BookStack vs Zoho Learn

BookStack is a free, open-source platform for organizing and storing information on a self-hosted instance. It organizes content into Books, Chapters and Pages, with a WYSIWYG editor and an optional Markdown editor with live preview. Search works within a book or across books, chapters and pages, and users can link directly to paragraphs. The editor includes diagrams.net drawing capability. Authentication supports OIDC, SAML2 and LDAP, as well as social-based secondary authentication options. Built-in multi-factor authentication can be enforced by role and uses TOTP and static backup codes. Content exports include contained HTML, PDF, plain text, Markdown and Portable ZIP. The project describes a growing REST API for automation and importing content. The MIT-licensed software has no cost to download and install. Setup requires PHP 8.2 or newer, MySQL 8.0 or MariaDB 10.6 or newer, Git, Composer 2.2 or newer and a PHP-compatible web server. BookStack does not currently support shared PHP hosting. Community support is free but does not assure a response, support or resolution; paid support plans are also listed.

Zoho Learn combines knowledge management and learning management for organizing information, creating training, and tracking learner performance. Teams can structure policies, SOPs, onboarding documents, and other material in a centralized knowledge base. Its course builder supports text, video, document, block, and SCORM lessons, with quizzes and assignments; course reports cover lessons, learners, quizzes, and assignments. Custom portals let organizations share knowledge and courses with external users. The API supports reading and writing data using GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, subject to system protections against denial-of-service attacks. Apps for iOS and Android provide access to articles and courses on mobile. Zoho says information is encrypted at rest and in transit, and describes Learn as SOC-certified and GDPR-compliant. The Free plan supports 5 users, 3 spaces, 5 manuals, 5 courses, 1 GB storage, and 2 learning paths. Express and Professional list higher limits, but no prices are provided. The trial information differs: the pricing heading says 7 days, while the FAQ says 30 days with Professional access.