Invision Community vs Forem: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Invision 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Invision Community
Community platform and forum software
Best for you if:
- • You need community platform and forum software
- • You need professional-grade features
Forem
Empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Open-source software for building online communities.
- • Enables knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Community Platforms | Community Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Invision Community | Forem |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 103 | 0 |
| Categories | Community PlatformsForum Software | Community PlatformsForum Software |
Understanding the Differences
Both Invision Community and Forem solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Invision Community positions itself as "community platform and forum software" while Foremfocuses on "empower communities with open-source software for knowledge sharing and meaningful connections.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Invision Community
Invision Community makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Forem
Forem is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Forem won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Forem
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Forem is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Forem
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Invision Community is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Invision Community
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Forem won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Invision Community higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Invision Community more (103 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Invision Community Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Forem If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Invision Community. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Invision Community scores higher in our analysis, but Forem might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Invision Community or Forem better?
Based on our analysis, Invision Community scores higher with high/100. Invision Community ispaid while Forem is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Invision Community to Forem easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Invision Community and Forem offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Invision Community is paid with potential trial.Forem is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.