RemNote

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to RemNote

A curated collection of the 3 best self hosted alternatives to RemNote.

RemNote is a note-taking and personal knowledge management SaaS that combines linked notes, outliner-based documents, and built-in spaced-repetition flashcards. It supports bidirectional linking, hierarchical organization, flashcard generation from notes, and study scheduling.

Alternatives List

#1
SiYuan

SiYuan

Open-source, block-oriented personal knowledge manager with Markdown WYSIWYG, block-level two-way links, encrypted sync, Docker deployment and AI integrations.

SiYuan screenshot

SiYuan is a privacy-focused, open-source personal knowledge management application that organizes content as editable blocks and supports Markdown WYSIWYG. It emphasizes local-first storage with optional end-to-end encrypted synchronization and offers desktop, mobile and Docker deployments. (b3log.org)

Key Features

  • Block-based editor with block-level references and two-way links for fine-grained connections.
  • Markdown WYSIWYG editing plus large-document (million-word) editing with dynamic loading.
  • Built-in database/table view, SQL query embeds and template/snippet support.
  • Spaced-repetition flashcards and AI-assisted writing/Q&A via external model APIs.
  • OCR support (Tesseract), PDF annotation linking and rich embeds (charts, flowcharts, math).
  • Multiple sync options including end-to-end encrypted sync, S3 and WebDAV backends, and Docker deployment. (readmex.com)

Use Cases

  • Personal knowledge management and research notes with block-level linking for networked thought.
  • Publishing and documentation workflows where notes are exported to standard Markdown, HTML or platform-targeted formats.
  • Shared team knowledge bases or a self-hosted notes server accessible via Docker and mobile/desktop clients.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some member-only features require payment; the project notes that some capabilities are gated for paid members. (github.com)
  • Community discussions and repository issues have raised concerns about telemetry defaults and the need for careful plugin vetting; administrators should review telemetry and plugin settings for privacy-sensitive deployments. (github.com)

SiYuan combines a block-first editor model with server-backed features (Docker, APIs, sync) and desktop/mobile clients, making it suitable for users who want a privacy-oriented, extensible PKM system. Its active open-source repository and plugin ecosystem support customization, but administrators should review paid-feature gating and telemetry settings before production use. (b3log.org)

40.6kstars
2.5kforks
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#2
LinguaCafe

LinguaCafe

Self-hosted assisted reading app for language learners with built-in dictionaries, vocabulary tracking, and review workflows, including Anki integration.

LinguaCafe screenshot

LinguaCafe is a self-hosted web application that helps language learners read foreign-language content while building vocabulary. It combines an in-browser reader with fast word lookup, vocabulary tracking, and review tools designed to reduce friction during extensive reading.

Key Features

  • Text reader optimized for assisted reading with inline word lookups
  • Built-in dictionary resources with multi-language support
  • Vocabulary management: save unknown words and track learning status
  • Review workflow for revisiting saved vocabulary
  • Integrations for exporting/reviewing, including Anki connectivity
  • Optional integrations with external services such as translation and media servers

Use Cases

  • Reading articles, ebooks, or pasted texts while collecting new vocabulary
  • Building an incremental vocabulary list for a specific language or topic
  • Exporting gathered vocabulary into spaced-repetition workflows

Limitations and Considerations

  • Single user/server setup only (no multi-user support)
  • Active development status; users may encounter bugs
  • Not currently compatible with many ARMv8 devices (for example, Raspberry Pi 3+)
  • Memory usage can exceed 2 GB when many languages are enabled

LinguaCafe is best suited for learners who want an integrated, self-controlled reading and vocabulary workflow. It focuses on minimizing interruptions during reading while keeping review and vocabulary organization in one place.

1.3kstars
55forks
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#3
Feather Wiki

Feather Wiki

Feather Wiki is a lightweight, self-contained wiki that runs from a single HTML file, with Markdown support and optional server-saving via WebDAV-style PUT.

Feather Wiki screenshot

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.

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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running