Compare software

Doom Emacs vs GNU Emacs: catalog facts
Doom EmacsGNU Emacs
Free

Free and open source.

Free

Free software under the GPL, part of the GNU Project.

macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
  • Modular setup where features are switched on per module
  • Large, active community and long commit history
  • Extensible in Emacs Lisp at runtime, so any behaviour can be changed without rebuilding
  • Org mode is a genuinely excellent system for notes, tasks and literate documents
  • Requires GNU Emacs to be installed first
  • Opinionated defaults take time to learn
  • A steep learning curve, with keybindings unlike any other editor
  • A usable configuration takes substantial time, hence Doom and Spacemacs
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License not stated License: GPL-3.0
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked September 24, 2026

Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.