Wiki.js

Wiki.js is a free, AGPL-licensed knowledge base for teams publishing documentation internally, publicly, or both. It suits organizations prepared to run their own software and database; the broad authoring and access controls are a draw, but 3.0 beta capabilities should not be mistaken for stable-release requirements.

Overview

Wiki.js can be deployed in Docker, Kubernetes, or bare metal environments on Linux, macOS, and Windows. The stable release requires Node.js 18.x or later and supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MSSQL, or SQLite3, giving operators a choice of database while leaving deployment and maintenance in their hands. Custom domains, SSO, and version history support both internal and public publishing.

The free plan is “Free forever” at no cost, AGPL licensed and self-hosted. That removes a software subscription cost, not the operational work of hosting it. The AGPL license is also a factor for organizations assessing open-source software and its distribution.

Key features

Authoring for documentation

The Markdown editor combines live preview with tables, tabsets, diagrams, math, and syntax highlighting for more than 180 languages. That range is useful for technical teams that need code examples and structured reference material alongside prose, rather than a basic article editor.

Identity and permissions

Authentication options include OIDC, LDAP, SAML 2.0, and local authentication. Access can be granted, denied, and inherited through groups and page rules, giving administrators controls for separating audiences and protecting internal material. More than 50 listed integrations span authentication, logging, rendering, search, and storage.

Change history and storage

Edits are diffed and attributed, and prior versions can be restored in one click. Content can synchronize with Git or be pushed to local disk and cloud storage including S3, Azure, and GCP. These capabilities suit teams that want an auditable record and control over where documentation is stored.

What is specific to 3.0 beta

Wiki.js 3.0 beta adds real-time collaboration with live cursors, presence, and conflict-free merges. Its interface actions are exposed as REST endpoints documented with OpenAPI, and this beta runs on Node.js with PostgreSQL. Those are beta-specific details; the stable release instead supports several database options, so teams should distinguish the versions when planning a deployment.

Pricing

Wiki.js has one stated plan: “Free forever” at no cost. It is self-hosted and AGPL licensed, with no paid tier or seat, storage, trial, or renewal terms to weigh in the stated plan. It fits organizations able to operate their own instance and comfortable with the license; those seeking a hosted service or vendor-managed deployment should look elsewhere.

Platforms

Wiki.js supports web access and can run on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with API and self-hosted options. Deployment can be through Docker, Kubernetes, or bare metal. Stable deployments require Node.js 18.x or later and one of PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MSSQL, or SQLite3.

Who it's for

Wiki.js is a strong fit for technical and operations teams that need structured documentation, detailed access rules, and control over hosting and storage. Its public-or-internal publishing, SSO, and version history also make it relevant to organizations serving more than one audience. It is less suited to groups that cannot take responsibility for self-hosting, or that require beta capabilities as dependable stable-release features.

Pros and cons

• Broad documentation formats: Markdown, diagrams, math, tabsets, and extensive code highlighting support technical reference material.
• Flexible access and storage: Multiple authentication protocols, group and page rules, Git synchronization, and local or cloud storage give operators meaningful control.
• Free and self-hosted: There is no software subscription price, but organizations must run the service themselves and account for the AGPL license.
• Version distinction matters: Real-time collaboration and the OpenAPI-exposed interface are described for 3.0 beta, whose PostgreSQL requirement differs from the stable release's database choices.

Alternatives

For another free, self-hosted option with unlimited users and documents on its Community plan, consider CompassDocs. BookStack is another no-cost self-hosted choice, licensed under MIT. If an on-premises community edition with unlimited staff users, end users, articles, and files is the priority, KBPublisher is worth comparing. XWiki offers a free on-premises Community plan with community support without guarantees. For a recruitment-focused alternative, Happy HR has a free recruitment plan and a 30-day trial. HRDocket Employee Self-Service has a free plan capped at one employee profile, one company, and 10 AI credits. Vivantio is a paid option at $49 a month, with published pricing ranging from $49–$99 per agent per month billed annually and free end users. Applaud HR Case Management uses custom pricing, starts at 500 users, and charges per user per month on a subscription basis.

Browse Knowledge base software, Wiki Software, Knowledge Management Software, and HR Knowledge Base Software for category comparisons.

Verdict

Choose Wiki.js if you want a free, self-hosted documentation platform with substantial authoring, authentication, permissions, and storage flexibility—and can manage its infrastructure. Look elsewhere if you need a managed service or cannot base a decision on stable capabilities while key collaboration and API features remain specific to the 3.0 beta.