Docmost vs BookStack: Which Wiki to Self-Host?
Quick Verdict
BookStack is the better choice for most teams today — it’s mature, well-documented, and reliable. Docmost is the better choice if real-time collaboration is a must-have. BookStack’s library metaphor (shelves/books/chapters/pages) excels at structured documentation. Docmost’s flat workspace model is more flexible for unstructured knowledge.
Overview
BookStack has been the go-to self-hosted wiki since 2015. Built on PHP/Laravel with MariaDB, it organizes content into a library metaphor: shelves contain books, books contain chapters, and chapters contain pages. It features a WYSIWYG editor, granular RBAC permissions, and extensive SSO support.
Docmost is a newer entrant (2024) offering a Notion-like editing experience with real-time collaboration. Built on TypeScript with PostgreSQL and Redis, it uses workspaces and spaces for organization. Its block-based editor with slash commands feels more modern than BookStack’s traditional WYSIWYG.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Docmost | BookStack |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | Block-based, slash commands | WYSIWYG + Markdown + HTML |
| Real-time collab | Yes (multiplayer) | No (last-save wins) |
| Organization | Workspaces → Spaces → Pages | Shelves → Books → Chapters → Pages |
| Permissions | Space-level + page-level | Granular RBAC (role-based) |
| Authentication | Built-in email/password | Built-in + LDAP + SAML + OIDC |
| API | REST API | REST API |
| Audit log | Basic | Detailed (who changed what, when) |
| PDF export | Yes | Yes |
| Revision history | Yes | Yes |
| Comments | Inline | Page-level |
| Diagrams | Yes | Built-in drawing editor |
| Docker services | 3 (app + PostgreSQL + Redis) | 2 (app + MariaDB) |
| RAM usage | ~600 MB | ~400 MB |
| Language | TypeScript/Node.js | PHP/Laravel |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | MIT |
| Maturity | v0.25.x | v25.x (10+ years) |
Installation Complexity
BookStack needs two containers — the app and MariaDB. Generate APP_KEY, set APP_URL, configure database credentials. Default login is [email protected] / password. Straightforward deployment with excellent documentation.
Docmost needs three containers — the app, PostgreSQL, and Redis. Generate APP_SECRET, set APP_URL, configure database credentials. First user registers through the UI. Slightly more complex due to the additional Redis service.
Both are manageable. BookStack has the edge with fewer services and better deployment documentation.
Performance and Resource Usage
BookStack is lighter — approximately 400 MB total (PHP app + MariaDB). It handles hundreds of concurrent readers efficiently.
Docmost needs approximately 600 MB total due to the additional Redis service. The Node.js application itself is comparable in weight to BookStack’s PHP process.
Neither is resource-intensive. Both run comfortably on a 2 GB VPS.
Community and Support
BookStack has one of the strongest communities in the self-hosted ecosystem. Dan Brown (lead developer) maintains excellent documentation, a consistent release cadence, and actively engages with the community. Support is reliable and thorough.
Docmost’s community is younger and smaller. Development is active with frequent releases, but documentation is thinner and community support is less established.
Use Cases
Choose Docmost If…
- Real-time collaboration is a requirement
- You prefer Notion-style block editing
- You want a modern, flexible page hierarchy
- Inline comments are important for your workflow
- You’re comfortable with newer, pre-1.0 software
Choose BookStack If…
- You need structured documentation (book/chapter/page)
- Granular role-based permissions matter
- You need LDAP or SAML SSO
- Detailed audit logging is required
- You value stability and mature documentation
- MIT licensing is preferred over AGPL
Final Verdict
BookStack is the safer choice in 2026. A decade of development has produced a polished, reliable documentation platform with excellent community support. If your documentation fits the library metaphor (and most does), BookStack does it exceptionally well.
Docmost is the forward-looking choice. Its real-time collaboration, modern editor, and workspace model feel like the next generation of self-hosted wikis. If you’re starting fresh and real-time editing is important, Docmost is worth the trade-off in maturity.
For teams migrating from Confluence, BookStack is the natural fit (similar structure). For teams migrating from Notion, Docmost or Outline feel more familiar.
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