AppFlowy
Local-first AI workspace for docs, databases, and tasks — open-source Notion alternative.
AGPL-3.0 alternative to Notion with offline desktop apps, self-hosted sync, and AI model choice. Documents, kanban, calendars, and databases under your control.
NocoDB
Open-source Airtable alternative — any database becomes a spreadsheet.
AGPL-3.0 platform with Grid, Kanban, Gallery, Form, and Calendar views. Connects to MySQL, Postgres, SQLite with auto-generated REST/GraphQL APIs.
Baserow
No-code database and app builder — open-core Airtable alternative.
MIT open-core platform for relational databases, automations, dashboards, and AI-assisted workflows. API-first Django/Nuxt stack with Docker self-hosting.
Compare Notion alternatives
Notion is a popular all-in-one workspace for docs, wikis, and databases, but it's closed-source, cloud-only, and your data lives on Notion's servers — there's no self-hosted option, and larger teams eventually hit its paid-seat pricing.
If you want a close match to Notion's docs-plus-database workspace that you can self-host, AppFlowy is the most direct alternative. If what you actually use Notion for is its database/table views rather than its documents, Baserow and NocoDB are purpose-built, spreadsheet-style database tools worth considering instead.
FAQ
Is there a free, open-source alternative to Notion?
Yes. AppFlowy is open source and free to self-host as a local-first Notion alternative.
What's the best open-source alternative to Notion?
AppFlowy is closest to Notion's combined docs-and-database workspace. If you mainly use Notion for databases rather than documents, Baserow or NocoDB may fit better.
What are the top open-source alternatives to Notion?
Browse all open-source alternatives to Notion above, or explore the full Productivity & Files category for more options.