Notion
Obsidian
EvernoteAbout 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.
What makes it different
Every object is encrypted on-device. Even Anytype's own optional network can't read your data.
Notes, tasks and contacts are all objects with types and relations — one data model for everything.
No internet connection required. Sync is peer-to-peer when devices are online, never mandatory.
Define custom object types, relations and views without touching a line of code.
TypeScript
Go
RustProtocol BuffersThe honest read
- 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
- 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
Quick answers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More open-source picks
Open-source, local-first workspace for docs, wikis and projects.
Privacy-first outliner for networked notes over plain markdown.
End-to-end encrypted notes with sync across every device.
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