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4 open source alternatives to Notion

All-in-one workspace for notes, docs and databases. Here are the open source projects real teams use instead — ranked by fit, with honest pros and cons for each.

What people don't love about Notion

  • Data lives on someone else's server; sensitive notes feel exposed.
  • Slow on large workspaces and offline support is limited.
  • Export options for full workspaces are clunky.

Current Notion pricing (for reference): Free tier; paid from $10/user/month.

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Quick comparison

Alternative Best for License Self-host Hosted cloud?
AppFlowy
Open source alternative to Notion, built in Rust and Flutter. 		The closest visual and feature clone of Notion's blocks and databases. AGPL-3.0 ★★★☆☆ Yes
AFFiNE
Open source canvas-meets-docs workspace. 		When you want Notion plus a whiteboard canvas in one tool. MPL-2.0 ★★★☆☆ Yes
Trilium Notes
Hierarchical personal notes with scripting. 		Serious personal knowledge bases with hierarchical notes. AGPL-3.0 ★★☆☆☆ Self-host only
Joplin
Open source Evernote alternative with markdown notes and end-to-end encryption. 		If Notion is overkill and you want encrypted markdown notes instead. AGPL-3.0 ★★☆☆☆ Yes

1. AppFlowy — The closest visual and feature clone of Notion's blocks and databases.

Open source alternative to Notion, built in Rust and Flutter.

Strengths

  • Familiar Notion-style blocks and databases.
  • Local-first desktop app for privacy.
  • Active development and growing plugin ecosystem.

Weaknesses

  • Newer project — some Notion features still missing.
  • Real-time collaboration is still maturing.
  • Mobile apps lag behind desktop.
License: AGPL-3.0 Self-host difficulty: 3/5 Hosted cloud optionDesktop: Windows, macOS, LinuxMobile: iOS, Android

AppFlowy homepage · Source on GitHub · Notion vs AppFlowy →

2. AFFiNE — When you want Notion plus a whiteboard canvas in one tool.

Open source canvas-meets-docs workspace.

Strengths

  • Whiteboard + docs + databases in a single surface.
  • Clean UI, local-first architecture.
  • Active roadmap with frequent releases.

Weaknesses

  • Mobile app is still in development.
  • Some instability during rapid iteration.
  • Smaller community than Obsidian or AppFlowy.
License: MPL-2.0 Self-host difficulty: 3/5 Hosted cloud optionDesktop: Windows, macOS, Linux

AFFiNE homepage · Source on GitHub · Notion vs AFFiNE →

3. Trilium Notes — Serious personal knowledge bases with hierarchical notes.

Hierarchical personal notes with scripting.

Strengths

  • Deep hierarchical notes with relations.
  • Scripting support for automation inside notes.
  • Strong for large personal knowledge bases.

Weaknesses

  • No official mobile apps.
  • UI feels dense for new users.
  • Original maintainer stepped back; Trilium Next fork is active.
License: AGPL-3.0 Self-host difficulty: 2/5 Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux

Trilium Notes homepage · Source on GitHub · Notion vs Trilium Notes →

4. Joplin — If Notion is overkill and you want encrypted markdown notes instead.

Open source Evernote alternative with markdown notes and end-to-end encryption.

Strengths

  • End-to-end encryption for syncable notes.
  • Works with Nextcloud, Dropbox, WebDAV and Joplin Cloud.
  • Web clipper and mobile apps available.

Weaknesses

  • Interface can feel basic compared to Notion-style tools.
  • Plugin ecosystem is smaller than Obsidian's.
  • Sync conflicts occasionally need manual resolution.
License: AGPL-3.0 Self-host difficulty: 2/5 Hosted cloud optionDesktop: Windows, macOS, LinuxMobile: iOS, Android

Joplin homepage · Source on GitHub · Notion vs Joplin →

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