Compare software

Isso vs Artalk: catalog facts
IssoArtalk

Best for: Blogs and static sites replacing Disqus with self-hosted comments

Best for: Site owners who want a feature-rich comment section they host themselves

Free

Free and open source under the MIT license.

Free

Free and open source under the MIT license.

Self-hosted Self-hosted
  • Small client script of about 20kB gzipped
  • Imports existing Disqus and WordPress comments
All 4 strengths for Isso
  • Small client script of about 20kB gzipped
  • Imports existing Disqus and WordPress comments
  • Simple SQLite storage
  • Docker image and PyPI package available
  • Lightweight client that works with any framework
  • Built-in moderation, captcha and spam filtering
All 4 strengths for Artalk
  • Lightweight client that works with any framework
  • Built-in moderation, captcha and spam filtering
  • Manages several sites from one installation
  • One-step Docker deployment
  • Fewer features than larger comment platforms
  • Installing from PyPI needs a C compiler and Python headers
  • Much of the community discussion is in Chinese
  • Requires running and maintaining your own server
Self-hosted Self-hosted
Open source Open source
License: MIT License: MIT
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline
Sources for Isso

Catalog checked October 2, 2026

Sources for Artalk

Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.