Open-Source Alternatives to GitBook / ReadMe.io
Based on our dataset, the self-hostable open-source alternatives to GitBook / ReadMe.io are BookStack / Mintlify-OSS. The GitBook / ReadMe.io plan we benchmark is Pro / Custom Domain ($65 base + $12/user/mo).
Data last updated . How we check.
Quick comparison
| Alternative | License | RAM in starter config | Needs Postgres / Redis | Migration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BookStack / Mintlify-OSS | MIT | 256 MB | No / No | Very Easy |
BookStack / Mintlify-OSS
Simple, self-hosted documentation platform with Book/Chapter/Page hierarchy, WYSIWYG & Markdown
- Built-in diagrams.net drawing integration
- Full-text instant search & PDF export
- OIDC, SAML2 & LDAP authentication included
Docker image lscr.io/linuxserver/bookstack:latest. GitHub: BookStackApp/BookStack (15.6k stars when our data was last updated). Website: https://www.bookstackapp.com
Switching from GitBook / ReadMe.io
- Pick an alternative above and open its comparison page for the cost breakdown.
- Generate a free starter
docker-compose.ymlin the stack builder. - Test it on a small server with a copy of your data before moving the team over.
- Check the migration notes in the table, and the official docs of the tool you pick.
More detail: Replace GitBook / ReadMe.io guide.
FAQ
What are the open-source alternatives to GitBook / ReadMe.io?
In the StackSwitcher dataset, the self-hostable open-source alternatives to GitBook / ReadMe.io are BookStack / Mintlify-OSS.
Which GitBook / ReadMe.io plan does StackSwitcher compare against?
We benchmark GitBook / ReadMe.io Pro / Custom Domain ($65 base + $12/user/mo). The main pain point we note: GitBook charges $65/mo per custom domain doc site plus $12/editor seat just to render Markdown from GitHub.
How much RAM does BookStack / Mintlify-OSS need when self-hosted?
Our starter Docker config budgets 256 MB of RAM for BookStack / Mintlify-OSS. Real needs depend on your usage.
Config templates are MIT licensed and provided "AS IS", with no warranty of any kind and no liability. Prices and specs are informational estimates from our dataset, so check the vendor and project sites before you decide. See the Terms & No Warranty disclaimer.