Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Notion · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Notion vs AFFiNE
Notion and Miro had one child, then let it keep files locally. Here is how AFFiNE ($0/mo free) stacks up against Notion ($12/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Notion vs AFFiNE Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Notion (Paid) | AFFiNE (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $12 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $144 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $144) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $720 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $720) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,440 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,440) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | free MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopmobilewebself-hostedone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ $0 forever |
Deep Dive: Switching from Notion to AFFiNE
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Its databases, automations, integrations, sharing and collaborative polish are less mature than Notion's.
How to deploy AFFiNE
Desktop or mobile installer, hosted signup, or Docker self-hosting
What it takes to run
None for the desktop app; self-hosting requires Docker, persistent storage, a domain and server administration
Where your data lives
Local-first workspace data is stored on the device; self-hosted sync uses the configured server database and storage
Why fork AFFiNE instead of vibe-coding a Notion clone?
A solo notes-and-database workspace is buildable, but Notion's block editor, permissions, sync, templates, AI, integrations, and collaboration take real product work.
Notion vs AFFiNE FAQ
Is AFFiNE a good free alternative to Notion?+
Yes. AFFiNE is a verified free replacement for Notion. Notion and Miro had one child, then let it keep files locally.
What is the catch when switching from Notion to AFFiNE?+
Its databases, automations, integrations, sharing and collaborative polish are less mature than Notion's.
How much do you save switching from Notion to AFFiNE?+
Notion costs $12/mo ($144/yr) per seat, whereas AFFiNE is $0/mo. Switching saves $144/yr for a solo user, $720/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,440/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host AFFiNE instead of Notion?+
Install: Desktop or mobile installer, hosted signup, or Docker self-hosting. Setup: None for the desktop app; self-hosting requires Docker, persistent storage, a domain and server administration
