Outline vs GitBook: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Outline 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:
Outline
Open-source knowledge base
Best for you if:
- • Outline is an open-source knowledge base for growing teams
- • It provides beautiful docs with real-time collaboration and Slack integration
GitBook
Documentation for technical teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • Documentation platform for technical teams with Git integration
- • Clean editor with code-friendly formatting options
| At a Glance |  Outline |  GitBook |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | Documentation |
Rating | 75/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Outline | GitBook |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 75 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationInternal Comms | DocumentationWriting Apps |
How Outline and GitBook Compare
Outline
Open-source knowledge base
Free tier available · 75/100 score
GitBook
Documentation for technical teams
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Outline
Want the highest-rated option?
Outline: 75/100. 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?
Both are freemium. 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?
GitBook scores higher: 86/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
GitBook
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Outline
The Bottom Line
GitBook (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Outline or GitBook better?
GitBook scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Outline and GitBook used for?
Outline: Open-source knowledge base. GitBook: Documentation for technical teams.
What does Outline cost vs GitBook?
Outline is freemium (free tier + paid plans). GitBook is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.