Our verdict: AppFlowy gives you Notion-style pages and databases in an open-source app that you can also self-host. The free Personal plan works well for one person, but its cloud storage is capped at 100 MB, uploads at 7 MB and version history at 7 days. Teams and heavier users will need Pro or their own server.
About AppFlowy
AppFlowy is an open-source workspace released under the AGPL v3. Pages combine rich text with databases that can be shown as a grid, kanban board or calendar, and the desktop app is a native application built with Flutter and Rust.
The free Personal plan includes 1 workspace owner, up to 100 MB of storage, file uploads up to 7 MB, 7 days of version history, 1 form, 1 chart and a limited AI trial. Pro costs $12 per member per month billed annually and removes the storage limits. You can also run AppFlowy Cloud on your own server.
What it does well
- Documents and databases. Mix rich text with tables that can be viewed as grids, boards or calendars.
- Kanban boards. Track tasks in columns and drag cards between stages.
- Templates. Start from ready-made pages for projects, notes and planning.
- Publishing. Publish pages to the web from the app.
- Self-hosting. Run AppFlowy Cloud on your own server for full control of your data.
Who it is for
Good fit
Individuals who want an open-source Notion-style app and people willing to self-host for a team.
Look elsewhere
Teams that want generous free cloud storage or many members without paying.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open source under AGPL v3
- Notion-style databases and boards
- Native app, not Electron
- Self-hosting option
Cons
- Free plan: 100 MB storage, 7 MB uploads and 7-day history
- AI features are only a limited trial on the free plan
- Fewer integrations and templates than Notion
How to install AppFlowy
The direct link downloads the 64-bit Windows installer from the official GitHub release. Sign in on first launch to use AppFlowy Cloud, or point the app at your own AppFlowy Cloud server in the settings.
Questions about AppFlowy
Is AppFlowy free?
Yes. The app is open source and the Personal plan is free, with 100 MB of storage, 7 MB uploads and 7 days of version history. Pro is $12 per member per month billed annually.
Can I self-host AppFlowy?
Yes. AppFlowy Cloud can be deployed on your own server, and the desktop app can connect to it.
Can I import from Notion?
Yes. AppFlowy can import Notion exports, including pages and databases.
