# NodeBB vs Novu

> Two self-hosted projects, compared on the numbers selfhost.directory tracks live: score, popularity, release cadence and setup effort.

| | NodeBB | Novu |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 73/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Rank in category | #4 of 69 in Social Networks & Forums | #2 of 19 in Notifications |
| GitHub stars | 15 243 | 40 220 ✓ |
| Stars, last 30 days | +18 | +160 ✓ |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 31 ✓ | 12 |
| Latest release | v4.16.5 · 28 Oct 2026 ✓ | @novu/framework@v2.14.0 · 28 Sept 2026 |
| Setup | Moderate ✓ | Advanced |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| License | GPL-3.0 | Other |
| Main language | JavaScript | Typescript |

## Which one should you pick?

Novu scores 76/100 against 73/100 for NodeBB, so it is the safer default.

NodeBB ships more often: 31 stable releases in the past year, against 12 for Novu.

If you want the quickest setup, NodeBB is easier to run; Novu needs more configuration.

Novu is growing faster right now (+160 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [NodeBB](https://selfhost.directory/project/nodebb) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/nodebb.md)
- [Novu](https://selfhost.directory/project/novu) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/novu.md)

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Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/nodebb-vs-novu