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If AFFiNE’s licensing leaves you unsure, or its mix of notes and visual planning is not the right fit, start by deciding what you need to keep: local files, shared workspaces, visual planning, or linked knowledge. The alternatives below cover those needs, but none is a direct match on every point. Prices and free-plan details vary, and some options trade AFFiNE-style planning for a narrower notes or organization tool.
01Why people leave AFFiNE
Unclear open-source boundaries
In one Reddit thread, commenters questioned whether AFFiNE’s server package uses an enterprise license and whether it is required for normal use.
Self-hosting needs verification
A Reddit post said the self-hosted Docker image had been updated; commenters still raised questions about what the Community Edition includes.
Different note-taking priorities
People comparing self-hosted note apps mentioned wanting Markdown files, website clipping, mobile access, or a self-hosted sync setup.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Local Markdown notes
ObsidianObsidianChoose Obsidian if your priority is keeping notes as local Markdown files rather than using a shared visual workspace. It is suited to personal knowledge management, research, and connected notes. The listed starting price is $4, with a free plan; synced convenience is a separate subscription, so check the cost if syncing is central to your move.
Trade-off: Less focused on shared workspaces and visual planning; sync adds a separate subscription.
8.0/10from
$4/mofree plan - Open-source notes
JoplinJoplinJoplin is a fit if you want an open-source notes app with Markdown customization and notes synced across devices. One Reddit commenter described syncing through a self-hosted Joplin server or Nextcloud over WebDAV. The listed starting price is $2.40; check its 2 GB Basic cap before moving a large archive.
Trade-off: The listed Basic plan has a 2 GB cap.
7.8/10from
€2.40/mo - Visual project planning
xTilesxTilesxTiles is the closest fit here if visual daily or project planning is what you want to preserve from AFFiNE. It also lists ready-made templates and shared AI workspaces. The listed starting price is $12.42, with a free plan. Its price and unclear note-app positioning may be a concern if you mainly need straightforward notes.
Trade-off: The listed starting price is $12.42, and its note-app positioning is less clear.
6.2/10from
$12.42/mofree plan - Linked note cards
SupernotesSupernotesSupernotes suits people who organize ideas as linked notes and want to share and edit cards with others. It also offers a free starting tier, which can make it easier to assess before committing. The important limit is concrete: the free tier allows 100 cards, so regular use may push you toward a paid plan.
Trade-off: The free tier stops at 100 cards; starting paid price is not published.
6.8/10from
Freefree plan - Visual knowledge maps
TheBrainTheBrainTheBrain is worth considering if connected ideas, research, and files matter more than a general-purpose planning canvas. Its listed strengths include visual knowledge organization and team sharing. The listed starting price is $15, with a free plan. Before switching, weigh the higher entry price against its less straightforward export and sync tradeoffs.
Trade-off: Not the cheapest sync option, and export may be less straightforward.
7.3/10from
$15/mofree plan - Nested lists
WorkFlowyWorkFlowyWorkFlowy is a better fit if you want to replace AFFiNE’s planning with a simple nested-list approach. It puts notes and tasks in one place and is designed for outliner fans. The listed starting price is $6.99, with a free plan, but that free tier is limited to 100 nodes—a real constraint for regular use.
Trade-off: The free tier is limited to 100 nodes.
7.3/10from
$6.99/mofree plan - Encrypted notes
Standard NotesStandard NotesStandard Notes is a narrower alternative if encrypted notes and offline access matter more than visual planning or shared workspaces. It also lists team sharing for up to five accounts. There is a free plan, but the listed starting price is $7.50; that cost may not make sense if you only need basic notes.
Trade-off: Paid plans may cost more than the feature set justifies for basic notes.
6.4/10from
$7.50/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 AFFiNE AFFiNE (current) | 7.0 | $6.75/mo | Yes | People combining notes and visual planning |
| Obsidian Obsidian | 8.0 | $4/mo | Yes | People who want local Markdown files |
| Joplin Joplin | 7.8 | €2.40/mo | No | People who want an open-source notes app |
| xTiles xTiles | 6.2 | $12.42/mo | Yes | Visual daily and project planning |
| Supernotes Supernotes | 6.8 | Free | Yes | People who think in linked notes |
| TheBrain TheBrain | 7.3 | $15/mo | Yes | Visual thinkers organizing connected ideas |
| WorkFlowy WorkFlowy | 7.3 | $6.99/mo | Yes | People who think in nested lists |
| Standard Notes Standard Notes | 6.4 | $7.50/mo | Yes | People who prioritize encrypted notes |
Questions people ask
Is AFFiNE fully open source?
We would not assume that every AFFiNE component has the same license. In one Reddit thread, commenters questioned whether the server package is under an enterprise license and whether it is required for normal use. Check the current license and Community Edition documentation before choosing AFFiNE for a self-hosted setup.
Which AFFiNE alternative is best for self-hosting?
Joplin is the clearest fit in this list for users seeking an open-source notes app: a Reddit commenter described using a self-hosted Joplin server or syncing through Nextcloud over WebDAV. That is a user report, not a guarantee about current setup requirements. Check Joplin’s documentation and plan limits before migrating.
Which AFFiNE alternative is closest for visual planning?
xTiles is the strongest match among these picks for visual daily and project planning, with templates and shared AI workspaces listed as strengths. Its starting price is $12.42, with a free plan. If you mainly need connected ideas rather than planning boards, TheBrain may fit better, but starts at $15.