Open source alternatives to Notion for secure, private note taking in 2024

I used Notion for many years, and once accustomed to its unique block-building methodology, it proved to be a very powerful note-taking system. However, throughout my time using Notion, the safety and privacy of my documents remained a persistent concern. This led me to switch to AnyType, an open-source and private notetaking system. Since transitioning to AnyType, I no longer worry about my documents being stored by a large corporation, ensuring greater peace of mind regarding privacy. Also its a fantastic app that I can no longer live without. Working across PC, Android, Mac and iOS as a stand alone application and your vault lives on your device with instant synchronization and no third-party servers required.

In the realm of digital productivity tools, Notion has long been a frontrunner, renowned for its versatile features and intuitive interface. From organizing tasks to managing comprehensive projects, Notion has set a high standard in the world of collaboration and knowledge management. However, as concerns about data security and ownership grow, particularly with cloud-based knowledge management, many users are seeking alternatives that offer greater control and privacy. Enter Anytype—a promising open-source alternative that takes a bold stance beyond the cloud.

AnyType an Open Source Alternative to Notion

Notion’s popularity is well-deserved, with its block-based editor, seamless integration, and community-driven template marketplace. However, its reliance on cloud storage raises valid concerns about data privacy and ownership. Users are increasingly wary of the potential vulnerabilities associated with storing sensitive information on third-party servers. This growing demand for more secure, offline, and self-hosted alternatives has paved the way for Anytype.

Why Anytype Stands Out

Anytype distinguishes itself through a commitment to privacy, data ownership, and offline accessibility. Unlike Notion, which requires an internet connection for most functionalities, Anytype operates seamlessly offline. This means that users can continue their work without interruption, regardless of their internet status. Furthermore, Anytype ensures end-to-end encryption, safeguarding your data from unauthorized access and prying eyes.
Upon creating an Anytype account, users receive a randomly generated recovery phrase. This phrase is the key to accessing your data, and it is known only to you. Anytype does not collect emails or any personally identifiable information, ensuring complete anonymity. The data you create is stored locally on your device, encrypted, and sharded to maintain privacy. Even the Anytype team cannot decrypt or access your notes, tasks, or workspace, providing unparalleled security and peace of mind.

A Different Approach to Data Structure

One of Anytype’s unique features is its graph-based data structure. While Notion organizes information in a hierarchical, tree-like format, Anytype treats all contents as part of a vast, interconnected database. This graph model allows for fluid connections and associations between different pieces of information, making it easier to visualize and navigate your knowledge base. This approach is particularly beneficial for users who favor efficient information organization methods, such as the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives).

Simplified Navigation and Widgets

Anytype further enhances user experience through innovative navigation features. While Notion employs a left-hand sidebar for structuring and nesting content, Anytype introduces customizable widgets. These widgets can be dragged and dropped into the sidebar, providing quick access to favorite destinations and frequently used tools. This feature, developed based on community feedback, dramatically improves navigation and workflow efficiency. Users can manage tasks, preview objects, and create new entries on the go, all from a streamlined interface.

Data Portability and Independence

Both Anytype and Notion allow users to export individual pages or entire workspaces in markdown or PDF formats. This feature ensures data portability, enabling users to transfer and repurpose their information between different applications without being locked into a single tool. However, Anytype takes data independence a step further. Its open-source codebase is publicly available, meaning that even if Anytype ceases to exist, your data and the app itself can continue to function. Users have the option to self-host their data, further enhancing control and independence from the cloud.

Future-Proofing Collaboration

Collaboration is a cornerstone of productivity tools, and Anytype is actively working on enhancing its collaborative features. While Notion currently excels in real-time collaboration, Anytype’s goal is to enable local-first collaboration that bypasses the cloud. This approach will support offline edits and safeguard data ownership. Multiplayer support is on the horizon, promising a robust collaboration experience that prioritizes privacy and security. Once these features are live, Anytype will offer a compelling alternative for teams and organizations seeking secure, efficient collaboration tools.

Anytype emerges as a powerful contender in the landscape of digital productivity tools, offering a compelling alternative to Notion. Its commitment to privacy, data ownership, and offline functionality addresses the growing concerns about cloud-based data security. With a graph-based data structure, customizable widgets, and a focus on data portability, Anytype provides a versatile and secure platform for managing personal and professional tasks. As it continues to develop its collaboration features, Anytype is poised to become a leading choice for users who value control, privacy, and seamless productivity.

AnyType Security

Anytype prioritizes user security and privacy through a robust and innovative key management system. Unlike traditional applications that rely on passwords, Anytype employs a unique approach by utilizing a mnemonic key, or seed phrase, as the primary means of accessing and securing user data. This method ensures that data remains encrypted and accessible only to the rightful owner, enhancing both security and privacy.

