Discourse vs Hacker News: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Discourse and Hacker News 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Discourse
Modern forum software for community discussions
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Discourse is open-source forum software for building online communities
- • It provides modern discussion features, moderation tools, and extensive customization options
Hacker News
A community-curated news aggregator for technology and entrepreneurship.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Community-driven news aggregation for tech and startups.
- • Features user-submitted articles, discussions, and project showcases.
| At a Glance |  Discourse | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Community Platforms | Community Platforms |
Rating | 87/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Discourse | Hacker News |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 87 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Community PlatformsForum Software | Community PlatformsForum Software |
Understanding the Differences
Both Discourse and Hacker News solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Discourse positions itself as "modern forum software for community discussions" while Hacker Newsfocuses on "a community-curated news aggregator for technology and entrepreneurship.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Discourse
Discourse makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Hacker News
Hacker News is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Discourse lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Discourse
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Discourse handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Discourse
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Discourse
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Hacker News won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Discourse higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Hacker News more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Discourse Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hacker News If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Discourse (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Discourse scores higher in our analysis, but Hacker News might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Discourse or Hacker News better?
Based on our analysis, Discourse scores higher with 87/100. Discourse isfreemium while Hacker News is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Discourse to Hacker News easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Discourse and Hacker News offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Discourse is freemium with a free tier.Hacker News is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.