Ready to make the jump from Notion? Check these solid open-source note taking alternatives
Notion is still undeniably one of the strongest all-in-one workspaces out there, and it is hard to ignore how much it shaped the new wave of note taking tools with its mix of databases and collaboration. Still, it is easy to see why a lot of users might want to check what other similar options are out there, whether because the learning curve feels a bit much, the fact that it can be a real resource hog, or its pretty obvious recent push toward more AI-driven features starts to feel like bloat you never asked for.
If you are in that camp, we are pretty sure you will be interested in checking out some of these prominent open-source alternatives, which not only give you more control over where your data lives, but can also deliver a surprisingly close Notion experience, sometimes even completely free 🤑
- AppFlowy: The closest Notion style replacement here, built around pages and databases, offline first workflows, and optional self hosting for full data ownership (huuuge + if you ask me).
- Joplin: A more traditional notes setup that focuses on markdown, web clipping, and powerful sync targets like WebDAV and Nextcloud, plus end-to-end encryption for private notebooks.
- AFFiNE: Local first open source workspace that mixes docs, databases, and whiteboards, basically where Notion meets Miro.
- Logseq: This one is way more than a Notion clone, and even more similar to Obsidian if you ask me. A local first outliner for linked notes, daily journals, tasks, and graph based knowledge work, great if you prefer writing and connecting ideas over building dashboards.
- Notesnook: Privacy first note taking with end to end encrypted syncing and a zero knowledge design, ideal if you want a clean cross platform notes app without the all in one workspace overhead.
So, are you sticking with Notion, or do you have a personal pick you think that deserves more love? If none of these feel like the right fit, you can always explore the 190 plus options we have listed on our Notion alternatives page, including open-source, self-hosted, and premium picks 😉
Comments
Even though it's a little wonky at times, AFFiNE looks like it's going to be my replacement for Milanote, Notion and Excalidraw.
One notable thing is that each note has both a whiteboard and a Notion-like note. So this means you can have a note will it's own little brainstorming area. I use this for my games when planning out new things. E.g. I'll have a Notion-like note for a weapon with all the information I'd need to know about it, some images and thumbnails, etc. Then when you go into the whiteboard section you'll see all my sketches, brainstorming notes, random questions, etc.
It's one of those things that can be really, really useful depending on the nature of your work.
Sounds really versatile, cool workflow! Will try it for something similar
And SiYuan Note, as always, remained on the sidelines... =(
Alternatives are nice to have after trying some here's my feedback on it. Appflowy seems alright at first but then after updates seems to intergrate with AI. I'm unable to tell if you can use it without AI the mobile android app has google tracking in it with a sentry crash reporter. Other then that this seems to be the closest to notion & works well.
Joplin is great with it's addons it's not structured like notion but it is a note taking alternative which is well known for years. It's compatable with all operating systems the plugins allow enhancements & adding new functionality to Joplin. The mobile version can also use plugins having those same enhancements.
Logseq like Joplin allows addons as well to enhance the experience on desktop & mobile. It's not structured like notion but it is a note taking app which is well known for years. It's functionality is easy the plugin selection is massive it gets the job done.
The rest I haven't tried myself but for others not mentioned Obsidian is another great alternative which like Joplin & Logseq has been around for years. It has a plugin selection to enhance the program, offers the same functionality & plugin selection on mobile & gets the job done. Anytype is another alternative which is more like the notion structure but has mandatory telemetry you cannot opt out of by default it begins you in a online mode when you first open the app.
Zettlr is an alternative which is not like notion's structure but has it's own folder/file tree structure with a free flow grid meaning any functionality of the ui you can move & resize to customize the window to your liking. That flexibility lets you control how your interface should look if you like something bigger, live/code view, a 3 way split view, or 4 way grid. Stretch till your happy adjust any section the way you want it & it has plugins to enhance also add functionality.
yooo, thank you for detailed response!
Personally I enjoy using Obsidian as well , been using it for years. I like the product and I like the mindset of the company.
I think a few very important aspects about Notion and its alternatives should be noted (pun not intended):
I'm a big fan of Zim Wiki, other than its dated look.
Obsidian looks the best, but glitchy and not as performant with large knowledge bases.
Jotty works quite well too for note taking.