Discourse Review and Alternative: Discourse vs Website Toolbox
Discourse and Website Toolbox are two popular forum solutions that offer different approaches to community building, customization, and integration. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key differences between Discourse and Website Toolbox to help you decide which one is right for you.
| Discourse | Website Toolbox |
| Every feature and option imaginable, leading to bloat and complexity | A focus on being simple, easy, and user-friendly |
| Can't be fully embedded | Fully embeddable or independent |
| A mobile app that is just their web version in an app container using their brand | Fully native iOS and Android mobile app under your own brand |
| Single sign on only using OAuth with their expensive business plan | Seamless single sign on with dozens of website platforms |
| A single template/theme that is officially supported, along with unofficial third-party themes that may not receive maintenance updates in the future | Multiple templates/themes with an easy theme builder |
| Limited members, admins, moderators | Unlimited members, admins, moderators |
| Email support | Email, phone, and chat support |
| No webhooks and API in hosted plans | Webhooks and API access |
| Migration service only in the expensive business plan | Migration included in all plans |
| Startup running on venture capital debt | Profitable company with 24 years of experience |
Customization and Embedding
One of the key differences between Discourse and Website Toolbox is customization. Website Toolbox offers a range of customization options in an easy theme builder, making it easy for users to create a forum that looks and feels like an integral part of their website and matches their brand. In fact, Website Toolbox can seamlessly be embedded into your existing website, making it easier for your users to engage with your community. Discourse, in contrast, has more of a uniform look and feel that is only customizeable using thid-party themes that may not be maintained in the long-term, customization options are more limited, and it can't be fully embedded.
Ease of Integration
Another area of difference between Discourse and Website Toolbox is ease of integration. Website Toolbox is designed to integrate with a wide range of website builders and platforms, including WordPress, Squarespace, Thinkific, and Shopify, among others; including full single sign on support. In contrast, Discourse offers standard OAuth2 and SAML SSO methods, without single sign on support for popular website platforms. Website Toolbox can be fully integrated into a website using the API and webhooks, while Discourse's hosting plans don't include that functionality.
Features
Discourse is equipped with an abundance of features and options, which leads to an overwhelming and complex user experience. On the other hand, Website Toolbox prioritizes ease and simplicity by providing only the necessary features and options without unnecessary clutter and complexity.
Mobile App
In addition to offering a fully customizable forum experience, Website Toolbox also provides its users with the ability to create a branded and native mobile app that matches their website's look and feel. This feature is particularly useful for those whose audience largely interacts with their community platform on a mobile device, as they can offer a seamless brand experience across both desktop and mobile.
On the other hand, Discourse only offers the ability to use an app that features their brand and has the web version of the forum embedded within it instead of being a native mobile app. This may be a significant drawback for those seeking a consistent brand experience across all channels and an optimal mobile experience with a real native mobile app.
Customer Support
While Discourse only offers email support, Website Toolbox offers email, chat, and phone support. With email support, you'll need to send a message and wait for a response, while chat and phone support offer more immediate assistance. Having more options for customer support can give you peace of mind and ensure that you receive the help you need in a timely manner. Website Toolbox support can help you set up, customize, integrate, and use your community.
Conclusion
While both Discourse and Website Toolbox offer unique strengths and features for community building, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. If you are looking for an easy embeddable discussion platform under your brand with a native mobile app and live support, then Website Toolbox may be the better option. If you're comfortable with dedicating significant time to establishing and overseeing your community, possess the technical proficiency to handle its intricacies, and require an extensive range of features, Discourse might be the ideal choice for you.
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