Notion alternatives: 3 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Notion, except the useful copy can live on your machine.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installDesktop or mobile installer, hosted signup, or Docker self-hosting
dataLocal app data stays in AppFlowy's application-data directory; self-hosted sync uses PostgreSQL and S3-compatible storage
the catch vs NotionIts database formulas, integrations, automation, publishing and real-time collaboration are less mature than Notion's.
setupNone for local use; self-hosting adds Docker, PostgreSQL, object storage, mail, HTTPS and backups
facts verified 2026-08-10
Blocks, databases and relations with local storage and considerably more exposed wiring.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installDesktop or mobile package, or Docker
enginesOpenAI API or OpenAI-compatible endpoints, including locally hosted backends configured by base URL
dataWorkspace blocks are JSON .sy files with assets on disk; the project warns that ordinary sync-drive folders can corrupt the workspace
the catch vs NotionIt is much weaker for frictionless team collaboration, public sharing and polished relational databases than Notion.
setupThe app installs cleanly, but built-in cloud sync is paid and generic sync-folder services are explicitly unsafe
facts verified 2026-08-10
Notion and Miro had one child, then let it keep files locally.
licenseMIT
runsyour machine or their cloud
installDesktop or mobile installer, hosted signup, or Docker self-hosting
dataLocal-first workspace data is stored on the device; self-hosted sync uses the configured server database and storage
the catch vs NotionIts databases, automations, integrations, sharing and collaborative polish are less mature than Notion's.
setupNone for the desktop app; self-hosting requires Docker, persistent storage, a domain and server administration
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AppFlowy | AGPL-3.0 | one-click install | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android, self-hosted | 74,999 | 2026-07 |
| SiYuan | AGPL-3.0 | one-click install | macos, windows, linux, android, self-hosted, browser-extension | 45,647 | 2026-08 |
| AFFiNE | MIT | one-click install | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android, self-hosted | — | — |
They pay for a shared workspace that nontechnical teammates can trust and understand. The recorded subscription totals $144 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Notion?
Yes: AppFlowy, SiYuan, AFFiNE. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Notion?
Our verdict is KINDA. A solo notes-and-database workspace is buildable, but Notion's block editor, permissions, sync, templates, AI, integrations, and collaboration take real product work. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Notion build guide.
