Anytype

Open SourceOtherSelf-hostable

The end-to-end encrypted, local-first knowledge base that works offline and syncs peer-to-peer — a private Notion alternative with no servers in the middle.

Open source alternative to

Notion

Obsidian

Evernote

Visit Anytype View source

About Anytype

Anytype is what you reach for when local-first and end-to-end encrypted aren't negotiable. It's a knowledge base built around linkable objects and types rather than pages and folders, so a task, a contact and a note can all reference each other the same way.

There are no required servers — Anytype works fully offline and syncs directly between your own devices over an encrypted peer-to-peer network. An optional paid network tier adds hosted backup and larger file storage, but your data never has to leave your control.

Because everything is object-based, Anytype doubles as a lightweight database: you can define custom types, relations and views on top of your notes without writing code. For anyone who wants Notion's flexibility without trusting a third party with the data, Anytype is the most complete open answer today.

Key features

End-to-end encrypted — Every object is encrypted on-device. Even Anytype's own optional network can't read your data.
Object-based, not pages — Notes, tasks and contacts are all objects with types and relations — one data model for everything.
True offline-first — No internet connection required. Sync is peer-to-peer when devices are online, never mandatory.
No-code databases — Define custom object types, relations and views without touching a line of code.

The honest read

What we like

Genuinely end-to-end encrypted, including optional sync
Works fully offline with peer-to-peer sync between your devices
Flexible object model doubles as a no-code database
No required server or account to start using it
Active development with frequent, substantial releases

Worth knowing

Steeper learning curve than a plain notes app
Mobile apps are newer and less polished than desktop
Smaller plugin and integration ecosystem than Notion
Custom license, not a standard OSI open-source license

FAQ

Is Anytype free to use?

Yes. The core app is free with local-first storage and peer-to-peer sync. Anytype also offers a paid network tier for hosted backup and larger file storage limits.

Is Anytype fully open source?

Anytype is source-available under a custom license rather than a standard OSI license like MIT or AGPL — you can read and audit the code, but check the license terms for your specific use case.

Does Anytype require an internet connection?

No. Anytype is local-first and works fully offline. Sync between your own devices happens peer-to-peer when they're online; it's never required to use the app.

How is Anytype different from Notion?

The biggest differences are privacy and data model: Anytype is end-to-end encrypted and local-first, while Notion is cloud-hosted. Anytype also organizes everything as linked objects and types rather than pages in a hierarchy.

Can I self-host Anytype's sync?

Anytype's peer-to-peer sync doesn't require a central server at all. For teams that want managed backup and larger storage, Anytype also offers its own hosted network as a paid option.