Open source Notion alternatives
Top Note-taking & Knowledge Bases like Notion
The most popular alternative to Notion is Joplin, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Notion are Baserow, Logseq, and AppFlowy.
Most alternatives to Notion are in the Note-taking & Knowledge Bases category, compared here by price, platform and features.
All Notion alternatives
Joplin is an open source note-taking app with Markdown notes, notebooks, end-to-end encrypted sync and a web clipper.
11 Joplin alternativesPros
- Open source, with Markdown notes stored in an open format
- End-to-end encrypted sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV or Joplin Cloud
- Web clipper and plugins extend the core app
Cons
- Interface feels dated next to newer note apps
- Sync setup takes more effort than turnkey services
- No web app for reaching your notes from a browser
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesBaserow is a no-code database from the Dutch company of the same name, with a spreadsheet-like interface, linked tables, multiple views and a REST API. It also includes an application builder and AI fields for turning data into internal tools. The core is open source under MIT and can be self-hosted; the cloud version, hosted in the EU, has a free plan and paid tiers.
8 Baserow alternativesPros
- Open source core that can be self-hosted at no cost
- Familiar spreadsheet-style interface with linked tables and views
- EU-hosted cloud option helps with GDPR requirements
Cons
- Smaller integration ecosystem than Airtable
- Some advanced features are reserved for paid plans
- Self-hosting requires server maintenance and updates
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesPlatformsLogseq is a privacy-first outliner that stores notes locally in Markdown or Org files, with bidirectional links, journals and whiteboards.
7 Logseq alternativesPros
- Notes live in local Markdown or Org files that you fully own
- Bidirectional links, block references and daily journals
- Free and open source, with a plugin ecosystem
Cons
- Outliner-only structure is a poor fit for long-form writing
- Can slow down with very large graphs
- Syncing between devices takes extra setup
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategoriesFeaturesAppFlowy is an open source workspace for docs, databases and kanban boards that you can self-host, with AI features and offline support.
7 AppFlowy alternativesPros
- Open source Notion alternative that you can self-host
- Docs, databases and kanban boards in one workspace
- Offline support with apps on desktop and mobile
Cons
- Fewer templates and integrations than Notion
- Some features still feel less polished than in mature rivals
- Advanced AI features are reserved for paid plans
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategories
Notion vs its alternatives at a glance
Pricing, platforms and the key features of Notion, compared with its most popular alternatives.
| App | Pricing | Platforms | AI assistant | API access | Markdown support | Real-time collaboration | Templates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Web, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android | ||||||
| FreemiumOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android | ||||||
| FreemiumOpen source | Web, Self-hosted | ||||||
| FreeOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android | ||||||
| FreemiumOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted |
Notion alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Notion?
The most popular alternative to Notion is Joplin: Open source note-taking and to-do app with sync. Other great alternatives are Baserow, Logseq, and AppFlowy.
Is there a free alternative to Notion?
Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Joplin, Baserow, Logseq, and AppFlowy.
Is there an open source alternative to Notion?
Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Joplin, Baserow, Logseq, and AppFlowy.
Is Notion free?
Notion has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.
Compare Notion with its alternatives
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