I switched from Notion to Obsidian, but this free app nearly made…
I Switched From Notion to Obsidian, but This Free App Nearly Made Me Switch Back
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Discover why AppFlowy, an open-source alternative to Notion and Obsidian, nearly made me switch back. Learn its key features, setup process, and how it compares to competitors.
Overview of AppFlowy
AppFlowy is an open-source, AI-powered workspace designed for tasks, notes, docs, and projects. It combines the best of Notion and Obsidian—offering offline support, privacy, self-hosting, collaboration, Kanban boards, and fast native performance across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Unlike Notion, which relies entirely on cloud storage, AppFlowy follows a local-first approach, storing data in markdown format for better control and portability. It also provides real-time collaboration, making it a strong contender for both solo users and small teams.
Main Features and Benefits
1. Block-Based Editing & Nested Pages
AppFlowy’s interface is intuitive, similar to Notion’s block-based system. You can:
- Drag and rearrange text, tables, images, and databases.
- Turn any text into a toggle list or embed databases.
- Organize content hierarchically without complexity.
Unlike Notion, AppFlowy avoids overwhelming users with advanced database formulas, making it easier to set up project trackers and knowledge bases.
2. Local-First Storage with Markdown Support
- Offline Access: All data is stored locally in markdown, ensuring you can access notes without an internet connection.
- Self-Hosting & Privacy: Since it’s open-source, you can self-host AppFlowy for complete control over your data.
- Cloud Sync Option: While Obsidian relies on third-party sync services (Google Drive, Dropbox), AppFlowy offers its own 5GB free cloud storage (with paid upgrades).
3. Real-Time Collaboration
- Multiple users can edit documents simultaneously with live cursor tracking.
- Share workspaces and control permissions at the page level.
- Better than Obsidian’s plugin-dependent collaboration but not as advanced as Notion’s.
4. Open-Source & Customizable
- Unlike Notion, AppFlowy is completely open-source, meaning no hidden paywalls or data lock-in.
- You can modify the code or self-host for full privacy.
Use Cases (Especially for Business & Finance)
1. Project Management
- Use Kanban boards, tables, and calendars to track tasks.
- Collaborate with team members in real time.
2. Knowledge Management
- Build a structured knowledge base without the complexity of Notion.
- Store notes in markdown for easy migration.
3. Financial Tracking
- Create spreadsheets and databases to track expenses, budgets, or investments.
- Share financial reports with stakeholders securely.
4. Content Creation
- Writers and researchers can organize drafts, references, and outlines efficiently.
- Export notes in multiple formats (though export options are currently limited).
Setup Process & Cost
Installation
- Desktop: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Mobile: Android and iOS apps are available but still in development.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Includes 5GB of cloud storage.
- Premium Plan: More storage and advanced features (pricing not specified in the source).
Importing Data
- No direct import feature for Obsidian, so you’ll need to manually copy markdown files.
- Notion data can be exported and adjusted for compatibility.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Feature | AppFlowy | Notion | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Storage | ✅ (Markdown) | ❌ (Cloud-only) | ✅ (Markdown) |
| Collaboration | ✅ (Real-time) | ✅ (Advanced) | ❌ (Plugin-dependent) |
| Open-Source | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ⚠️ (Buggy) | ✅ (Stable) | ✅ (Stable) |
| Plugin Ecosystem | ⚠️ (Limited) | ✅ (Extensive) | ✅ (Extensive) |
| Self-Hosting | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Final Verdict: Should You Try AppFlowy?
AppFlowy is a strong middle ground between Notion and Obsidian. It offers:
✔ A user-friendly interface without Notion’s complexity.
✔ Local-first storage like Obsidian but with better collaboration.
✔ Open-source flexibility for privacy-conscious users.
However, it still has room for improvement, particularly in:
❌ Mobile app stability (sync issues, bugs).
❌ Limited plugin ecosystem compared to Obsidian.
Who Should Use AppFlowy?
- Solo users who want a balance of structure and simplicity.
- Small teams needing real-time collaboration without Notion’s cost.
- Open-source enthusiasts who prefer self-hosting and markdown.
For now, I’m sticking with Obsidian due to its stability and plugin support, but AppFlowy is a promising alternative worth keeping an eye on.
Would you give it a try? Let me know your thoughts! 🚀