Affine
AFFiNE is an open-source (MIT) unified workspace that combines documents, tasks, and an edgeless whiteboard with real-time collaboration. It replaces tool sprawl by letting teams plan, write, assign, and brainstorm together in one app, reducing context switching.
It suits individuals and small teams needing a single workspace, plus teams that require stronger data control via local-first and self-hosted deployments. It also fits groups who want a cost-aware path: a usable free tier, optional AI add-ons, and cloud version history on paid plans (cloud features optional). Real-time co-editing and an integrated whiteboard help collaborative planning and knowledge sharing.
Use Cases
- Consolidate docs, tasks, and whiteboarding into one workspace
- Run a local, self-hosted knowledge base for data residency
- Collaborative planning sessions using the edgeless whiteboard canvas
- Co-edit documents and track tasks in real time
- Prototype product flows visually while linking pages and tasks
- Small teams replacing multiple subscriptions with one open-source tool
Strengths
- Block-based editor supporting pages and simple databases
- Edgeless whiteboard canvas integrated directly with documents
- Real-time collaboration and sharing across docs and canvas
- Open-source (MIT) codebase enabling self-managed deployments
- Includes AI features on paid plans for writing and summarization
- Cloud tiers add version history and collaboration conveniences
- Combines visual whiteboarding with structured doc and task workflows
- Suitable for self-hosting; local-first design supports full data control
Limitations
- No official mobile apps yet (planned, per FAQ)
- AI and extended history features require paid plans
- Self-hosting gives control but lacks cloud convenience features
- Latest version and release date unverified in SUMMARY
Final Thoughts
Try AFFiNE now if you are an individual or small team wanting an integrated whiteboard, docs, and task workspace with full self-hosting control. Wait if you need official mobile apps or expect cloud-only AI and extended history immediately.
Choose managed cloud when you want built-in version history, collaboration conveniences, or AI add-ons without running infrastructure; cloud adds version history and collaboration conveniences while self-managed deployments keep maximum data control.