AFFiNE vs Rowboat

Comparing two open source alternatives to Notion and Obsidian . Use the comparison below to decide which one fits your needs.

AFFiNE

Open-source knowledge base combining note-taking, whiteboard, and project planning in one workspace.

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Rowboat

Apache-2.0

Open-source desktop AI coworker with a living knowledge graph, built-in email, browser, meeting notes, and code mode.

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Side-by-side comparison

	AFFiNE	Rowboat
License	—	Apache-2.0
Self-hostable	Yes	Yes
GitHub Stars	71,749	17,338
Forks	5,172	1,720
Open Issues	709	159
Last Commit	Aug 22, 2026	Aug 20, 2026
First Released	Jul 31, 2022	Jan 13, 2025
Categories	Note Taking & Knowledge Management Tools Knowledge Management Tools	Note Taking & Knowledge Management Tools Automation Tools AI Coding Agents
Tags	#knowledge-management #markdown #collaboration #whiteboard #self hosted	#ai #ai agent #desktop-app

GitHub stars over time

AFFiNE71,749

Rowboat

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