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Gitbook Review & Alternatives
Almanac Team
Almanac Team
6.2.2022
min read

Gitbook is a static site generator that allows you to create books and documentation. It's free and open source, and it's easy to use. It’s a collaborative documentation tool where users can document a number of products and programs as well as share knowledge.  

GitBook works by taking your content, which you write in Markdown or AsciiDoc format, then adding it into a book. One of the most important features of Gitbook is its ability to help you collaborate with others on your work. You can invite collaborators to work with you on your project, which they can do in real time, making it helpful for both remote work and hybrid work. 

Is Gitbook worth it? And what are the best Gitbook alternatives for online documentation? Let’s review! 

Gitbook Review 

Gitbook is a versatile tool that allows for productive team collaboration in order to create an internal wiki. With Gitbook, you have the ability to sync information automatically, as it supports Github and Gitlab. This encourages proper organization within your team because of its ease of use.

Based on a system primarily used by programmers, it can be intimidating to individuals who aren’t tech-savvy. Processes within the wiki software can be complicated such as documentation processing. Without proper team onboarding, Gitbook may be a difficult software with a steep learning curve for some teams.

You can write in Markdown or HTML but they recommend using markdown because they've built their own custom editor that makes writing in this syntax easier than ever before!

Gitbook works with the popular Git version control system, so if you know how to use Git and GitHub then you'll feel right at home with this tool. You can use GitBook as an online editor or offline desktop app (they have both). There are also Chrome extensions available too.

Gitbook Features:

  • Free, open source projects
  • Custom domains 
  • API support
  • Version history
  • Decision trees
  • Page analytics
  • Templates
  • In-content feedback
  • Content editor
  • Duplicate detection

Gitbook Pros:

  • Supports and syncs with GitHub and Gitlab 
  • SAML + SSO features ensure security
  • Google Analytics support
  • Ability to create folders, upload files, and share a page publicly 

Gitbook Cons:

  • Free account must be accessible to public
  • Paid versions require full payment for the minimum number of users
  • Complicated documentation process

How Much Does Gitlab Cost? 

Gitlab has four pricing plans. 

  • Community: For free, Community offers unlimited public spaces, content API, Github & GitLab integration, and custom domains.
  • Team: At $6.40/user per month, minimum 5 users, Team offers everything in Community plus unlimited private spaces, and email domain SSO.
  • Business: At $12/user per month, minimum 20 users, Business offers everything in Team plus advanced role and team permissions, pdf export, and shareable links.
  • Enterprise: Available for large enterprises and companies, Enterprise offers everything in Business plus Visitor Authentication, Customer Success Manager, SAML SSO, at custom pricing.

What is Gitlab Best For? 

Gitlab is best for developers who want to host their own Git repository. Gitlab could also be useful if your team is using it as well and wants to collaborate on code together. For example, let’s say two developers are working on the same project at different times in different locations and want to keep track of what each other has been working on so far without having to rely on emailing or messaging each other constantly. 

With Gitlab, they could both make use of the same git repository so that one person doesn’t accidentally overwrite something important from another person's work without knowing about it first (this happens all too often).

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—Gitlab offers full history tracking for every single commit made by any member within an organization (including yourself). This means that if anyone ever needs help figuring out who wrote which piece of code or why something happened in such-and-such way, they can go back through all previous versions until they find what they're looking for!

Is Gitlab Safe to Use?

Gitlab is a safe tool to use, but the security of your content can depend on how you use them: if you choose to make all your work public, then anyone who comes across it will be able to see what's going on and even contribute to it themselves. But if you're only sharing with potential collaborators then there won't be any issues at all

Is Gitlab Actually Good?

Yes, Gitlab is a good platform! That being said, there are some Gitlab alternatives (or competitors) that might be a better fit for you and your teams needs. 

Gitlab Alternatives

Almanac 

As a knowledge management tool, Almanac allows for efficient and effective collaboration on projects with its numerous integrated features, making it perfect for remote teams

Features such as real-time editing, read receipts, activity feed, and a cloud storage system allow for a collaborative process that provides different teams with a reliable and well-trusted system.

Almanac was created with the intention of creating the most optimal knowledge management tool for teams of different kinds. Utilities such as feedback requests, thread commenting, and formal approval requests also improve work productivity and further streamline the workflow of its members–whether you’re documenting company policies or improving your asynchronous work

Additionally, with custom workplace landing pages, rich text formatting, and custom fonts, your team can create personalized pages that will help keep your team engaged. Your team may also protect its documents by using the password feature and be rest assured of protection from unwanted parties. 

All the features that are integrated into Almanac create a simple yet comprehensive system for the management of information, allowing it to stand apart as the best of the numerous Gitlab alternatives available.

Features:

  • Comprehensive data analytics
  • Ability to share documents with your peers
  • Organize knowledge through handbook creation 
  • Aggregated notifications
  • Activity feed shows changes over time
  • Advanced formatting
  • Keep track of your team with an activity feed and read receipts
  • Version control allows users to secure data
  • Advanced permissions for internal security
  • Secured through password-protected systems
  • Custom styling with rich embeds and snippets for a personalized writing experience

Pros:

  • Permission controls allow for comprehensive permission levels within your team
  • Linked documents allow suggestions and editing without changing an original
  • Fast and easy to use with a sleek interface
  • Flexible structure for fluid and productive work environment
  • Personalized workspaces to engage users

Cons:

  • It is still in its early years, so you’ll probably have to learn new features as you go 

Pricing:

  • Basic: Free to use
  • Team: $49 per month for small teams (up to 10 seats) and unlimited storage
  • Pro: $129 per month for growing teams (up to 30 seats)

Try Almanac Today

Slab 

Slab is a knowledge management tool that helps with team documentation. The main focus of Slab is productivity, which means it has features that provide a wide range of functionality for various types of businesses.  

