NodeBB vs PeerTube search-index
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted social networks options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
NodeBB
Node.js powered forum with real-time updates
VS
PeerTube search-index
Search engine for PeerTube videos and channels
| Feature | NodeBB | PeerTube search-index |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Networks | Social Networks |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0-only |
| Language | JavaScript | |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 1,024 MB | 2,000 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 15,182 | — |
| First released | 2013 | 2023 |
| Replaces | phpBB, Discourse | — |
Why pick each one
Choose PeerTube search-index if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0-only license
Frequently asked questions
Is NodeBB or PeerTube search-index better?
Neither is universally better. NodeBB has the larger community; both share a medium setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are NodeBB and PeerTube search-index free and open-source?
Yes. NodeBB is licensed under GPL-3.0 and PeerTube search-index under AGPL-3.0-only. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run NodeBB and PeerTube search-index with Docker?
NodeBB: yes. PeerTube search-index: check the project docs for container support.