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Open-Source Notion Alternatives (2027): 10 Self-Hosted Workspaces, Wikis and Note Apps With Databases, Kanban and Sync

Open-Source Notion Alternatives You Can Self-Host: Workspaces, Wikis and Notes Compared

Notion is easy to start with, but your documents live on Notion's servers, the free plan limits teams, and most of its AI now sits in the Business plan. If you want to own your workspace, an open-source alternative can replace much of it: pages, wikis, databases with kanban boards, and sync across your devices. We checked every tool below on its official website, documentation and GitHub in October 2026, looking at four things that matter more than feature lists: the exact licence (open source or only source-available), how sync works, what you can self-host for free, and whether it has Notion-style databases. This guide is about the workspace itself. If you mainly want Notion AI features, read our separate list of open-source Notion AI alternatives.
Quick answer: for the closest all-in-one Notion replacement with databases and kanban boards, use AppFlowy or AFFiNE (AFFiNE adds a whiteboard and has the more generous free self-hosting); for a team wiki on your own server, use Docmost or BookStack; for private, encrypted notes that sync between your own devices, use Anytype (source-available), SiYuan or Joplin; and for a personal knowledge base with tables, boards and calendars, use Trilium.
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What Notion Costs in 2027, and What You Are Replacing

On the Notion pricing page (checked October 2026), the Free plan gives one person unlimited blocks, but workspaces with two or more members only get a limited block trial; uploads are capped at 5 MB and page history at 7 days. Plus costs $10 per seat per month billed yearly ($12 monthly) and Business $20 billed yearly ($24 monthly). Free and Plus include only a limited Notion AI trial; the full Notion Agent, AI Meeting Notes and Enterprise Search come with Business. Every tool below can be used for free. With the self-hosted ones you pay for the server and your own time instead.

Open-Source Notion Alternatives Compared

ToolBest forLicenceDatabases and kanbanSync and hosting
AppFlowyClosest Notion look and feelAGPL-3.0 apps; self-hosted server is a closed-source commercial buildGrid, board, calendar, gallery, list, chartCloud free for 1 owner; self-host free for 1 seat
AFFiNEDocs plus whiteboard plus databasesMIT, backend under its own licenceTable and kanbanLocal-first; cloud free (10 GB, 3 members); self-host free
AnytypePrivate, encrypted, offline-firstAny Source Available License (not OSI open source)Grid, kanban, calendar, gallery, listEnd-to-end encrypted; own sync network or local-only
DocmostTeam wiki (Confluence and Notion style)AGPL-3.0 coreBases and kanban only on the paid planSelf-host free; Business $6/seat/month
SiYuanPersonal knowledge base with databasesAGPL-3.0Table, kanban, card, calendarLocal; sync via own S3/WebDAV ($64 once) or official cloud
OutlineFast team knowledge baseBSL 1.1 (source-available, Apache 2.0 from 2030)NoneSelf-host Community free; cloud from $10/month
BookStackSimple documentation wikiMITNoneSelf-host only (PHP and MySQL)
LogseqOutliner and daily journalAGPL-3.0Queries; new database version in betaLocal Markdown files; new sync in alpha
JoplinNotes and to-dos on every deviceAGPL-3.0 (server under its own licence)NoE2EE; Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive and more
TriliumDeep personal knowledge baseAGPL-3.0Table, kanban board, calendar, mapSelf-hosted sync server
Sources: each project's official website, pricing page, documentation and GitHub repository, checked 30 October 2026. Self-hosting is free, but you pay for the server and your own time.

The Best Open-Source Notion Alternatives in 2027

1. AppFlowy: the closest open-source Notion clone

AppFlowy looks and works most like Notion: pages built from blocks, nested pages, templates and databases. Its databases have grid, board (kanban) and calendar views, and early 2026 releases added gallery, list, chart and feed views. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and the web. The desktop and mobile apps are AGPL-3.0; version 0.14.11 came out in October 2026. Read the hosting terms carefully: AppFlowy calls itself open core. Its old open-source server repository is archived, and the self-hosted server now comes from a closed-source commercial build whose free tier covers one user seat plus three guest editors. In the cloud, the free Personal plan is for one workspace owner with 100 MB of storage; Pro costs $12 per member per month billed yearly ($16 monthly).

2. AFFiNE: docs, whiteboard and databases in one

AFFiNE describes itself as a workspace with merged docs, whiteboards and databases: every page can switch between a document and an "edgeless" whiteboard, and its databases have table and kanban views (calendar is still planned in its docs). It is local-first, so you can work without an account, and it runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, the web, iOS and Android. Most of its code is MIT-licensed, while the server backend has its own licence. The cloud Free plan includes 10 GB of storage and up to 3 members per workspace; Team costs $10 per seat per month. The self-hosted edition is free, and AFFiNE says it covers up to 10 seats per workspace. The latest stable release, 0.27.4, came out in August 2026, with canary builds almost daily.

