3 Open Source Alternatives to Disqus

A list of 3 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Disqus.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated4 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Disqus open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Remark42 logo

Remark42

5,074
391

Remark42 is a privacy-focused, self-hosted commenting engine designed for seamless integration into blogs, articles, and other online platforms. Its lightweight design and strong privacy measures ensure user data is handled securely while delivering a robust comment experience.

Remark42 screenshot

Key Features

  • Privacy-focused design with minimal data collection
  • Self-hosted with embedded data file storage
  • Supports social logins (Google, Facebook, GitHub, etc.) and email authentication
  • Markdown support and customizable UI with light/dark themes
  • Robust moderation tools including comment removal and user blocking
  • Multi-level nested comments with both tree and plain presentations
  • Dockerized deployment and cross-platform compatibility
  • Import support from Disqus and WordPress
  • Automatic notifications via Telegram, Slack, email, and webhooks

Remark42 provides a simple yet functional comment engine that is easy to deploy and customize. It supports social logins via multiple providers, email-based and anonymous access, and offers markdown formatting, nested comment structures, and robust moderation tools. The platform is fully dockerized with cross-platform support, uses an embedded data file system instead of external databases, and includes features like file uploads, notifications, and data export options, ensuring a secure and efficient commenting system.

#2
I

Isso

5,120
439

Isso is a lightweight, open source commenting system that serves as a reliable alternative to Disqus. It enables websites to seamlessly integrate a commenting feature with user-friendly controls and moderation capabilities.

Isso screenshot

Key Features

  • Comments written in Markdown
  • User ability to edit or delete comments
  • Moderation queue for comment approval
  • SQLite backend for efficient data management
  • Easy migration from Disqus and WordPress
  • Lightweight and configurable JavaScript client
  • Compatibility with Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge

Designed for simplicity and efficiency, Isso lets users write comments in Markdown. It allows users to edit or delete their own comments within a 15-minute window and supports a moderation queue so that unapproved comments remain hidden. With an SQLite backend, the tool handles comment data responsibly and offers hassle-free migration from Disqus or WordPress. A compact, configurable JavaScript client ensures smooth integration across popular browsers.

#3
Commento logo

Commento

3,748
188

Commento is a fast, bloat-free comments platform that delivers a simple, lightweight solution for integrating user discussions into your website. It empowers communities to engage with features like moderation, upvotes, and nested replies, ensuring a streamlined and secure interaction experience.

Commento screenshot

Key Features

  • Sticky comments to highlight key discussions
  • Upvotes and downvotes to encourage quality contributions
  • Markdown formatting for rich text capabilities
  • Moderation tools including comment locking and spam filtering
  • No sign-up required for a frictionless commenting experience
  • Nested replies for organized, in-depth conversations
  • Easy import from Disqus and quick widget customization

Designed to be embedded effortlessly, Commento offers an easy-to-customize widget that enhances user interaction on any website. The tool supports features such as sticky comments, markdown formatting, and robust spam detection, allowing site owners to manage discussions without complexity. Migration from Disqus is straightforward, and the setup takes under 10 minutes.

Price comparison of Disqus open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Details
Commento logo
Commento
$10
Monthly Subscription
$99
Yearly Subscription
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About Disqus

Disqus is a trusted and renowned brand that helps publishers effectively engage, grow, and gain insights into their audiences. With a solid reputation, it surpasses any other platform in winning the trust of publishers worldwide. Disqus provides a powerful solution to build a thriving on-site community for publishers. By utilizing Disqus, publishers can foster meaningful connections with their audience, encouraging active participation and discussion. This platform enables publishers to create an inclusive and interactive space, allowing their visitors to share their thoughts and opinions effortlessly. Moreover, Disqus offers valuable tools and analytics to help publishers understand their audience better. By gaining insights into user behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns, publishers can tailor their content to better meet their audience's needs. Join the countless publishers who have chosen Disqus as their number one choice for building audience engagement. Start building your on-site community with Disqus today!.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Disqus logo

Disqus

Disqus is a blog comment hosting service offering a platform for social integration, social networking, user profiles, analytics and more.

Founded

2007

Employees

11

Location

San Francisco, United States

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