# BookStack vs Wiki.js

> Pick BookStack if you want a simple, structured wiki that non-technical staff can use on day one; pick Wiki.js if you want Markdown-first docs, Git sync and many storage options.

## Verdict

BookStack organizes content into shelves, books, chapters and pages, runs on a plain PHP and MySQL stack and is very approachable for internal documentation. Wiki.js is more flexible for technical teams, with Markdown editing, Git-backed storage and broad database and auth support, at the cost of a more complex admin area.

- Best for BookStack: Internal documentation and SOPs for mixed technical and non-technical teams
- Best for Wiki.js: Technical docs written in Markdown and synced to a Git repository

## Key differences

| Aspect | BookStack | Wiki.js |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language/stack | PHP (Laravel) | Node.js with a Vue frontend |
| Database | MySQL or MariaDB | Wiki.js 2: PostgreSQL (recommended), MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server or SQLite |
| Content model | Fixed hierarchy: shelves, books, chapters and pages | Free-form page paths and folders with a navigation menu you configure |
| Standout features | WYSIWYG and Markdown editors, page revisions, diagrams.net integration, LDAP, SAML and OIDC login | Git storage sync, many auth modules, multiple editors, localization |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | BookStack | Wiki.js |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 19,075 | 29,010 |
| Forks | 2,428 | 3,321 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 435 | 202 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Latest release | v26.09.1 | 3.0.0-beta.628 |
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | PHP | Vue |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/BookStackApp/BookStack | https://github.com/requarks/wiki |

App pages: [BookStack](https://appsgit.com/apps/bookstack), [Wiki.js](https://appsgit.com/apps/wiki-js)

## FAQ

### Is BookStack easier than Wiki.js?

For most teams, yes. Its book and chapter structure is easy to understand, and the WYSIWYG editor works well for people who do not write Markdown.

### Can Wiki.js store pages in Git?

Yes. Wiki.js 2 can sync content to a Git repository, so pages also exist as Markdown files you can review and back up outside the wiki.

### Which uses fewer resources?

Both run comfortably on a small VPS. BookStack is a standard PHP app with MySQL or MariaDB, while Wiki.js is a single Node.js process plus your chosen database.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/bookstack-vs-wiki-js
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