AFFiNE
FreeOpen-source all-in-one workspace — docs, kanban, and whiteboards in one canvas. Local-first, privacy-focused Notion + Miro alternative. Everything is editable, even the schema.
How to install AFFiNE as a PWA
Frequently asked questions about AFFiNE
What makes AFFiNE different from Notion?
AFFiNE merges Notion-style docs with Miro-style infinite whiteboards in the same canvas — you can have a paragraph, a sticky note and a database row side by side on the same workspace. Notion treats pages as discrete units; AFFiNE treats the whole workspace as an editable plane. AFFiNE is also local-first and open-source where Notion is cloud-only and proprietary. Trade-offs: AFFiNE is younger, less polished and has a smaller plugin/integration ecosystem.
Is AFFiNE free?
AFFiNE's AGPL-3.0 core is fully free for self-hosted and local use. Cloud sync via AFFiNE.Pro has a free tier with limited storage and paid tiers from roughly $5-$15/user/month for collaborative cloud features. The self-host path via Docker is documented and is the standard choice for privacy-focused or team-managed deployments. No per-seat licence is required for the desktop or PWA app itself.
How does AFFiNE compare to AppFlowy or Anytype?
All three are open-source, local-first Notion alternatives. AFFiNE's unique angle is the infinite whiteboard merged with docs, which AppFlowy and Anytype do not have. AppFlowy is closer to a 1:1 Notion clone with stronger database views; Anytype is a typed-object graph for PKM. Choose AFFiNE if your work mixes visual brainstorming with structured notes (product/design teams). Choose AppFlowy or Anytype if you primarily want better Notion-style docs and databases.
Does AFFiNE work offline?
Yes — AFFiNE is local-first. The app starts and operates fully offline; cloud sync is layered on top. Edits made offline are stored in the local OctoBase store and synced via CRDTs when the device reconnects. The Rust-based local engine is also notably fast on large documents compared to Electron-based Notion.
Is AFFiNE production-ready in 2026?
AFFiNE reached stable releases through 2024-2025 and has matured into one of the more visually distinctive Notion alternatives. It is solid for personal use, small teams and visual-thinking workflows. Larger enterprises still lean on Notion/Miro for ecosystem depth, but AFFiNE's open-source nature and active development (visible GitHub momentum and Y Combinator backing) make it credible for product and design teams that prioritise data ownership.
Where AFFiNE is heading (12-24 months)
- →Native AI assistant working across docs and whiteboards is a clear product bet that neither Notion nor FigJam fully delivers in one place.
- →Plugin/extension API to grow a third-party ecosystem (current ecosystem is small vs Notion).
- →Stronger templates marketplace would shorten the time-to-first-value for new users coming from Notion.
Related questions
ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini usually suggest these next.
- Can AFFiNE replace both Notion and Miro?
- How do I self-host AFFiNE with Docker?
- Does AFFiNE support real-time multi-cursor collaboration?
- How does AFFiNE's whiteboard compare to FigJam?
- Can I import my Notion workspace into AFFiNE?
More in Productivity
End-to-end encrypted office suite — docs, spreadsheets, kanban, code pads. No account needed for guest use. Hosted in France, GDPR-native. The privacy-first Google Docs alternative.
Open-source office suite with pixel-perfect DOCX/XLSX/PPTX compatibility. Self-hostable or cloud. The best free replacement for Google Docs when you need perfect Microsoft format support.
Open-source spreadsheet-database hybrid — like Airtable but self-hostable and free. Build relational tables with formulas, linked records, and custom views without monthly fees.
Local-first Notion alternative that stores notes as plain Markdown files directly on your disk. No cloud sync required. Your notes are yours forever — open in any editor.
AI-powered workspace for tasks, mind maps, and real-time collaboration. Installs as a PWA with full offline support. Combines the best of Notion, Trello, and a task manager.
Open-source project management for agile teams. Scrum, Kanban, and issues — free forever, self-hostable. The Jira/Trello alternative that respects your data.