JoplinKeep searchable notes, attachments and notebooks locally, with optional encrypted sync.
Free open-source apps · no note-count cap · storage limited by your device or chosen sync provider
Personal knowledge bases
Free alternatives to Notion
Find a free app for the parts of Notion you actually use.
Compare the free allowance and limitations on each app’s page. These are workflow alternatives, rather than identical copies.
Free options
Suggest an alternative →Joplin
Trilium NotesOrganise a personal wiki with nested notes, links, attachments and searchable reference material.
Free open-source desktop app · no feature paywalls · optional server uses your own resources
SiYuanKeep linked notes and structured personal knowledge in a local workspace.
Free local notes and basic features · sync features are paid
AFFiNEWrite documents, organise notes and plan ideas on a whiteboard.
100% free local desktop app or open-source self-hosted edition.
AppFlowyOrganise notes, project documents and database views in a workspace you control.
Free and open source (AGPL-3.0 licence per GitHub).
AnytypeOrganise linked notes, documents and collections in a local workspace.
Free desktop and mobile apps with 1GB free encrypted backup node sync.
ObsidianWrite linked Markdown notes and organise a personal knowledge base locally.
Free without limits. No sign-up required. (obsidian.md/pricing); Sync/Publish are optional paid add-ons.