Read the Docs vs Docusaurus: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Read the Docs 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Read the Docs
Empower your team with versioned documentation, seamless previews, and powerful authentication.
Best for you if:
- • Automates documentation deployment and versioning from Git repositories.
- • Provides deploy previews for pull requests and integrated search.
Docusaurus
Open source documentation framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • 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 |  Read the Docs | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Documentation | Documentation |
Rating | —/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Read the Docs | Docusaurus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Documentation | DocumentationStatic Site Generators |
Understanding the Differences
Both Read the Docs and Docusaurus solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Read the Docs positions itself as "empower your team with versioned documentation, seamless previews, and powerful authentication." while Docusaurusfocuses on "open source documentation framework". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Read the Docs
Read the Docs makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Docusaurus
Docusaurus is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 87/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Read the Docs lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Read the Docs
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Docusaurus is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Docusaurus
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: Docusaurus
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Docusaurus 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 Docusaurus higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Docusaurus more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Docusaurus Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Read the Docs If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Docusaurus (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Docusaurus scores higher in our analysis, but Read the Docs 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 Read the Docs or Docusaurus better?
Based on our analysis, Docusaurus scores higher with 87/100. Read the Docs isfreemium while Docusaurus 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 Read the Docs to Docusaurus 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 Read the Docs and Docusaurus offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Read the Docs is freemium with a free tier.Docusaurus is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.