3. Anytype: encrypted, offline-first and peer-to-peer (source-available)

Anytype stores everything as objects on your device and syncs them with end-to-end encryption. Its sync documentation offers three modes: the default Anytype Network (with free backup storage for files and peer-to-peer sync on your local network), your own self-hosted sync network, or local-only. Queries and collections work like Notion databases, with list, grid, kanban, calendar, gallery and graph views. The catch is the licence: the app uses the Any Source Available License, which allows non-commercial use and some commercial use, so it is not open source in the OSI sense (the self-hosting sync bundle is MIT). Version 0.57.4 came out in October 2026.

4. Docmost: a self-hosted team wiki

Docmost is an AGPL-3.0 wiki for teams moving off Confluence or Notion. The free Community edition includes real-time editing with live cursors, spaces, groups and permissions, comments, page history, full-text search, Draw.io, Excalidraw and Mermaid diagrams, and import from Notion, Markdown and HTML. According to its pricing comparison, Bases (databases), kanban boards, templates, AI, SSO and Confluence import are only in Business, at $6 per seat per month billed yearly with a 10-seat minimum. Version 0.97.0 came out in October 2026.

5. SiYuan: local-first notes with real databases

SiYuan is an AGPL-3.0 personal knowledge base with block references, two-way links, Markdown and databases that offer table, kanban, card and calendar views. Its README says most features are free, even for commercial use, and it also runs in Docker. Sync is where you pay: on its pricing page the free edition is local only, a one-time $64 PRO unlock adds sync through your own S3 or WebDAV storage, and the $148 subscription adds official sync with 8 GB of cloud storage. Its homepage lists end-to-end encrypted sync. Version 3.8.9 came out in October 2026.
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6. Outline: a fast team knowledge base (source-available)

Outline is a polished team knowledge base with a Markdown-friendly editor, slash commands, real-time collaboration and integrations such as Slack. It has no Notion-style databases. Its licence is the Business Source License 1.1: you may self-host it, but not sell it as a competing document service, and version 1.12.0 only becomes Apache 2.0 in October 2030. Self-hosting the Community edition is free (AI answers are not included); the cloud costs $10 a month for up to 10 members after a 30-day trial.

7. BookStack: simple documentation you host yourself

BookStack is an MIT-licensed wiki that organises content into books, chapters and pages, with a WYSIWYG editor, an optional Markdown editor, draw.io diagrams, roles and permissions, OIDC, SAML2 or LDAP login and built-in multi-factor authentication. It runs on PHP and MySQL, so a cheap server is enough, and its source code is hosted on Codeberg. It has no databases or kanban, so it suits documentation and handbooks rather than project tracking. Version 26.09.2 came out in October 2026.

8. Logseq: an outliner for journals and linked notes

Logseq is an AGPL-3.0 outliner that stores notes as Markdown or Org-mode files on your device, with daily journals, backlinks, queries, PDF annotation and plugins. A new database version with its own mobile app and real-time sync is in development: its README says the database version is in beta, the new mobile app and sync are in alpha, and "data loss is possible", so keep backups. Version 2.0.2 came out in October 2026. Logseq is a personal tool rather than a team workspace; we compare it with similar tools in our open-source Roam Research alternatives.

9. Joplin: encrypted notes and to-dos that sync anywhere

Joplin is a note-taking and to-do app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and the terminal, with a Markdown or rich-text editor, plugins, a web clipper and end-to-end encryption. You choose where it syncs: Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive and other targets, or your own Joplin Server. The apps are AGPL-3.0, but Joplin Server has its own personal use licence. Joplin Cloud starts at €2.99 a month for 2 GB. It has no databases, so it replaces Notion for notes, not for project tracking. Version 3.7.22 came out in October 2026.

10. Trilium: a personal knowledge base with tables, boards and calendars

Trilium Notes (AGPL-3.0, now maintained by the TriliumNext community) organises notes in a deep tree and adds "collections" that show notes as a table, a kanban board, a calendar, a map or a presentation. It syncs through a server you host yourself, can encrypt individual notes and has a mobile web interface. It is built for one person, not for teams editing together. Version 0.106.1 came out in October 2026.

