Vanilla Forums vs Hacker News: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Vanilla Forums and Hacker News 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:
Vanilla Forums
Community forum software
Best for you if:
- • You need community forum software
- • You need professional-grade features
Hacker News
A community-curated news aggregator for technology and entrepreneurship.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Community-driven news aggregation for tech and startups.
- • Features user-submitted articles, discussions, and project showcases.
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Community Platforms | Community Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Vanilla Forums | Hacker News |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 166 | 0 |
| Categories | Community PlatformsCustomer Feedback | Community PlatformsForum Software |
Understanding the Differences
Both Vanilla Forums and Hacker News solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Vanilla Forums positions itself as "community forum software" while Hacker Newsfocuses on "a community-curated news aggregator for technology and entrepreneurship.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Vanilla Forums
Vanilla Forums makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Hacker News
Hacker News is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Hacker News won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Hacker News
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hacker News is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Hacker News
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Vanilla Forums is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Vanilla Forums
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Hacker News 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 Vanilla Forums higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Vanilla Forums more (166 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Vanilla Forums Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hacker News 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 Vanilla Forums. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Vanilla Forums scores higher in our analysis, but Hacker News 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 Vanilla Forums or Hacker News better?
Based on our analysis, Vanilla Forums scores higher with high/100. Vanilla Forums ispaid while Hacker News 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 Vanilla Forums to Hacker News 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 Vanilla Forums and Hacker News offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Vanilla Forums is paid with potential trial.Hacker News is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.