Our verdict: Anytype is a private alternative to Notion: data lives on your devices, is end-to-end encrypted and syncs without a password-based account. The free plan includes 100 MB of remote storage for files and 10 shared channels, which is enough for text but not for many attachments. The object-and-type model takes some time to learn.
About Anytype
Anytype is developed by Any Association, a Swiss non-profit. The source code is public, but it is released under the Any Source Available License 1.0 rather than an OSI open-source license. You log in with a recovery phrase instead of an email and password, and all content is encrypted on your device.
Everything is an object with a type, such as a page, task, book or contact, and objects are linked with relations and gathered in sets and collections. Channels can be private or shared with others, and devices sync over Anytype's network or directly on the local network. The Free plan includes 100 MB of remote storage and 10 shared channels; Plus, Pro and Ultra add storage from $4 per month.
What it does well
- End-to-end encryption. Content is encrypted on your device before it is synced.
- Objects and types. Create custom types like tasks, books or contacts with their own fields.
- Sets and collections. Show objects as tables, kanban boards, galleries or calendars.
- Shared channels. Invite people into a shared channel to work on the same pages together.
- Local network sync. Devices on the same network can sync directly without the internet.
Who it is for
Good fit
Privacy-minded users who want a Notion-style workspace with encryption and local storage.
Look elsewhere
People who need large free cloud storage for files, or a simple notepad with a short learning curve.
Pros and cons
Pros
- End-to-end encrypted and local-first
- No email or password account needed
- Flexible objects, types and views
Cons
- Free plan: only 100 MB of remote storage for files
- Source-available license, not OSI open source
- Lose the recovery phrase and you lose access
How to install Anytype
The direct link downloads the Windows installer from the official GitHub release. On first launch Anytype creates a recovery phrase: write it down and keep it safe, because it is the only way to log in on another device and it cannot be reset.
Questions about Anytype
Is Anytype free?
Yes. The Free plan has unlimited private channels, 10 shared channels and 100 MB of remote storage. Paid plans start at $4 per month for more storage.
Is Anytype open source?
The code is public, but it is licensed under the Any Source Available License 1.0, which is not an OSI-approved open-source license.
What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?
Anytype cannot recover it. Without the phrase you cannot log in on a new device, so store it somewhere safe.
