Wiki.js vs Outline: Which to Self-Host?
Quick Verdict
Outline is better for teams that want a modern, Notion-like documentation experience with real-time collaboration. Wiki.js is better for technical teams that want Git-based content management, multiple editor types, and flexible search backends. Both are strong choices — the decision comes down to collaboration style.
Overview
Wiki.js is a Node.js wiki with multiple editors (Markdown, WYSIWYG, HTML), Git storage sync, and configurable search engines. Flexible page organization with path-based URLs.
Outline is a modern knowledge base with Markdown editing, slash commands, real-time collaboration, and collections-based organization. Requires external authentication (OIDC/OAuth).
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Wiki.js | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Editors | Markdown + WYSIWYG + HTML | Markdown with slash commands |
| Real-time collaboration | No | Yes |
| Git sync | Yes (bidirectional) | No |
| Built-in auth | Yes (email/password) | No (requires OIDC/OAuth) |
| Search | PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, Algolia | PostgreSQL full-text |
| Diagrams | Mermaid + PlantUML + draw.io | Limited |
| Page organization | Path-based (folder-like) | Collections + nested docs |
| API | GraphQL | REST |
| Templates | Page templates | Document templates |
| Public sharing | Public pages | Public document links |
| File storage | Database + Git | Local or S3 |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | BSL 1.1 |
Installation Complexity
Wiki.js: Two containers (app + PostgreSQL). Setup wizard on first access. Built-in auth works immediately.
Outline: Three containers (app + PostgreSQL + Redis) plus an external auth provider. Must configure OIDC or OAuth before first login. More setup required.
Wiki.js is simpler because it doesn’t require external authentication.
Performance and Resource Usage
| Resource | Wiki.js | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| RAM (idle) | ~150 MB | ~200 MB |
| RAM (full stack) | ~400 MB | ~500 MB |
| CPU | Low | Low |
| Services needed | 2 | 3 + auth provider |
Similar resource profiles. Outline’s Redis requirement and auth provider add slight overhead.
Community and Support
Wiki.js: ~33,000 GitHub stars. v3.0 rewrite in development (v2.x is stable but receiving fewer updates). Strong community but in a transition period.
Outline: ~30,000 GitHub stars. Active development, backed by a company that also offers hosted Outline. Growing community with consistent releases.
Both are healthy projects. Outline has more momentum currently; Wiki.js is in a transition phase between major versions.
Use Cases
Choose Wiki.js If…
- Git-based content management is important (version control, edit via commits)
- You need multiple editor types (Markdown for devs, WYSIWYG for non-devs, HTML for advanced)
- You want configurable search (Elasticsearch for large wikis)
- You prefer built-in authentication
- Diagram support (Mermaid, PlantUML) is needed in the editor
- You want the most flexible wiki platform
Choose Outline If…
- Real-time collaboration (multiple people editing simultaneously) is essential
- You want a modern, Notion-like editing experience
- Your org already has an identity provider (OIDC/OAuth)
- Fast, fluid document creation matters more than structural flexibility
- You want a cleaner, more polished reading experience
- You prefer collections over folder-path organization
Final Verdict
For technical teams that treat docs as code: Wiki.js. Git sync, multiple editors, and diagram support make it ideal for developer documentation.
For teams that want the best collaborative editing experience: Outline. Real-time collaboration, slash commands, and a modern UI make it feel like a product, not a wiki.
Both are excellent. Pick based on whether Git-based workflows or real-time collaboration matters more to your team.
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