Side by side
CommonPub vs Mastodon
Both stand on community platforms. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
CommonPub combines maker documentation, community hubs, and ActivityPub federation at no listed price. Consider the limits on recalling federated posts and the hosted service’s availability when choosing between hosting options.
Visit CommonPub Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2
Mastodon provides a decentralized social network with portable accounts, broad posting formats, and open development access. Server choice or self-hosting brings operational and moderation responsibilities.
Visit MastodonThe facts
| CommonPub | Mastodon | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Mastodon |
| Website | commonpub.io | joinmastodon.org |
| On community platforms | #35 of 126 | #31 of 126 |
CommonPub: what it does well
- Free and open source under AGPL-3.0.
- Supports project documentation with diagrams, parts lists, and code blocks.
- Learning paths include quizzes, certificates, and progress tracking.
- Moderation tools are available.
What to know first
- Public federated posts may be copied to other servers.
- Hosted availability and data retention are not guaranteed.
- Users are advised to maintain their own backups.
Mastodon: what it does well
- Free, open-source software
- Independent servers with local moderation
- Chronological feed without ads
- Official iOS and Android apps
- Open API for app development
What to know first
- Choosing a server affects moderation rules
- Self-hosting requires technical operation
- Third-party app experience may vary
Alternatives to CommonPub Alternatives to Mastodon The whole list