Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Anytype

AppFlowy is an open-source, privacy-focused collaborative workspace designed as an alternative to Notion. It combines rich documents, databases, boards, and AI-assisted tools across desktop, mobile, and web clients while keeping a local-first data model.

Key Features

• Rich editor with many block/content types (code blocks, equations, embeds, toggles) and customizable templates
• Database views: grid, board (kanban), calendar and custom views for structured data
• Hybrid architecture: Flutter-based native clients and a Rust core handling business logic and persistence
• Local-first storage using SQLite plus CRDT-based collaboration layers and optional cloud sync
• Built-in AI features (AI chat and writers) with support for local and external models and model selection
• Cross-platform distribution: native macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android clients; web client for browser access
• Extensible plugin and template ecosystem with community-contributed Flutter packages and editor plugins

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management and note-taking with structured databases and rich content
• Team collaboration for project documentation, shared wikis, and kanban-based task tracking
• Publishing documentation or lightweight sites and using AI to generate summaries, drafts, or takeaways

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature parity with established commercial products is still evolving; some advanced Notion features may be missing or in-progress
• Web deployment and self-hosted web setup can require configuration (CORS, environment variables) and has had community-reported friction during installation
• Commercial/cloud features and enterprise-grade services are shipped separately (cloud offerings and paid tiers); community and plugin ecosystems are active but still maturing

AppFlowy is best suited for users who want control over their data, cross-device native experiences, and an open-source, extensible workspace. It is actively developed with a thriving community, and feature coverage continues to expand through releases and community contributions.

AFFiNE is an open-source, local-first knowledge OS that combines documents, whiteboards and multi-view databases into a single hyper-fused workspace. It offers cross-platform clients (web, desktop, mobile) and real-time collaboration while emphasizing privacy and self-hosting options. (affine.pro)

Key Features

• Unified canvas merging rich text, visual whiteboards and multi-view databases into one editable space. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• Multimodal AI assistant for writing, drawing, summarization, slide generation and brainstorming. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• Local-first storage and real-time synchronization for collaborative editing across clients. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• Cross-platform distribution with desktop (Electron-based) apps and mobile clients, plus a web demo. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• Built on a polyglot stack including TypeScript frontends, Rust-based data engine (OctoBase/Cargo toolchain), CRDT sync foundations and modern frontend tooling. (raw.githubusercontent.com)

Use Cases

• Team knowledge bases and product wikis that need rich visual boards and structured databases in one workspace. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• Design and ideation sessions combining freeform whiteboarding with embedded documents and assets. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• Personal and team note-taking with templates, real-time collaboration and local-first data ownership. (raw.githubusercontent.com)

Limitations and Considerations

• Plugin/third-party block ecosystem is still maturing; a more extensive plugin marketplace and third-party block ecosystem is planned but not yet fully available. (raw.githubusercontent.com)
• An Enterprise Edition is referenced as forthcoming; some enterprise features (SSO, advanced admin/audit) are not yet published in the Community Edition. (raw.githubusercontent.com)

AFFiNE targets users who want a privacy-focused, extensible alternative to siloed doc and whiteboard tools. It is suitable for individuals and teams that prefer self-hosting, local-first storage and a single hyper-fused workspace for creative and structured work. (affine.pro)

Logseq is a privacy-first platform for personal knowledge management built around linked, block-based notes organized as a graph. It supports local-first workflows using Markdown or Org-mode files, with additional options for database-backed graphs and real-time collaboration.

Key Features

• Block-based outlining with bidirectional linking and graph-based navigation
• Local file-based graphs using Markdown and Org-mode for longevity and portability
• Task management features integrated into notes (e.g., TODO workflows and queries)
• Whiteboards for spatial thinking with shapes, connectors, drawings, and embeds
• PDF reading and annotation integrated into the knowledge base
• Plugin and theme ecosystem via a dedicated plugin API
• Optional database-backed graphs with sync and real-time collaboration capabilities

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base for research notes, study, and writing workflows
• Daily journaling and task tracking with linked context across projects
• Team knowledge sharing and collaborative note-taking (where collaboration is enabled)

Limitations and Considerations

• Database-backed graphs and real-time collaboration features may be in beta/alpha and can carry higher risk of data issues; backups are recommended

Logseq is well-suited for users who want a durable, local-first note system with strong linking and outlining. Its whiteboards, PDF annotation, and extensibility make it flexible for both personal productivity and collaborative knowledge work.

