Starlight vs GitBook: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Starlight 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:
Starlight
Documentation site builder by Astro
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Starlight is a documentation framework built on Astro
- • It creates fast, accessible documentation sites with minimal config
GitBook
Documentation for technical teams
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Documentation platform for technical teams with Git integration
- • Clean editor with code-friendly formatting options
| At a Glance |  Starlight |  GitBook |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | Documentation |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Starlight | GitBook |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationStatic Site Generators | DocumentationWriting Apps |
How Starlight and GitBook Compare
Starlight
Documentation site builder by Astro
Free · 82/100 score
GitBook
Documentation for technical teams
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Starlight is free. GitBook is freemium.
Go with: Starlight
Want the highest-rated option?
Starlight: 82/100. 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?
Starlight is free. GitBook is freemium. Go with Starlight 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 82/100.
Key Takeaways
GitBook
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Starlight
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
GitBook (86/100) is our pick. That said, Starlight is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starlight or GitBook better?
GitBook scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Starlight is free and GitBook is freemium.
What are Starlight and GitBook used for?
Starlight: Documentation site builder by Astro. GitBook: Documentation for technical teams.
What does Starlight cost vs GitBook?
Starlight is completely free. GitBook is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.