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Discourse vs NodeBB

The same facts for both, read from GitHub every night, and the relation a person reviewed.

DiscourseNodeBB
LanguageRubyJavaScript
LicenceGPL-2.0GPL-3.0
Stars48k15k
Latestv2026.9.0v4.16.2
Last push2026-10-062026-10-06
Release cadencetoo few releasesabout 14 days between releases
Active contributors38+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days12+ commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days
Flagsnonenone

How they relate

  • Both replace Circle. Alternatives to Circle →

    Full replacementDiscourseDiscussions, chat, events and paid subscriptions through bundled plugins, without Circle's courses.

    PartialNodeBBDiscussions, chat and plugins, without events or courses.

  • Both replace Reddit. Alternatives to Reddit →

    PartialDiscourseOne community per site, with categories and topic voting, not a network of communities.

    PartialNodeBBOne community per site with voting, federated with other forums over ActivityPub.