As a knowledge management tool, Slab offers what is needed in order to run an internal wiki. Slab is better suited for smaller teams that are looking to get started in creating a knowledge sharing platform. 

Features: 

  • Page analytics
  • Version history
  • Real-time collaboration 
  • Unified search engine
  • Templates 

Pros: 

  • Highly customizable and engaging interface 
  • Multitude of integrations allowing for a wide network 
  • UI is intuitive and user-friendly 

Cons: 

  • Limited template library 
  • Priced higher than competitors 
  • Search function and organizational structure can be hard to navigate 
  • Less formatting options compared to competitors 

Pricing: 

  • The Basic package is completely free and offers 10MB attachments along with 90 days version history, unlimited posts, and topics, along with the previously mentioned features. 
  • For the Startup tier, you get everything in the basic package, plus 25MB attachments, 365 days version history, and 90 days usage analytics for $6.67/user per month.
  • For the Business tier, everything in the startup tier is included plus 100MB attachments, 365 days usage analytics, SAML+SSO security, and additional integrations for $12.50/user per month. 
  • On the other hand, the Enterprise tier is available at custom pricing with all the perks of Business plus additional priority support.

Wiki.js 

Open-source software tools can serve many benefits to its users. In the case of Wiki.js, its open-source wiki functionality offers businesses a free option that is completely viable for information management. This wiki tool offers a bundle of features that is easy to install and is scalable.

Despite its apparent benefits, the application’s core being an open-source software handicaps its potential. This happens due to the lack of support Wiki.js receives when compared to other subscription-based tools. 

Wiki.js is a good alternative for teams that are prioritizing affordability above all else. Even with the lack of features when compared to some of its competitors, Wiki.js is still one of the more notable knowledge management Gitlab alternatives, since it is offered for free.

Features:

  • Provides close to universal compatibility with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, or SQLite
  • Uses Node.js engine
  • Page permissions
  • Allows administrator backend management
  • Offers customization options such as light and dark mode

Pros: 

  • Scalable
  • Easy installation
  • Fully customizable appearance

Cons:

  • Lackluster file management system
  • Basic permission system
  • Can be too technical for less tech-savvy users
  • Lacks several features from its competitors

Pricing 

  • Standard plan is $29/mo and offers unlimited users and documents, 10GB storage, live chat support and custom domain with SSL
  • Premium plan is $59/mo and offers the same as a standard plan however offers 100GB and single sign-on integrations
  • Custom plans can start at $149/mo and offers the same as above, however has unlimited storage and does have special requirements. You can contact support for information on the custom plan.

Slite

With a focus on a minimalistic UI, Slite provides a simple and intuitive user interface and experience. With support for graphics and rich-media content, you’ll be able to use a variety of resources in document entries using Slite, including materials from the free Wikimedia Commons

However, the document editor is otherwise highly simplified, and it lacks organizational tools to help streamline and expedite access to information without the use of its search function.

Features: 

  • Progress tracking
  • Team member coordination 
  • Quick feedback
  • Integration with other apps
  • Templates

Pros: 

  • Cheaper for smaller businesses to start
  • Ongoing development so new features are continuously added
  • Easy to create and find notes

Cons: 

  • Lack of exporting and importing options
  • Lack of organization options for notes
  • User reports regarding billing issues
  • No advanced spreadsheet capabilities
  • Buggy UI features
  • Integration with third-party tools can be spotty

Pricing

Slite offers a free service tier for up to 50 documents, and then:

  • An additional $6.67/month/user for organizations that need unlimited documents
  • Premium: $12.50/month/user, billed annually  

Guru 

Dubbed as a “next-generation” wiki editor, Guru is a powerful tool that offers functionality through its different organizational capabilities. The app boasts many features available to modern wiki softwares such as online collaboration tools and different third-party integrations. 

Regardless of Guru’s adequate functionality, the price range comparatively leans toward the more expensive side. Price aside, the app can be difficult to collaborate with team members due to the lack of in-app communication and incomplete search features.

Features:

  • Browser extensions 
  • Offers API Support
  • SAML + SCIM security

Pros:

  • Integrates AI-suggested texts
  • Provides further integration with Slack support
  • Available also in mobile devices

Cons:

  • Lack of in-app communication prevents team collaboration
  • Difficult to edit existing cards
  • Hard to use its search feature
  • Has bugs and sometimes crashes

Pricing: 

  • Starter: Free for up to 3 core users or $5/user per month (for more than 3 users), Starter offers unlimited light users, Slack and Microsoft Teams, and browser extensions.
  • Builder: At $10/user per month, Builder offers everything in starter plus analytics, advanced permissions, and duplicate detection.
  • Expert: At $20/user per month, Expert offers everything in Builder plus AI assist and ticket linking.

Conclusion: What is the best Gitbook alternative? 

Gitbook is a good option for your online documentation needs. It’s simple to use and easy on the eyes, but you might find some features lacking if you need a more robust asynchronous work tool. 

Almanac is a great alternative for Gitbook: it offers much more flexibility that a multitude of  businesses and organizations can use, making it the ideal platform for knowledge management, team communications, feedback as well as task tracking

Almanac can make the process of documentation and creating books much easier through their user-friendly interface and high performance work environment. To learn more about how Almanac can support your team and project management goals, get started today!

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