Free, open-source alternatives to Disqus
Comments for websites and blogs. 4 apps you can run yourself instead of Disqus, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
remark42Best match
Lightweight and simple comment engine, which doesn't spy on users. It can be embedded into blogs, articles or any other place where readers add comments.
Isso
Lightweight commenting server written in Python and Javascript. It aims to be a drop-in replacement for Disqus.
Artalk
Comment system built in Golang, providing a lightweight and highly customizable solution for adding comments to your website.
Coral
A better commenting experience from Vox Media.
Side by side
Why replace Disqus?
Disqus works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Disqus?
remark42 is the closest open-source replacement for Disqus in our list. Isso and Artalk are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to Disqus?
Yes. All 4 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.