business and like to plan whats going to happen software wise, that may be a problem though as little information is given to what new products / versions will contain etc :).

[JamieWalton]

I would always go for vBulliten over IPB as i feel vBullitens make you look more proffesional

[bboy]

I would always go for vBulliten over IPB as i feel vBullitens make you look more proffesional

I don't really think that one makes you look more 'professional' over an other. I am simply used to Vbulletin and like the very active modding scene at vbulletin.org.

That said, IPB 2.2's new profile system (blogging, friends, etc) really smokes anything Vbulletin has at the moment. I truly hope that the Vbulletin team has something very similar (or better) in the works for a release this year. Even better, I hope they come around and share some news with their paying customers...I hate being completely in the dark here. :(

[---MAD---]

I don't really think that one makes you look more 'professional' over an other. I am simply used to Vbulletin and like the very active modding scene at vbulletin.org.

That said, IPB 2.2's new profile system (blogging, friends, etc) really smokes anything Vbulletin has at the moment. I truly hope that the Vbulletin team has something very similar (or better) in the works for a release this year. Even better, I hope they come around and share some news with their paying customers...I hate being completely in the dark here. :(
Agreed :).

[AH Modding]

Your all forgetting, all of you are saying IPS removed their support forums, they never removed them, they moved them to IPSBeyond which customers can access via the Client Center.

[Quillz]

I would always go for vBulliten over IPB as i feel vBullitens make you look more proffesional
Care to explain why? There are very successful sites that use IPB, phpBB, vB, etc. In fact, many would argue that it's more professional to code your own board script.

[Quillz]

Your all forgetting, all of you are saying IPS removed their support forums, they never removed them, they moved them to IPSBeyond which customers can access via the Client Center.
Exactly. Just because IPS uses a different business model than Jelsoft doesn't make their support any more inferior.

[forumguy]

It says there that vBulletin doesn't have archives. It does have them, I think.

[Phoxtrot]

I honestly vBulletin because It is more widely used and is in a higher version number, which to me singals they either are getting very good with the script or they really screwed it up the last time(s).
The major drawback i have seen is that vBulletin logo sucks and Jelsoft has noticed it.The constant changes tell me of that.
The support team though in vBulletin is so much speedier than IPS's(I started a ticket at the same time and IPS's wasn't awnsered till monday while vBulletin's was awnsered Friday night/Saturday morning)
I also noticed an error in that chart, it says that vBulletin doesn't allow multi quotes however it does infact.

[Quillz]

I honestly vBulletin because It is more widely used and is in a higher version number, which to me singals they either are getting very good with the script or they really screwed it up the last time(s).
The major drawback i have seen is that vBulletin logo sucks and Jelsoft has noticed it.The constant changes tell me of that.
The support team though in vBulletin is so much speedier than IPS's(I started a ticket at the same time and IPS's wasn't awnsered till monday while vBulletin's was awnsered Friday night/Saturday morning)
I also noticed an error in that chart, it says that vBulletin doesn't allow multi quotes however it does infact.
I fail to see how having a higher version number makes a good indicator of what software is better. vB has been around two years longer than IPB has, so naturally it's going to have a higher version number.

[WorkAnimal]

vBulletin 11111100000%

[Hitomi]

vb has a better running then ipb as ipb is based off of vb but is a very striped down version ipb was free but went to pay because people wanted better support vb by far has better support over ipb by a long run as if you compair the copyright dates on vb to ipb you will notice a big difference :)

vb offers more advance tracking features for security reasons and also offer easy to add mods and has their own mods site that is free to use once you buy vb :) there are alot of factors in vb that out match ipb anytime its just a matter of preference.

[Quillz]

vb has a better running then ipb as ipb is based off of vb but is a very striped down version ipb was free but went to pay because people wanted better support vb by far has better support over ipb by a long run as if you compair the copyright dates on vb to ipb you will notice a big difference :)

vb offers more advance tracking features for security reasons and also offer easy to add mods and has their own mods site that is free to use once you buy vb :) there are alot of factors in vb that out match ipb anytime its just a matter of preference.
IPB is in no way based off vB coding. Unless by "based off," you mean it has similar features, but so does phpBB, MyBB and any other bulletin board. By your argument, I could claim that vB coding is just "a very striped down version" of UBB, even though this is wrong.

And IPB also has its own modding site that is free to all customers, and don't forget that vB, IPB, phpBB, MyBB, etc. also all have hundreds of third-party modification sites. I do, however, believe that vB manages add-ons in the best way, which is the hooks/plugins system, although not all modifications respect these.

[Zachery]

IPB is in no way based off vB coding. Unless by "based off," you mean it has similar features, but so does phpBB, MyBB and any other bulletin board. By your argument, I could claim that vB coding is just "a very striped down version" of UBB, even though this is wrong.

And IPB also has its own modding site that is free to all customers, and don't forget that vB, IPB, phpBB, MyBB, etc. also all have hundreds of third-party modification sites. I do, however, believe that vB manages add-ons in the best way, which is the hooks/plugins system, although not all modifications respect these.
Hmm, I seem to remember in the past when we got an expoit, several days later an increcibly similiar exploit would be found in IPB.

