# Mongonaut: Self-Hosted MongoDB Web GUI ## Mongonaut vs MongoDB Compass > Category: Compare --- ## Pages - [Overview](https://mongonaut.org/about-mongonaut) - [Installation](https://mongonaut.org/installation) - [Docker setup](https://mongonaut.org/mongodb-gui-docker) ### Compare - [Mongonaut vs mongo-express](https://mongonaut.org/compare/mongonaut-vs-mongo-express) - [Mongonaut vs MongoDB Compass](https://mongonaut.org/compare/mongonaut-vs-mongodb-compass) ### Guides - [Migrate from mongo-express](https://mongonaut.org/guides/migrate-from-mongo-express) - [Read-only configuration](https://mongonaut.org/guides/read-only-configuration) - [Troubleshooting](https://mongonaut.org/guides/troubleshooting) ### Security - [Authentication](https://mongonaut.org/security/authentication) - [Cloudflare Zero Trust Tunnel](https://mongonaut.org/security/zero-trust-tunnel) ### Community - [FAQ](https://mongonaut.org/community/faq) - [Contributing](https://mongonaut.org/community/contributing) --- # Mongonaut vs MongoDB Compass Mongonaut and MongoDB Compass both help developers work with MongoDB, but they are built for different access models. MongoDB Compass is a desktop application installed on a user's machine. Mongonaut is a self-hosted MongoDB web GUI that runs on a server and is opened from a browser. ## Quick summary Use Mongonaut when you want a browser based MongoDB interface for private infrastructure, Docker deployments, internal teams or read-only review access. Use MongoDB Compass when you need a full desktop MongoDB client with a broader toolset on an individual workstation. ## Comparison table | Area | Mongonaut | MongoDB Compass | | --- | --- | --- | | Application type | Self-hosted web GUI. | Desktop MongoDB client. | | Access model | Users open a browser URL served by your Mongonaut deployment. | Each user installs and opens Compass locally. | | Deployment | Docker image `ghcr.io/withzu/mongonaut`, usually run near MongoDB or inside a private network. | Installed on a developer workstation. | | Best fit | Internal browser access, Docker deployments, servers without desktop access, read-only review, support workflows. | Individual local development, broader MongoDB desktop workflows and deeper client-side exploration. | | MongoDB connection | Configured centrally with `MONGO_CONNECTION_URL`. | Configured by each user inside Compass. | | Multiple users | A single Mongonaut deployment can be shared through the browser, with Mongonaut authentication or an external access layer. | Each user runs their own desktop application. | | Authentication | Mongonaut account login, static password login, OIDC or an external layer such as Cloudflare Access. | Depends on local app access and MongoDB credentials configured by the user. | | Read-only access | `MONGONAUT_READONLY=true` disables write operations. Account mode can grant read-only database or collection access. | Use MongoDB user permissions and Compass workflows. | | Document browsing | Browse databases, collections and documents in the browser. | Browse databases, collections and documents in a desktop client. | | Document management | Create, edit and delete documents when write access is enabled. | Supports document workflows in the desktop client. | | Advanced MongoDB tooling | Focused web GUI; no aggregation pipeline UI, index management, GridFS browser or shell in the UI today. | Broader MongoDB desktop toolset. | | Typical network setup | Deployed behind a VPN, Cloudflare Access, reverse proxy or private network. | Runs on the user's machine and connects directly to MongoDB or through the user's network path. | ## Where Mongonaut is stronger Mongonaut is a better fit when the interface should be hosted once and reached from a browser: - Internal teams need shared access without installing a desktop client everywhere. - A server or private environment should expose a controlled MongoDB web UI. - You want Docker Compose deployment next to MongoDB. - Users only need to inspect data, and read-only mode is useful. - Access should go through existing infrastructure such as Cloudflare Access, VPN or an authenticated reverse proxy. ## Where Compass is stronger MongoDB Compass is still the better fit when you need a full desktop client workflow. Mongonaut does not currently provide: - Aggregation pipeline UI. - Index management. - GridFS browsing. - MongoDB shell access. - The broader local desktop-client experience Compass is built for. For these workflows, use Compass alongside Mongonaut rather than treating Mongonaut as a complete replacement. ## Deployment example for Mongonaut ```bash docker run -it --rm \ -p 8081:8081 \ -e MONGO_CONNECTION_URL="mongodb://mongo:27017/" \ -e MONGONAUT_AUTH_SECRET="$(openssl rand -base64 32)" \ ghcr.io/withzu/mongonaut ``` Open `http://localhost:8081/setup` and create the first administrator account. For a complete Docker Compose setup, see [MongoDB GUI with Docker](/mongodb-gui-docker). ## Decision guide Choose Mongonaut when: - You want a self-hosted MongoDB web GUI. - You prefer browser access over local desktop installs. - You run MongoDB in Docker or private infrastructure. - You need read-only browser access for non-developer users. - You want to centralize access behind your existing identity or network controls. Choose MongoDB Compass when: - You need advanced desktop MongoDB workflows. - Each developer manages their own database connections locally. - You rely on Compass features Mongonaut does not currently implement. ## FAQ ### Is Mongonaut a MongoDB Compass replacement? Not completely. Mongonaut is a self-hosted web GUI. Compass is a desktop MongoDB client with a broader feature set. ### Can I use Mongonaut and Compass together? Yes. Both can connect to the same MongoDB deployment using appropriate MongoDB credentials. ### Does Mongonaut work with MongoDB Atlas? Yes, when the server running Mongonaut can reach Atlas and the Atlas connection string is valid. ### Can Mongonaut be read-only? Yes. Set `MONGONAUT_READONLY=true`. For stronger isolation, also use a MongoDB user with read-only permissions. ### Is Mongonaut easier for teams than Compass? It depends on the workflow. Mongonaut can reduce desktop installs because users open a browser URL, but Compass may be better for advanced individual MongoDB work. ## Related links - [Self-hosted MongoDB Compass Alternative](/mongodb-compass-alternative) - [Install Mongonaut](/installation) - [MongoDB GUI with Docker](/mongodb-gui-docker) - [Authentication](/security/authentication) - [Read-only configuration](/guides/read-only-configuration)