MkDocs vs GitBook: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between MkDocs and GitBook 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:
- • You need something completely free
- • MkDocs is a static site generator designed for building project documentation
- • It creates beautiful documentation sites from Markdown with themes and plugins
GitBook
Documentation for technical teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • Documentation platform for technical teams with Git integration
- • Clean editor with code-friendly formatting options
| At a Glance |  GitBook | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | Documentation |
Rating | 79/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | MkDocs | GitBook |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationHosting & Deployment | DocumentationWriting Apps |
How MkDocs and GitBook Compare
MkDocs
Static site generator for project documentation
Free · 79/100 score
GitBook
Documentation for technical teams
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MkDocs is free. GitBook is freemium.
Go with: MkDocs
Want the highest-rated option?
MkDocs: 79/100. GitBook: 86/100.
Go with: GitBook
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitBook
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
MkDocs is free. GitBook is freemium. Go with MkDocs if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are documentation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
GitBook scores higher: 86/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
GitBook
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 79
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
MkDocs
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
GitBook (86/100) is our pick. That said, MkDocs is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MkDocs or GitBook better?
GitBook scores 86/100 in our evaluation. MkDocs is free and GitBook is freemium.
What are MkDocs and GitBook used for?
MkDocs: Static site generator for project documentation. GitBook: Documentation for technical teams.
What does MkDocs cost vs GitBook?
MkDocs is completely free. GitBook is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.