Build detailed lists of to-do’s for different projects while tracking the status of each one. Open Source Notion Alternative.
- AGPL-3.0
- Dart
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Task Management comparison
AppFlowy vs AFFiNE: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick AppFlowy if you want a Notion-style workspace with native desktop and mobile apps; pick AFFiNE if you want docs and whiteboards merged in one self-hosted Community Edition.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
Privacy-first workspace that combines docs, whiteboards and databases, an open-source Notion alternative.
- TypeScript
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
AppFlowy vs AFFiNE, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  AppFlowy |  AFFiNE |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apps are AGPL-3.0; the current self-hosted server is a closed-source commercial build with a free tier | Mostly MIT; server code is Community Edition (MPL-2.0) plus paid Enterprise Edition parts |
| Language/stack | Flutter (Dart) and Rust | TypeScript with BlockSuite editor and Rust CRDT components |
| Standout features | Databases with grid, board and calendar views, AI features, native performance | Docs and an edgeless whiteboard canvas fully merged, multi-view databases |
| Mobile apps | Official Android and iOS apps | Desktop apps for macOS, Windows and Linux; mobile support is newer and less mature |
| Self-hosting | Docker Compose from the AppFlowy-SelfHost-Commercial repo; free tier allows one user seat | Docker Compose for AFFiNE Community Edition, documented at docs.affine.pro |
| GitHub stars | 77,152 | 73,246 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 8 | 752 |
| Last commit | Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 |
| Latest release | 0.14.6Oct 1, 2026 | v0.27.4Aug 18, 2026 |
| Main language | Dart | TypeScript |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy | toeverything/AFFiNE |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
AppFlowy's apps are fully open source, but its current self-hosted server comes from a closed-source commercial codebase with a limited free tier, so it is best for individuals or for teams willing to pay. AFFiNE combines docs, an edgeless whiteboard and databases, and its Community Edition server can be self-hosted, which makes it the better pick for a free self-hosted team workspace.
Best for
Choose AppFlowy for
Individuals who want a local-first Notion-like app with native mobile clients.
Best for
Choose AFFiNE for
Teams that want docs plus whiteboards on a self-hosted Community Edition server.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Is AppFlowy still free to self-host?
The AppFlowy apps are open source, but the self-hosted server now ships from a closed-source commercial codebase. Its free tier includes one user seat per instance plus a few guest editors, and more seats need a paid plan.
Is AFFiNE fully open source?
Most of the code is MIT licensed and the Community Edition server is MPL-2.0. Some server features fall under the AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license, which requires a subscription for production use.
Which is the better Notion alternative?
For solo use with native apps, AppFlowy feels closest to Notion. For a self-hosted team space that also needs whiteboards, AFFiNE is the stronger choice.
Which is more popular on GitHub, AppFlowy or AFFiNE?
AppFlowy has 77,152 GitHub stars against 73,246 for AFFiNE. Over the last twelve months AppFlowy received 8 commits and AFFiNE received 752, so AFFiNE is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.