Looking for Zeal on Mobile?
Zeal brings offline documentation to Windows and Linux desktops. DocNative brings the same capability to mobile—iOS and Android apps for documentation on the go.
What is Zeal?
Zeal is an open-source offline documentation browser for Windows and Linux. It is compatible with Dash docsets, making it a free alternative for developers who do not use macOS.
The Zeal community values open-source software and cross-platform availability. The tool is well-maintained and has a loyal user base among desktop Linux developers.
The gap is mobile. Zeal focuses on desktop platforms. DocNative fills the mobile space with native iOS and Android apps using the same offline-first philosophy.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | DocNative | Zeal |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | ||
| iOS App | ✓ | — |
| Android App | ✓ | — |
| macOS App | — | — |
| Windows App | — | ✓ |
| Linux App | — | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Offline Documentation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local Search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple Doc Sources | ✓ | ✓ |
| TLDR Command Pages | ✓ | — |
| AI-Powered Search | ✓ | — |
| Dark Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Other | ||
| Price | Free / £7.99/yr | Free (Open Source) |
| Open Source | — | ✓ |
Desktop vs Mobile
Zeal and DocNative target different platforms with minimal overlap. Zeal serves Windows and Linux desktop users. DocNative serves iOS and Android mobile users.
This is not a competition—it is complementary coverage. Use Zeal at your workstation and DocNative on your phone. Both tools solve the same problem (offline documentation) on different devices.
- Zeal: Windows, Linux desktop
- DocNative: iOS, Android mobile
- Dash: macOS desktop (and iOS companion)
- DevDocs: Web browser (any platform)
When to Use Each
Choose Zeal When...
- You work on Windows or Linux desktop
- You prefer open-source software
- Desktop documentation access is sufficient
- You want Dash docset compatibility
Choose DocNative When...
- You need documentation on mobile
- You travel and code on the go
- You want TLDR command pages
- You prefer native mobile apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Offline Docs on Mobile
Try DocNative free on your mobile device. Zeal users will feel right at home with offline-first documentation.