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BetterOpenSource

AFFiNE vs Docmost

A side-by-side comparison of two open-source tools to help you choose the right one.

Feature
SummaryDocs, whiteboards, and databases in one canvas.Open-source collaborative wiki and documentation.
GitHub stars47K18K
LicenseMITAGPL 3.0
LanguageTypeScriptTypeScript
PricingFree & Open SourceFree & Open Source
Self-hostable
ReplacesNotion, MiroConfluence, Notion
Rating4.5 / 54.6 / 5

AFFiNE features

  • Edgeless whiteboard plus page editor
  • Blocks shared between docs and canvas
  • Local-first with end-to-end sync
  • Databases and kanban views
  • Self-hostable server

Docmost features

  • Real-time collaborative editing with live cursors
  • Team spaces with granular role-based permissions
  • Rich editor with tables, code blocks, and diagrams (Draw.io, Excalidraw, Mermaid)
  • Self-hosted AI chat and semantic search grounded in your docs
  • SSO/SAML, OpenID Connect, and LDAP for enterprises

AFFiNEpros & cons

Pros

  • Unique doc + canvas hybrid
  • Privacy-focused, local-first
  • Beautiful, modern UI

Cons

  • Younger project, evolving fast
  • Occasional rough edges

Docmostpros & cons

Pros

  • Polished, fast collaborative wiki experience
  • Strong enterprise controls and self-hosting (even air-gapped)
  • Easy migration from Confluence and Notion

Cons

  • AGPL license carries copyleft obligations
  • Some advanced enterprise features are paid

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