The Role of the Mnemonic Key

When you create an Anytype account, you receive a 12-word mnemonic phrase generated on your device. This phrase serves as your master key, akin to the seed phrases used in cryptocurrency wallets. It is the only way to access your vault and decrypt your data. The mnemonic phrase is generated following the BIP39 (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 39) standard, which ensures compatibility across different systems and introduces a checksum to minimize transcription errors.
This key functions as both your login and passphrase, eliminating the need for traditional passwords. Importantly, this key cannot be changed, making it crucial to keep it secure. Anytype does not store a copy of your key, meaning that if you lose it, you will be unable to recover your vault. Users are strongly encouraged to make a digital backup or write down the phrase and store it in a secure location.

Access and Storage of the Key

The security of your mnemonic key is paramount. To access your key, you can navigate to Profile > Settings > Key within the Anytype application. This key is required each time you log in on a new device, ensuring that your data remains protected even if your device is lost or compromised. Anytype does not store your key on their servers, maintaining the highest level of user privacy and security.
On macOS, the default setting for Anytype is to store the key in the native Keychain Access app. This provides an additional layer of security, as Keychain Access is a secure environment designed to protect sensitive information. Whether your passwords are backed up to iCloud depends on your personal settings. On Windows, the key is stored in the Credentials Manager, and on Linux, GNOME Keyring (accessible via seahorse) is used.

Protecting Your Key

The strength of Anytype’s security model lies in the robust protection of the mnemonic key. Generated using complex mathematical algorithms, the key is nearly impossible to guess or brute-force. However, the responsibility for protecting this key ultimately lies with the user. While it may be tempting to store the key digitally for convenience, this introduces potential vulnerabilities. Instead, it is recommended to write down the key on a physical medium and store it in a secure location known only to you. Avoid storing your key on devices connected to the internet or in cloud storage, as these can be compromised by hackers or unauthorized access.

Long-Term Data Preservation

The use of a mnemonic key also provides a secure and convenient method for backing up and restoring encrypted information. In the event that your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the seed phrase allows you to recover your private keys and access your data. This ensures that your data remains secure and accessible in the long term, providing an indispensable tool for data preservation and security.
Anytype’s approach to security, with its emphasis on a mnemonic key system, end-to-end encryption, and local-first data storage, marks a significant advancement in ensuring user privacy and control. By leveraging the BIP39 protocol and eschewing traditional passwords, Anytype offers a secure, user-centric alternative to cloud-based knowledge management systems. Users can rest assured that their data is protected against unauthorized access, while retaining full control and ownership of their information.

Other Open Source Alternatives to Notion

There are several open-source alternatives to Notion that offer similar functionalities for note-taking, project management, and collaboration. Here are some notable ones but there are plenty more with investigation that have not been listed here. But remember these are open source alternatives to Notion :

1. AppFlowy:
   • Description: AppFlowy is an open-source alternative to Notion with a focus on privacy and extensibility. It provides features for note-taking, task management, and database creation.
   • Features: Real-time collaboration, markdown support, customizable workflows, and a rich text editor.
   • Website: AppFlowy
2. Joplin:
   • Description: Joplin is a powerful open-source note-taking and to-do application that can handle a large number of notes organized into notebooks.
   • Features: End-to-end encryption, synchronization across devices, web clipper, markdown support, and a plugin system.
   • Website: Joplin
3. Standard Notes:
   • Description: Standard Notes is a secure and simple open-source notes app that focuses on privacy.
   • Features: End-to-end encryption, markdown support, cross-platform sync, and extensions for enhanced functionalities.
   • Website: Standard Notes
4. Trilium Notes:
   • Description: Trilium Notes is an open-source hierarchical note-taking application with focus on building large personal knowledge bases.
   • Features: Rich text editing, note versioning, hierarchical organization, and synchronization capabilities.
   • Website: Trilium Notes
5. Outline:
   • Description: Outline is an open-source wiki and knowledge base built for internal team documentation.
   • Features: Collaborative editing, markdown support, access control, and integration with popular services like Slack.
   • Website: Outline
6. TiddlyWiki:
   • Description: TiddlyWiki is a unique non-linear notebook for capturing, organizing, and sharing complex information.
   • Features: Highly customizable, single HTML file for easy portability, extensive plugin ecosystem.
   • Website: TiddlyWiki

Each of these tools offers different strengths, so the best choice will depend on your specific needs for functionality, privacy, and customization.

• Share
• Tweet
• Pin
• Email

Filed Under: Guides

Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.