Forums & Communities

PunBB

A fast, lightweight PHP forum, with a one-click extension system and topic splitting/merging.

About PunBB

What is PunBB?

PunBB is a PHP-based discussion board that stands out for its speed and lightness, described as a fast and lightweight PHP-powered discussion board focused on being faster and less graphics-intensive than similar platforms.

Needs a database? Yes
Install size 1.98 MB
Requirements According to Softaculous, it takes about 1.98 MB, one of the lightest installs in this category. Requires a database.
Official website Visit site ↗
Softaculous listing View listing ↗

Use cases

What is PunBB for?

  • A community that prioritizes performance over the number of features.
  • A forum that needs to split or merge topics frequently.
  • A project that wants to install extensions with a single click.

Benefits

Main benefits of PunBB

Full UTF-8 support.

A one-click install extension system.

URL rewriting for friendlier links.

Functionality to split and merge topics.

Is PunBB right for you?

Is PunBB the right choice for you?

It's a great fit if…

  • You prioritize speed and lightness over the number of features.
  • You need to split or merge topics frequently.
  • You want to install extensions easily with one click.

It might not be for you if…

  • You need many advanced features built in without relying on extensions (consider phpBB or SMF).
  • You'd prefer a project with updates more recent than 2021.

Installation

How to install PunBB on your hosting

01

Open your hosting panel

Log into your miHosting professional hosting panel and open Softaculous, the application installer included with every plan.

02

Find PunBB

One-click install via Softaculous from the hosting panel.

03

Configure and go live

Choose the domain, language and admin details. Softaculous creates the database automatically and your install is ready in minutes.

Recommended hosting

Why install PunBB on miHosting

miHosting's professional shared hosting includes Softaculous, PHP and databases already configured, NVMe storage with no artificial limits, free SSL and real technical support if you need help during installation or maintenance of PunBB.

Choose your plan

Install PunBB today

Choose the professional hosting plan that best fits your PunBB project, or try it risk-free with the free plan.

Plus

50% OFF
7.08 $/mo

170 $/yr 85 $/yr — free domain included

  • 15 websites
  • 1 free domain for the first year
  • Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
  • Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
  • Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
  • Free migration included
  • Real 24/7 technical support

Webmaster

50% OFF
8.25 $/mo

198 $/yr 99 $/yr — free domain included

  • 100 websites
  • 1 free domain for the first year
  • Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
  • Softaculous — 400+ one-click apps
  • Free, automatic SSL (Let's Encrypt)
  • Free migration included
  • Real 24/7 technical support

Not sure which to choose?

For 1–3 of your own websites, the Emprendedor plan is more than enough. To manage client sites or multiple projects, the Webmaster plan is the go-to choice for agencies and freelancers.

Talk to a technician on WhatsApp →
🎁 100% free hosting

Not ready to commit yet?

Try it with the same NVMe infrastructure as the paid plans, no credit card and no fine print. When you're ready, upgrade to a professional plan with a 50% discount.

  • No credit card required
  • Softaculous included
  • Upgrade whenever you want
Start free now →

Frequently asked questions about PunBB

Is PunBB lighter than other forums like phpBB?

Yes, according to Softaculous its install takes just 1.98 MB, much less than other alternatives, prioritizing speed over the number of features.

Can PunBB split a topic into two?

Yes, it includes specific functionality to split and merge topics, useful when a conversation drifts from the original subject.

Launch your project with PunBB today

Professional hosting with Softaculous, real technical support and a 60-day money-back guarantee.