MkDocs vs Docusaurus: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between MkDocs and Docusaurus 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:
MkDocs
Static site generator for project documentation
Best for you if:
- • MkDocs is a static site generator designed for building project documentation
- • It creates beautiful documentation sites from Markdown with themes and plugins
Docusaurus
Open source documentation framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • Docusaurus is a static site generator optimized for documentation websites
- • It provides MDX support, versioning, search, and i18n out of the box with React extensibility
| At a Glance |  Docusaurus | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Documentation | Documentation |
Rating | 79/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | MkDocs | Docusaurus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationHosting & Deployment | DocumentationWebsite Builders |
How MkDocs and Docusaurus Compare
MkDocs
Static site generator for project documentation
Free · 79/100 score
Docusaurus
Open source documentation framework
Free · 87/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: MkDocs
Want the highest-rated option?
MkDocs: 79/100. Docusaurus: 87/100.
Go with: Docusaurus
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Docusaurus
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are documentation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Docusaurus scores higher: 87/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
Docusaurus
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 79
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
MkDocs
The Bottom Line
Docusaurus (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MkDocs or Docusaurus better?
Docusaurus scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are MkDocs and Docusaurus used for?
MkDocs: Static site generator for project documentation. Docusaurus: Open source documentation framework.
What does MkDocs cost vs Docusaurus?
MkDocs is completely free. Docusaurus is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.