NodeBB vs Smithereen
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
Smithereen
Federated social network with a familiar layout
| Feature | NodeBB | Smithereen |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Networks | Social Networks |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | Java |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 1,024 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | docker, bare-metal, source | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 15,182 | ★ 547 |
| First released | 2013 | 2020 |
| Replaces | phpBB, Discourse | Facebook, VK |
Why pick each one
Choose Smithereen if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in Java
Frequently asked questions
Is NodeBB or Smithereen 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 Smithereen free and open-source?
Yes. NodeBB is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Smithereen under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run NodeBB and Smithereen with Docker?
NodeBB: yes. Smithereen: yes.