---
title: "Knock vs Novu: Which is Better in 2026? | App Stack Builder"
description: "Knock vs Novu compared for 2026 — pricing, free tiers, features, pros & cons. See which notifications & realtime tool is the better fit for your startup."
source: https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/knock-vs-novu
retrieved: 2026-09-11
---

Notifications & Realtime

# Knock vs Novu: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between [Knock](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/knock) and [Novu](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/novu)? Both are popular notifications & realtime tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.

Quick verdict

Both are solid notifications & realtime options. Novu is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.

## Knock vs Novu — Side by Side

|                | Knock                                                 | Novu                                                 |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Category       | Notifications & Realtime                              | Notifications & Realtime                             |
| Pricing        | Free · paid from $250/mo                              | Free · paid from $30/mo                              |
| Starting price | Free tier available                                   | Free tier available                                  |
| Free tier      | ✓                                                     | ✓                                                    |
| Rating         | 4.6                                                   | 4.6                                                  |
| Best for       | Notifications & Realtime — in-app-feed, multi-channel | Notifications & Realtime — open-source, in-app-inbox |

## Pros & Cons

K

[Knock](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/knock)

* ✓Best-in-class batching and digests
* ✓Preference centre handles the hard cases
* ✓Workflow editor non-engineers can use
* ✓Unlimited team members on every tier
* ✗$0 to $250 is a very big step
* ✗No self-hosted option
* ✗Message overages add up quickly

N

[Novu](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/novu)

* ✓Fully open source and self-hostable
* ✓Drop-in React inbox component
* ✓Bring your own delivery providers
* ✓Generous free tier
* ✗Self-hosting is a real operational job
* ✗Smaller provider catalog than rivals
* ✗Pro tier price scales with volume

## Key Features Compared

### Knock

* ✓50,000 messages / month
* ✓2,500 guide active users
* ✓$0.005 per extra message

### Novu

* ✓30,000+ workflow runs
* ✓Higher rate limits
* ✓Unlimited subscribers

### Choose Knock if…

* ✓You want a free tier to validate before paying.
* ✓Best-in-class batching and digests
* ✓Preference centre handles the hard cases
* ✓Workflow editor non-engineers can use
[Knock review & pricing ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/knock)

### Choose Novu if…

* ✓You want a free tier to validate before paying.
* ✓Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($30/mo vs $250/mo).
* ✓Fully open source and self-hostable
* ✓Drop-in React inbox component
[Novu review & pricing ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/novu)

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is Knock better than Novu?⌄

Both are solid notifications & realtime options. Novu is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.

What is the difference between Knock and Novu?⌄

Knock — Notification infrastructure as a service: cross-channel workflows, batching, user preferences and an in-app feed, without running any of it. Novu — Open-source notification infrastructure: one workflow drives email, SMS, push, chat and a drop-in in-app inbox. Both are notifications & realtime tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.

Knock vs Novu: which is cheaper?⌄

Knock pricing: Free · paid from $250/mo. Novu pricing: Free · paid from $30/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.

Which is rated higher, Knock or Novu?⌄

In our catalog, Knock rates 4.6 out of 5 and Novu rates 4.6 out of 5 — they are evenly matched.

See more options in our guide to the [best notifications & realtime tools for startups](https://appstackbuilder.com/categories/notifications).

## Still not sure which to pick?

Get a free, AI-powered tech stack — including the best notifications & realtime pick for your budget and team — in 60 seconds.

[Build my stack free ](https://appstackbuilder.com/)