Blinko is an open-source, privacy-focused note-taking app designed for quickly capturing short “card” notes and organizing them over time. It adds AI-assisted retrieval using RAG, enabling natural-language search across your personal knowledge base while keeping data under your control.

Key Features

• Card-style note capture optimized for quick, lightweight writing
• Markdown-based notes for simple formatting and portability
• AI-enhanced retrieval using RAG for natural language querying of notes
• Self-hosted data storage emphasizing data ownership and privacy
• Web app built with a modern UI stack
• Optional multi-platform desktop experience via Tauri

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management with fast capture of ideas and snippets
• Searching a private notes archive using natural-language queries
• Lightweight alternative to heavier note systems for daily journaling and memos

Limitations and Considerations

• AI/RAG features may require additional configuration and external model/provider choices depending on your setup

Blinko fits users who want a clean, fast note workflow with Markdown and the option to add AI-powered retrieval. It is especially suited to individuals prioritizing privacy and control while still benefiting from modern AI search.

Standard Notes is a privacy-focused note-taking application that uses end-to-end encryption to protect notes and files so only you can decrypt your data. It supports cross-device sync, offline access, and a flexible editing experience for different writing and organization styles.

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption with a zero-knowledge design for notes and attached files
• Cross-platform apps and web app with sync across unlimited devices
• Offline access so you can read and edit notes without an internet connection
• Multiple editor types, including Markdown and rich text, plus support for code snippets and lists
• Self-hosting support by pointing clients to a custom sync server via configuration
• Built with a public codebase and designed for long-term, durable personal knowledge storage

Use Cases

• Private personal knowledge management for journals, records, and sensitive documents
• Secure storage of credentials, keys, and confidential notes alongside attachments
• Team members or individuals who need a consistent notes workflow across desktop and mobile

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced editor and productivity features are provided via extensions and may require additional configuration or a paid plan depending on the feature

Standard Notes is a strong fit for users who want straightforward note-taking with rigorous privacy guarantees and reliable multi-device access. It is especially well-suited for storing long-lived personal or professional information where confidentiality and portability matter.

SilverBullet is a programmable personal knowledge management platform that runs in the browser and stores content as Markdown pages in a “space.” It combines a clean editor with wiki-style navigation and a scripting system that can generate pages, automate workflows, and build custom functionality.

Key Features

• Markdown-first editor with live preview and outlining tools
• Wiki-style pages with links and bi-directional linked mentions
• Task management across pages
• Querying and “objects” for structured data and database-like workflows
• Lua-based scripting (Space Lua) to create commands, templates, widgets, and dynamically generated content
• Local-first Progressive Web App behavior with offline access and sync to browser storage
• Distributed as a single server binary or as a container image

Use Cases

• Personal notes and wiki-style knowledge base for research, projects, and documentation
• Task tracking embedded in notes with rollups across a workspace
• Building lightweight, custom productivity systems with scripts, templates, and queries

SilverBullet is well-suited for users who want Markdown ownership and the ability to extend their notes environment with scripting and automation. It can function as both a straightforward editor and a highly customizable knowledge platform as your needs grow.

Feather Wiki is a minimal wiki that runs entirely in the browser and stores all pages inside a single self-contained HTML file. It is designed to be extremely small while still supporting practical wiki authoring and navigation.

Key Features

• Single-file wiki (content and application embedded in one HTML document)
• In-browser editing with HTML and Markdown support
• Import/export and page cloning for moving or reusing content
• Search and full-search options for finding pages quickly
• Optional server-saving by uploading the updated HTML via HTTP PUT to compatible servers
• Extensible via add-ons such as table of contents, autolinking, word count, and more

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base you can keep as a single file (local or synced via your own storage)
• Lightweight documentation for small projects or teams without running a full wiki server
• Portable offline wiki for notes, checklists, and reference material

Limitations and Considerations

• Requires a modern browser with ECMAScript 2015 (ES6) support
• Server-saving requires a specifically configured server that supports the expected OPTIONS/PUT behavior and authentication approach

Feather Wiki is a good fit when you want a straightforward wiki experience without a database or complex backend. Its single-file approach makes it easy to copy, back up, and publish while keeping the editing workflow browser-based.