AppFlowy

An open-source Notion alternative for docs, wikis and databases that you can self-host.

Open sourceSelf-hostableNote-taking apps

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 1

About AppFlowy

AppFlowy is an open-source workspace in the mould of Notion, with pages, nested docs, databases shown as grids, boards and calendars, templates and an AI assistant. It is written in Flutter and Rust, so the desktop and mobile apps feel quick, and it can run purely locally, on AppFlowy Cloud, or on your own servers. Self-hosting is the main pitch for organisations: you can deploy on-premises or air-gapped, connect your own language models, and add SSO and other admin controls. The personal plan is free, Pro is billed per member, and self-hosted business features are sold separately. Apps exist for Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and the web. The downsides are fewer integrations and templates than Notion, occasional sync rough edges, and an AGPL licence that some companies avoid. It suits privacy-minded teams and individuals who want Notion's model on infrastructure they control.

Best for: Teams and individuals who want Notion-style docs and databases on their own servers.

What works

Open source and self-hostable, even air-gapped
Databases with grid, board and calendar views
Can use self-hosted AI models
Free personal plan

Why people leave

Fewer integrations and templates than Notion
AGPL licence can be a hurdle for some companies
Sync and collaboration still less polished

Top AppFlowy alternatives

See all 6

1
AFFiNE
Open-source docs plus whiteboards, also local-first and self-hostable.
77.6
2
Anytype
Local-first, encrypted objects with peer-to-peer sync.
73.3
3
Notion
The hosted original, with far more integrations and templates.
61.8
4
SiYuan
Open-source block-based notes with databases and end-to-end encrypted sync.
57.2
5
Outline
A self-hosted team wiki if documentation is the main need.
47.8

Why people left AppFlowy

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from AppFlowy, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers

Write a review of AppFlowy

Your rating of AppFlowy

Name

Never shown publicly. A work email helps us verify you.

Title

Your review

What did you use it for, and what was good or bad? At least 40 characters.

Did you switch from another app?

Why did you leave it?

How can we verify you use it? (optional)

A GitHub username, your company domain, or say you can send a screenshot. Verified reviews count more.

I received money, credit or a gift for writing this review. (Incentivized reviews are shown but don't count toward rankings.)

By submitting, you confirm you're at least 16 and agree to our terms. Your name, rating, review and the date are published; your email isn't. See our privacy policy.

AppFlowy: common questions

Is AppFlowy free?

Yes. AppFlowy is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is AppFlowy open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does AppFlowy run on?

AppFlowy is available for Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to AppFlowy?

The highest-ranked AppFlowy alternatives right now are AFFiNE, Anytype and Notion. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 AppFlowy alternatives

AppFlowy facts

4 of 4 verified

License: AGPL-3.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0).”
Pro price: $12 per member/month, billed annually; Checked Oct 25, 2026appflowy.com(opens source in a new tab); “Pro costs $16 per member per month when billed monthly, or $12 per member per month when billed annually ($144 per member per year).”
Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, web; Checked Oct 25, 2026appflowy.com(opens source in a new tab); “Work anywhere, on any device Available on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web, with seamless sync across devices.”
Self-hosting: Yes, including air-gapped; Checked Oct 25, 2026appflowy.com(opens source in a new tab); “Run AppFlowy on your infrastructure, in your cloud, or in a fully air-gapped environment.”