[forumguy]

vb has a better running then ipb as ipb is based off of vb but is a very striped down version ipb was free but went to pay because people wanted better support vb by far has better support over ipb by a long run as if you compair the copyright dates on vb to ipb you will notice a big difference

vb offers more advance tracking features for security reasons and also offer easy to add mods and has their own mods site that is free to use once you buy vb there are alot of factors in vb that out match ipb anytime its just a matter of preference.But isn't it illegal to be basing IPB's code off vBulletin? It's basically stealing.

[Le GoogelGuRu]

vBulletin has far better support. Trust me, I'm a former IPB customer, and their support is horrible. The support team really couldn't care much less about your problems. Plus, with IPB's new "mySpace" profile page look, I throw up when I go on a forum based by it.

vBulletin all the way!

From a former IPB customer. :)

[Quillz]

vBulletin has far better support. Trust me, I'm a former IPB customer, and their support is horrible. The support team really couldn't care much less about your problems. Plus, with IPB's new "mySpace" profile page look, I throw up when I go on a forum based by it.

vBulletin all the way!

From a former IPB customer. :)
You really threw up? Why not turn it off then?

[Phoxtrot]

I fail to see how having a higher version number makes a good indicator of what software is better. vB has been around two years longer than IPB has, so naturally it's going to have a higher version number.
Basically by saying that exact statement you are just stating what I was stating except for you put it in obivous terms;)

[Quillz]

Basically by saying that exact statement you are just stating what I was stating except for you put it in obivous terms;)
Well, I interpreted your statement to be saying that vB is better simply because it has a higher version number, which I disagree with. If that's not what you meant, then sorry, I was wrong.

[kushal]

IPB support is slow but board loading is fast. VB plugins are great and IPB skinning is great. IPB smilies are much better. If IPB looks more of social networking site, Vb looks more professional and good for corporate sites.

[sinucello]

Hi,

I`m satisfied with vB but as my forum grows and grows, I´d like to move some subforums into seperate forums with their own domains. That`s why IPB`s single-sign-on system sounds very interesting to me.

I also notice that my members add tons of stuff into their signatures because they want to socialize and the limited profiles in vB don`t offer enough possibilities.

So from my current point of view the way Invision markets it`s product is more appealing to me. That doesn`t necessarily mean their product is better of course - I`ve never tested it.

I don`t think I`m the only one that is attracted by the multi-forum support stuff so I hope that this will motivate vB to get something done in that direction.

best,
Sacha

[Mazinger]

IPB support is slow but board loading is fast. VB plugins are great and IPB skinning is great. IPB smilies are much better. If IPB looks more of social networking site, Vb looks more professional and good for corporate sites.
Best answer. :cool:

[whitetigergrowl]

vb has a better running then ipb as ipb is based off of vb but is a very striped down version ipb was free but went to pay because people wanted better support vb by far has better support over ipb by a long run as if you compair the copyright dates on vb to ipb you will notice a big difference :)

vb offers more advance tracking features for security reasons and also offer easy to add mods and has their own mods site that is free to use once you buy vb :) there are alot of factors in vb that out match ipb anytime its just a matter of preference.

And VB is based of UBB. Most forum software is based off other forum software. VB included. VB has things IPB had first and IPB has things VB had first. And IPB in no way is a stripped down version of VB. Look at their 2.2 Admin CP and say that it's stripped down compared to VB. Or look at their profile system or forum attachment system and say its stripped down. When comparing IPB 2.2 to VB 3.6, saying that simply doesn't hold water.


vBulletin has far better support. Trust me, I'm a former IPB customer, and their support is horrible. The support team really couldn't care much less about your problems. Plus, with IPB's new "mySpace" profile page look, I throw up when I go on a forum based by it.

vBulletin all the way!

From a former IPB customer.

Well then you may just hate VB's new 'MySpace' profile look and may have to throw up constantly while visiting VB forums since VB announced something similar is coming and will likely become just as popular as it has for IPB, if not more so. And lets not forget all the plug-ins people will likely add to it making it likely worse. This includes the ability to add sound and video. Saying that just because it's VB based somehow makes it better is a rather hypocritical thing to do or say. Especially considering that VB will likely be having the same and similar features for its profile system.

When it comes down to the forum software, both are comparable. IPB is more for the advanced and VB is more for those that need simpler needs. The features for both also suggest as much.

[Link00seven]

I've always been a bigger fan of vBulletin then Invision Power Board, however I have to admit that IPB has come a long way from the last time I used it, which was the 1.x series. I feel they are both very good forum solutions and it really just comes down to prefrence as to which one you like better. They both do the job just fine.

I currently own a vBulletin Owned License and am currently in the process of receiving a IPB Standard License for a secondary site so I am interested in playing around with IPB 2.2 to see how it compares to vBulletin 3.6. As for which is better...well, its prefrence, but like I said in the beginning I have always been a bigger fan of vBulletin.

[forumguy]

Couldnt you just get a demo? I got one, and the AdminCP is rubbish. Everything is hidden in tabs and menus. At least vBulletin has an easy-to-navigate AdminCP. Ease of use beats style in the AdminCP.

[Link00seven]

I got the license really cheap from someone who no longer wanted it, thats why. Plus, I have a site I am going to use it on, its not just strictly for testing purposes or I would've just used an admin demo.