What I think about XenForo

[xenTheory]

I've tried most forum platforms such as phpBB, vBulletin, IPB and MyBB. They all have strong and weak points. I recently moved a small forum of mine over to XF from phpBB. It's my first time using XF and I have to say I'm really impressed with the quality of the software. It feels well built, stable and very customisable.

What I like about XenForo
- Modern design
- Great use of js
- Unique feel to it
- Heavily customisable
- Template system is very easy to work with

What I think could be improved
- Admin node area - it works but it doesn't feel fluid enough. I find I have to switch between different areas just to do a few things all related to one node.

- Ban options - The only thing I miss from phpBB is the option for one-click bans for spammers. There is a mod but I think it should be an included option to ban a user directly from the forum with only a mouse click (I know there is a warning system and the level defines how long the user is banned for but, in my opinion, it is overly complicated.)

- User Groups - Again this feels overly complicated. Maybe it's just me who thinks this but I do think it's easier to manage group options on other forum software.

Overall I am really impressed and would happily recommend XF to anyone. It's great value (just over £100) and very well made.

Thank you for making good quality software.

 

[Vincent]

I've tried most forum platforms such as phpBB, vBulletin, IPB and MyBB. They all have strong and weak points. I recently moved a small forum of mine over to XF from phpBB. It's my first time using XF and I have to say I'm really impressed with the quality of the software. It feels well built, stable and very customisable.

What I like about XenForo
- Modern design
- Great use of js
- Unique feel to it
- Heavily customisable
- Template system is very easy to work with

What I think could be improved
- Admin node area - it works but it doesn't feel fluid enough. I find I have to switch between different areas just to do a few things all related to one node.

- Ban options - The only thing I miss from phpBB is the option for one-click bans for spammers. There is a mod but I think it should be an included option to ban a user directly from the forum with only a mouse click (I know there is a warning system and the level defines how long the user is banned for but, in my opinion, it is overly complicated.)

- User Groups - Again this feels overly complicated. Maybe it's just me who thinks this but I do think it's easier to manage group options on other forum software.

Overall I am really impressed and would happily recommend XF to anyone. It's great value (just over £100) and very well made.

Thank you for making good quality software.

- Ban options: There is a feature for that It's where the report button is. Admins can select "Ban" there You have to set the Spam Management options though.

 

[Carlos]

- Ban options - The only thing I miss from phpBB is the option for one-click bans for spammers. There is a mod but I think it should be an included option to ban a user directly from the forum with only a mouse click (I know there is a warning system and the level defines how long the user is banned for but, in my opinion, it is overly complicated.)

This complication is vital. Some admins want flexibility as far as how far they want a person or account banned. For example, for every spammer, I ban, discourage, and then IP discourage.

Vincent is right, there's a ban button on membercard popup...

 

[MagnusB]

What I think could be improved
- Admin node area - it works but it doesn't feel fluid enough. I find I have to switch between different areas just to do a few things all related to one node.

- Ban options - The only thing I miss from phpBB is the option for one-click bans for spammers. There is a mod but I think it should be an included option to ban a user directly from the forum with only a mouse click (I know there is a warning system and the level defines how long the user is banned for but, in my opinion, it is overly complicated.)

- User Groups - Again this feels overly complicated. Maybe it's just me who thinks this but I do think it's easier to manage group options on other forum software.

Overall I am really impressed and would happily recommend XF to anyone. It's great value (just over £100) and very well made.

Thank you for making good quality software.

- Admin area: What do you mean about this? It is sectioned off, just as phpBB. IIRC, the only difference from phpBB is that phpBB gives you a link to set permissions after you create a forum.

- Ban options: You can use the spam cleaner, not only is this one click ban, it also deletes all of this users posts, status updates etc.

- User groups: I do feel that they are pretty good, but the permission system might be a bit of a challenge at first. Check out the manual on it: http://xenforo.com/help/permissions/

I found it a bit overwhelming after moving from phpBB, and it took me some time (and some errors) before I managed to get it right. I think I have cleaned up my permissions 2 or 3 times, as I did them wrong the first time around.

 

[Jake Bunce]

Good feedback. I agree about the node listing. Inline display orders in the node list would go a long way.

This might help you with the groups:

http://xenforo.com/community/resources/understanding-permissions.360/