Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Notion in 2025

Here are 10 open-source alternatives to Notion, with detailed descriptions and links for additional information.

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1. AppFlowy

Description: An open-source, all-in-one workspace that aims to be a direct alternative to Notion, combining note-taking, project management, and database capabilities.
Key Features:
Cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web).
Rich template collection for various use cases.
Local-first, meaning data is stored locally, providing more control and privacy.
Customizable page layouts with block-based editing.
Offline functionality.
Link: Learn more about AppFlowy
Source: XDA Developers and GitHub

2. AFFiNE

Description: A knowledge base platform that integrates documents, whiteboards, and databases into one collaborative workspace.
Key Features:
Local-first and open-source.
Combines note-taking with drawing capabilities on a whiteboard.
Offers a block-based page structure similar to Notion.
Includes AI-powered tools for chat, mind mapping, and presentation creation.
Focuses on a user-friendly interface.
Link: Discover AFFiNE
Source: It's Foss and AFFiNE

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3. Joplin

Description: A free, open-source note-taking and to-do application that handles a large number of notes.
Key Features:
Supports markdown format for notes.
Ability to organize notes into notebooks.
Synchronizes with various cloud services.
Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
Supports multimedia notes (images, videos, PDFs, audio).
Link: Explore Joplin
Source: Clickup Blog and SourceForge

4. Logseq

Description: A privacy-first, open-source knowledge base tool, offering a unique outliner-based approach to note-taking and knowledge management.
Key Features:
Local-first with encrypted file syncing.
Outliner-style note taking.
Extensive plugin support (150+).
Whiteboard functionality for visual thinking.
Thematic customization (30+ themes).
Link: Learn more about Logseq
Source: Logseq

5. OpenProject

Description: Open-source project management software focusing on team collaboration and the project lifecycle.
Key Features:
Comprehensive project management features.
Optimized for team collaboration.
Covers entire project lifecycles.
Suitable for agile methodologies.
Self-hosted option is available.
Link: Discover OpenProject
Source: OMR, Cloudwards

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6. Taiga

Description: Open-source project management software designed for agile teams.
Key Features:
Intuitive interface for managing projects with Scrum and Kanban boards.
Focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
Tailored to agile project management.
Provides a range of project management tools.
Self-hosted option available.
Link: Explore Taiga
Source: UMass and Worklenz

7. Nuclino

Description: A knowledge base software designed for simple wikis and knowledge management.
Key Features:
Focused on simple wikis and knowledge bases.
Designed for ease of use and quick setup.
Suitable for team collaboration and information sharing.
Offers real-time collaboration.
Clean and intuitive interface.
Link: Discover Nuclino
Source: Clickup Blog and Nuclino

8. Obsidian

Description: A powerful note-taking tool focusing on creating interconnected networks of knowledge.
Key Features:
Advanced note-taking with interlinked notes.
Focuses on creating a "second brain" through connected ideas.
Customizable and extensible with plugins.
Plain text markdown files.
Local-first storage.
Link: Learn more about Obsidian
Source: Clickup Blog and Zapier

9. TiddlyWiki

Description: A unique, single-file, personal wiki that can be used for note-taking, knowledge management, and more.
Key Features:
Single HTML file that contains all data and functionality.
Highly customizable.
Can be used offline.
Open source and free.
Can be hosted on a server or used locally.
Link: Learn more about TiddlyWiki
Source: GetGuru and Nuclino

10. Outline

Description: Open-source, team knowledge base software.
Key Features:
Collaborative documentation platform.
Focuses on structured knowledge sharing.
Designed for teams to create and organize information.
User-friendly editor.
Self-hosted option.
Link: Discover Outline
Source: Open Source Alternative

These tools represent a range of open-source alternatives to Notion, each offering unique features and catering to different user needs. From note-taking and knowledge management to project management and team collaboration, there are many options for those seeking open-source solutions.

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FAQ

1. What are the top open-source alternatives to Notion in 2025?

2. What is AppFlowy and its key features?

AppFlowy is an open-source alternative to Notion, offering cross-platform availability, rich templates, local data storage, customizable layouts, and offline functionality. Learn more about AppFlowy

3. How does AFFiNE integrate note-taking and drawing functionalities?

AFFiNE combines note-taking with drawing capabilities on a whiteboard and includes AI-powered tools for chat, mind mapping, and presentations. Discover AFFiNE

4. What unique feature does Joplin provide for note organization?

Joplin supports organizing notes into notebooks and synchronizing them with various cloud services. Explore Joplin

5. How does Logseq prioritize privacy and customization?

Logseq offers local-first, encrypted file syncing, outliner-style note-taking, extensive plugin support, whiteboard functionality, and thematic customization. Learn about Logseq

6. What project management approach does OpenProject focus on?

OpenProject focuses on comprehensive project management features for team collaboration, covering entire project lifecycles and agile methodologies. OpenProject details

7. How does Taiga cater to agile teams?

Taiga provides an intuitive interface for managing projects with Scrum and Kanban boards, focusing on simplicity, ease of use, and agile project management. Explore Taiga

8. What makes Nuclino suitable for team collaboration?

Nuclino is designed for ease of use and quick setup, offering a clean interface for real-time collaboration on wikis and knowledge bases. Learn about Nuclino

9. How does Obsidian facilitate creating interconnected knowledge networks?

Obsidian focuses on advanced note-taking with interlinked notes, creating a "second brain" through connected ideas, and offers customizable plugins and local-first storage. Look into Obsidian

10. In what way does TiddlyWiki differ from other knowledge management tools?

TiddlyWiki is a unique single-file personal wiki that can be used offline, is highly customizable, and can be hosted on a server or used locally. Visit TiddlyWiki

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. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.