Notion Alternatives That Were Dropped or Have Changed

The 2025 version of this article listed some tools that do not belong on an open-source Notion shortlist, and one project changed how it is hosted:
  • Obsidian: a popular, free note-taking app, but its code is not open source. We cover open-source replacements in our open-source Obsidian alternatives.
  • Nuclino: a hosted team wiki, not open source and not self-hostable.
  • OpenProject and Taiga: both are still maintained (OpenProject 17.9.4 in October 2026, Taiga 6.10.2 in July 2026), but they are project management tools, not Notion-style docs. See our open-source Trello AI alternatives for boards and tasks.
  • TiddlyWiki: still maintained (5.4.1 in July 2026), but it is a single-file personal wiki, so it fits better with networked note tools than with team workspaces.
  • AppFlowy Cloud: the open-source server repository is archived; self-hosted AppFlowy now runs on a closed-source commercial server with a free tier for one user.
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Which Open-Source Notion Alternative Should You Choose?

  • You want Notion's look with databases and kanban boards: AppFlowy for one person or a paying team, AFFiNE if you want to self-host for a small team for free.
  • You brainstorm visually: AFFiNE, because every page is also a whiteboard. For whiteboards alone, see our open-source Miro alternatives.
  • You need a company wiki on your own server: Docmost (closest to Notion and Confluence), BookStack (simplest) or Outline (if a source-available licence is fine).
  • Privacy comes first: Anytype for end-to-end encrypted, offline-first sync, or Joplin for encrypted notes.
  • You build a personal second brain: SiYuan or Trilium if you want databases, Logseq if you think in outlines and daily journals.
  • Your real need is a database or task board: look at our open-source Airtable AI alternatives instead of a docs tool.
Still comparing hosted tools? See our lists of free Notion alternatives and paid Notion alternatives, and our head-to-heads Confluence vs Notion and Coda vs Notion. For visual work next to your docs, we also compare open-source Miro AI alternatives and open-source FigJam alternatives.

How Founders Use an Open-Source Workspace

For an early-stage startup, the workspace is where the company's memory lives: customer interviews, decisions, the product roadmap and the onboarding guide for your first hire. Start small: one space for the company wiki, one database or board for the roadmap, and a weekly page for decisions. Write down who owns each page, or it will go stale. Our guides to productivity apps for busy founders and remote team management practices show how to keep a small team in sync, and our list of collaboration tools for remote startups covers chat and video next to your docs. If you only need a task list, one of the free Todoist alternatives may be enough.
Self-hosting pays off once a tool holds sensitive data, such as investor notes or customer records, or once per-seat fees start to add up. Before you migrate, export a few Notion pages as Markdown and import them into your shortlist; Docmost, AppFlowy and AFFiNE all accept Notion content. Open source can replace more of a startup's paid stack: we have also checked open-source Zapier alternatives for automation and open-source GitHub Copilot alternatives for coding. Turn your best internal docs into public articles with the F/MS AI SEO Tool so customers find them in Google and AI assistants.

FAQ About Open-Source Notion Alternatives

What is the best open-source alternative to Notion?

AppFlowy is the closest in look and feel, with pages, templates and databases in grid, board and calendar views. AFFiNE is the best choice if you also want a whiteboard and free self-hosting for a small team.

Is there a free self-hosted Notion alternative for a team?

Yes. AFFiNE's self-hosted edition is free (AFFiNE says up to 10 seats per workspace), and Docmost Community and BookStack are free team wikis. AppFlowy's free self-hosted tier covers only one user seat plus three guest editors.

Which open-source Notion alternative has kanban boards?

AppFlowy, AFFiNE, SiYuan and Trilium include kanban views for free. Anytype has them too but is source-available. In Docmost, Bases and Kanban are part of the paid Business plan.

Is Anytype open source?

Not strictly. Anytype uses the Any Source Available License, which allows non-commercial use and some commercial use. Its self-hosting sync bundle is MIT-licensed, and all sync is end-to-end encrypted.

Is Outline open source?

Outline is source-available under the Business Source License 1.1. You can self-host it, but you may not offer it as a competing document service. Each version becomes Apache 2.0 four years later; version 1.12.0 converts in October 2030.

Is Obsidian an open-source Notion alternative?

No. Obsidian is free to use, but its code is not open source. Logseq, SiYuan and Joplin are open-source options for local notes.

Which Notion alternative works offline?

AFFiNE, Anytype, SiYuan, Logseq, Joplin and Trilium all keep your data on your device and work offline. Docmost, Outline and BookStack run on a server and need a connection.

How much does Notion cost in 2027?

When we checked in October 2026, Notion Plus cost $10 per seat per month billed yearly ($12 monthly) and Business $20 billed yearly ($24 monthly). The Free plan includes only a limited AI trial and limits blocks for workspaces with two or more members.

Which open-source Notion alternative has AI?

Several do, mostly on paid plans or with your own API key. We compare them in our separate guide to open-source Notion AI alternatives.

Where can I get a backlink by writing about my startup?

You can publish a guest post in one of the Fe/male Switch startup blogs, which rank in Google and in AI tools. Get a quality backlink.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
2026-10-30 01:48 Top Alternatives