DEV Community vs Forem: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between DEV Community and Forem comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: DEV Community wins this matchup. Our overall Community Platforms pick is Whova. Our free Community Platforms pick is ClassDojo. Pick Forem if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
DEV Community
Community for software developers
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free
- • You want great community
Forem
Empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.
Best for you if:
- • You want open-source nature allows for transparency and customization
- • You want focuses on building inclusive and sustainable communities
| At a Glance | DEV Community | Forem |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Community Platforms | Community Platforms |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose DEV Community or Forem?
Choose DEV Community if
Community for software developers
- You want completely free
- You want great community
Choose Forem if
Empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.
- You want open-source nature allows for transparency and customization
- You want focuses on building inclusive and sustainable communities
| Feature | DEV Community | Forem |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Community PlatformsWriting & Content | Community PlatformsBlogging Platforms |
In-Depth Analysis
DEV Community
Community for software developers
DEV Community offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Great community
- +Good for visibility
- +Easy to use
Weaknesses
- -Less monetization than Medium
- -Can be noisy
- -Algorithm favors certain content
Key features
Forem
Empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.
Forem the software is $0.
Watch out
You pay Postgres, Redis, object storage, and whoever runs Kamal.
Strengths
- +Open-source nature allows for transparency and customization
- +Focuses on building inclusive and sustainable communities
- +Backed by the team behind DEV, a successful developer community
- +Encourages knowledge sharing and meaningful connections
Weaknesses
- -Requires technical understanding for self-hosting and advanced customization
- -Specific hosting and maintenance responsibilities for community owners
- -May require development resources for unique features
Key features
Pricing: DEV Community vs Forem
| Plan | DEV Community | Forem |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Self-host |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on DEV Community pricing and Forem pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: DEV Community
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are community platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
DEV Community
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Forem
- Choose if you want empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections
The Bottom Line
DEV Community wins this matchup. Our overall Community Platforms pick is Whova. Our free Community Platforms pick is ClassDojo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DEV Community or Forem better?
DEV Community is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are DEV Community and Forem used for?
DEV Community: Community for software developers. Forem: Empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections..
What does DEV Community cost vs Forem?
DEV Community is completely free. Forem is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.