Bookstack vs ReadMe: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Bookstack and ReadMe 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Bookstack
Self-hosted wiki platform
Best for you if:
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • BookStack is an open-source platform for organizing and storing information
- • It provides a simple wiki-style interface with books, chapters, and pages
ReadMe
Developer documentation platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Developer documentation platform with API reference sync
- • Interactive API explorer from OpenAPI specs
| At a Glance |  Bookstack |  ReadMe |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | API Tools |
Rating | 78/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Bookstack | ReadMe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationWriting Apps | API ToolsDocumentation |
How Bookstack and ReadMe Compare
Bookstack
Self-hosted wiki platform
Free tier available · 78/100 score
ReadMe
Developer documentation platform
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Bookstack is a documentation tool. ReadMe is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Bookstack
Want the highest-rated option?
Bookstack: 78/100. ReadMe: 85/100.
Go with: ReadMe
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ReadMe
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Bookstack is a documentation tool. ReadMe is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ReadMe scores higher: 85/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
ReadMe
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Bookstack
- Better fit for documentation
The Bottom Line
ReadMe (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bookstack or ReadMe better?
ReadMe scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Bookstack and ReadMe used for?
Bookstack: Self-hosted wiki platform. ReadMe: Developer documentation platform.
What does Bookstack cost vs ReadMe?
Bookstack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ReadMe is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.