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Notion vs AppFlowy
Notion vs AppFlowy
A side-by-side look at Notion (the paid SaaS) and AppFlowy (the open source alternative). Use this page to decide if the switch fits your team and workflow.
| Notion | AppFlowy | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | All-in-one workspace for notes, docs and databases. | Open source alternative to Notion, built in Rust and Flutter. |
| License | Proprietary SaaS | AGPL-3.0 |
| Pricing | Free tier; paid from $10/user/month. | Free to self-host · optional paid hosted plan |
| Self-host option | No | Yes — difficulty 3/5 |
| Hosted cloud available | Yes (only option) | Yes |
| Desktop apps | Varies by product | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Mobile apps | Official apps typically available | iOS, Android |
Ad slot — between tables
Best for
The closest visual and feature clone of Notion's blocks and databases.
AppFlowy strengths
- Familiar Notion-style blocks and databases.
- Local-first desktop app for privacy.
- Active development and growing plugin ecosystem.
AppFlowy weaknesses
- Newer project — some Notion features still missing.
- Real-time collaboration is still maturing.
- Mobile apps lag behind desktop.
What's the catch with 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.
Still unsure?
Check the full list of alternatives to Notion: see Notion alternatives, or learn more about AppFlowy on its project page.