7 tools
MicroBaseHQ lists 7 documentation tools, including 4 freemium, 3 open-source options. 7 of these tools offer a free tier so you can try before you buy. Paid plans start at $4/mo and go up to $29/mo, with an average of $12/mo.
These tools are popular with developers, knowledge workers and researchers, with common capabilities including open-source, whiteboard, knowledge-management, architecture, collaboration.
4
Freemium
57% of tools
3
Open Source
43% of tools
Price range: $4/mo – $29/mo (avg $12/mo). 7 tools offer a free tier.
| Tool | Pricing | Starting Price | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obsidian A second brain, for you, forever | Freemium | $4/mo | Yes |
| Excalidraw Virtual whiteboard for sketching hand-drawn diagrams | Freemium | $7/mo | Yes |
| Papermark Open-source DocSend alternative for document sharing | Freemium | $29/mo | Yes |
| Eraser Technical design docs and diagrams as code | Freemium | $8/mo | Yes |
Consider your budget. There are 3 free or open-source documentation tools if you are just getting started. 7 tools offer a free tier, letting you test the product before committing. Paid options range from $4/mo to $29/mo, so there is a tool for every budget.
Think about your team. These tools serve different audiences, from developers to researchers. Choose a tool that matches your team's technical expertise and workflow requirements.
Compare before committing. Use the comparison table above to quickly evaluate the top documentation tools side by side. Check whether a free tier or trial is available so you can test the tool with your real workflow before making a decision.
| Tldraw A very good whiteboard | Open Source | Free | Yes |
