Docmost vs Wiki.js: Which Wiki to Self-Host?
Quick Verdict
Wiki.js is the better choice if you want multiple editor types, Git synchronization, or a mature platform with proven stability. Docmost is better if you prioritize real-time collaboration and a Notion-like editing experience. Wiki.js is the more versatile platform; Docmost is the more modern one.
Overview
Wiki.js is a mature, full-featured wiki engine built on Node.js. Its standout feature is support for three editor types per page (Markdown, WYSIWYG, or raw HTML) and bidirectional Git synchronization. It requires only PostgreSQL — no Redis.
Docmost is a newer collaborative wiki focused on a Notion-like experience. It features real-time multiplayer editing, block-based content with slash commands, and workspace organization. It requires PostgreSQL and Redis.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Docmost | Wiki.js |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | Block-based, slash commands | Markdown, WYSIWYG, or HTML (per page) |
| Real-time collab | Yes | No |
| Git sync | No | Yes (bidirectional) |
| Organization | Workspaces → Spaces → Pages | Flat pages with path-based hierarchy |
| Authentication | Built-in email/password | Built-in + LDAP + OIDC + OAuth2 + SAML |
| Search | Full-text | Full-text (PostgreSQL or Elasticsearch) |
| Localization | Limited | 40+ languages |
| Diagramming | Yes | PlantUML, Mermaid, Kroki |
| Comments | Inline | Page-level |
| Docker services | 3 (app + PostgreSQL + Redis) | 2 (app + PostgreSQL) |
| RAM usage | ~600 MB | ~300 MB |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-2.0 |
| Maturity | v0.25.x | v2.5.x (stable) |
| Upcoming version | Active development | v3.0 in development |
Installation Complexity
Wiki.js is one of the simplest wikis to deploy. Two containers (app + PostgreSQL), set DB_HOST, DB_USER, DB_PASS. The setup wizard runs on first access. No secrets to generate, no Redis to configure. Built-in auth works out of the box.
Docmost needs three containers and requires generating an APP_SECRET. Otherwise similar — set URL, database credentials, start the stack. First user registers via the web UI.
Wiki.js is slightly simpler due to fewer services and no secret generation.
Performance and Resource Usage
Wiki.js is lighter — approximately 300 MB total (app + PostgreSQL). It’s one of the most efficient wiki platforms available.
Docmost needs approximately 600 MB due to the additional Redis requirement and a heavier Node.js application. Still reasonable, but double Wiki.js’s footprint.
Community and Support
Wiki.js has been around since 2017 with a large user base. Documentation is comprehensive. The lead developer is working on v3.0, which will be a significant architectural refresh. The v2.x branch receives maintenance updates.
Docmost’s community is newer and smaller but growing rapidly. Development pace is fast. Documentation is functional but less comprehensive than Wiki.js’s.
Use Cases
Choose Docmost If…
- Real-time collaboration is essential
- You want Notion-like block editing
- You prefer workspace-based organization
- Inline comments are important
- You want a modern UI feel
Choose Wiki.js If…
- You want Git sync for version-controlled documentation
- You need multiple editor types (Markdown + WYSIWYG)
- You need extensive SSO options (LDAP, SAML)
- You want the lightest possible resource footprint
- You need multi-language interface support
- You prefer proven, mature software
Final Verdict
Wiki.js is the more versatile and proven platform. Its Git sync capability is unique among self-hosted wikis — if your docs live in a Git repository, nothing else compares. Multiple editor types mean different team members can work in their preferred format.
Docmost wins on collaboration. Real-time multiplayer editing is a genuine advantage for teams that work on documents simultaneously. Its Notion-like editor is also more intuitive for users coming from Notion or Google Docs.
For technical documentation with version control needs, Wiki.js is the clear winner. For team knowledge management that feels like Notion, Docmost is the better choice.
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