Compare software

Isso vs Remark42: catalog facts
IssoRemark42

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

Best for: Blog owners replacing Disqus with comments they host themselves

Free

Free and open source under the MIT license.

Free

Free and open source under the MIT licence.

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
  • No external database; data lives in one embedded file
  • Imports existing comments from Disqus and WordPress
All 4 strengths for Remark42
  • No external database; data lives in one embedded file
  • Imports existing comments from Disqus and WordPress
  • Many login options plus optional anonymous comments
  • Multi-site mode from a single instance
  • Fewer features than larger comment platforms
  • Installing from PyPI needs a C compiler and Python headers
  • Requires running and maintaining your own server
  • Comments only; not a full forum
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 Remark42

Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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