SurfSense
Best for self-hosting
Why teams pick it
Privacy-first self-hosting with Ollama local LLM support and flexible Docker or manual deployment
Open-source alternatives to Document360
Compare community-driven replacements for Document360 in knowledge base & wiki platforms workflows. We curate active, self-hostable options with transparent licensing so you can evaluate the right fit quickly.
Document360
Document360 enables teams to create and publish searchable knowledge bases with versioning, roles, and analytics.Read more
Key stats
- 31Alternatives
- 17Support self-hosting
Run on infrastructure you control
- 27Active development
Recent commits in the last 6 months
- 8Permissive licenses
MIT, Apache, and similar licenses
Counts reflect projects currently indexed as alternatives to Document360.
Start with these picks
These projects match the most common migration paths for teams replacing Document360.
Colanode
Privacy-first alternative
Why teams pick it
Local-first architecture with offline support and background sync via SQLite
All open-source alternatives
SurfSense
Private AI research agent integrated with your knowledge base
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPermissive licensePython
Why teams choose it
- Unified search across 50+ file formats and 15+ external sources (Slack, Notion, GitHub, Gmail, Jira)
- Advanced RAG with hierarchical indices, hybrid search, and support for 100+ LLMs and 6,000+ embedding models
- Blazingly fast podcast generation—3-minute audio in under 20 seconds from chat conversations
Watch for
Not yet production-ready; actively under development
Migration highlight
Cross-Platform Project Research
Query Slack threads, Jira tickets, Confluence docs, and GitHub issues simultaneously to surface relevant context for sprint planning or incident response.
Colanode
Local-first collaboration workspace combining chat, docs, and databases
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPermissive licenseTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Local-first architecture with offline support and background sync via SQLite
- CRDT-powered real-time collaboration using Yjs for conflict-free concurrent editing
- Integrated chat, rich text pages, customizable databases with multiple views, and file management
Watch for
Requires infrastructure setup (Postgres, Redis, S3-compatible storage)
Migration highlight
Remote Team Knowledge Base
Centralize documentation, wikis, and project notes with real-time editing while maintaining full data control through self-hosting
Blinko
AI-powered self-hosted note-taking for capturing fleeting thoughts
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- AI-powered RAG search with natural language queries for effortless note retrieval
- Self-hosted architecture ensuring complete data ownership and privacy control
- Offline voice recognition on Windows with Whisper (CPU and CUDA versions)
Watch for
Requires self-hosting infrastructure and maintenance
Migration highlight
Creative Brainstorming
Writers and designers capture spontaneous ideas instantly, then use AI search to rediscover related concepts when developing projects
Eidos
Extensible offline-first personal data management powered by SQLite
Active developmentPrivacy-firstIntegration-friendlyTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Offline-first architecture with all data stored locally in SQLite
- Notion-like documents and databases for intuitive data organization
- Deep LLM integration for AI-powered translation, summarization, and interaction
Watch for
Currently in active development, not production-ready
Migration highlight
Personal Knowledge Base
Organize notes, documents, and research locally with AI-powered summarization and search, maintaining complete privacy and offline access.
Novel
AI-enhanced Notion-style WYSIWYG editor for modern web apps
Permissive licenseIntegration-friendlyAI-powered workflowsTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Notion‑style block editing with drag‑and‑drop
- AI‑powered autocomplete via OpenAI
- One‑click Vercel deployment or self‑hosted locally
Watch for
Requires an OpenAI API key (usage costs apply)
Migration highlight
Internal knowledge base
Employees create and edit richly formatted pages with AI suggestions.
Outline
Fast, real-time collaborative knowledge base for modern teams
Active developmentFast to deployIntegration-friendlyTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Full markdown support with live preview
- Granular access controls and SSO integration
Watch for
Self‑hosting requires Node/TypeScript familiarity
Migration highlight
Onboarding handbook
New hires access up‑to‑date policies and procedures instantly.
Joplin
Offline-first Markdown note-taking with end-to-end encrypted sync
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Offline-first architecture keeps all notes accessible without internet
- End-to-end encrypted sync with Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Joplin Cloud
- Markdown-based notes with full-text search across all platforms
Watch for
Markdown format requires learning curve for non-technical users
Migration highlight
Migrating from Evernote
Import existing Evernote notebooks with formatted content, attachments, and metadata converted to Markdown while maintaining organization structure.
5ire
A sleek AI assistant with MCP tool integration and local knowledge base
Active developmentIntegration-friendlyAI-powered workflowsTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- MCP tool integration for file system, database, and remote data access
- Local multilingual knowledge base with bge‑m3 embeddings supporting docx, pdf, csv, and more
- Prompt library with variable support and organized management
Watch for
Requires Python, Node.js, and uv setup
Migration highlight
Customer support with internal knowledge base
Instantly retrieve relevant policy documents and generate accurate responses
AITable.ai
API-first visual database with real-time collaboration and spreadsheet UI
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Real-time collaboration with Operational Transformation for 100k+ row datasets
- Full REST API access with auto-generated API panel and SQL-like query language
- Seven view types including Gantt, Kanban, Calendar, and Mindmap
Watch for
Native ARM64 (Apple Silicon) container images not yet optimized, may impact performance
Migration highlight
API-Driven CRM Integration
Sales teams manage leads in a visual interface while external applications sync data via REST APIs, eliminating manual data entry and enabling real-time pipeline visibility across tools.
Docmost
Open-source collaborative wiki and documentation platform
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Real-time collaborative editing with comments and page history
- Advanced diagramming with Draw.io, Excalidraw, and Mermaid support
- Granular permissions management with spaces and groups
Watch for
AGPL-3.0 license requires derivative works to be open-sourced
Migration highlight
Engineering Team Documentation
Centralize technical specs, API docs, and runbooks with real-time collaboration and diagram support for architecture discussions
Foam
Personal knowledge management in VS Code with wikilinks
Active developmentPrivacy-firstIntegration-friendlyTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Graph visualization showing connections between notes with wikilink navigation
- Automatic link synchronization when renaming files and ambiguous wikilink diagnostics
- Backlinks panel, tag explorer, and orphan/placeholder detection for knowledge base health
Watch for
Early-stage project under rapid development with potential breaking changes
Migration highlight
Academic Research Management
Organize literature notes with wikilinks, visualize connections between concepts, and maintain a navigable knowledge graph of research findings across multiple projects.
Documize Community
Self-hosted knowledge management platform unifying internal and external documentation
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstJavaScript
Why teams choose it
- Single binary deployment across Linux, Windows, macOS, and Raspberry Pi
- Unified platform for internal documentation and customer-facing knowledge bases
- Enterprise authentication via LDAP, Active Directory, Keycloak, and CAS
Watch for
Requires external database infrastructure (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQL Server)
Migration highlight
Unified Internal Knowledge Base
Consolidate scattered wikis, SharePoint sites, and documentation into a single searchable platform with LDAP authentication and organized spaces per department.
Ryot
Self-hosted tracker for media, fitness, and life activities
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Unified tracking for media (books, shows, games) and fitness activities
- Import from Goodreads, Trakt, Strong App; integrates with Jellyfin, Plex, Kodi, Emby
- Lightning-fast performance with Rust backend and PWA-enabled interface
Watch for
Advanced features require pro version subscription
Migration highlight
Unified Media Library Management
Track books, shows, movies, and games in one place with automatic syncing from Jellyfin or Plex, eliminating the need for multiple tracking apps.
Anytype
Local-first, encrypted knowledge base for your digital brain
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Offline-first local storage with optional peer-to-peer sync—no cloud dependency
- Zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption ensures complete data privacy
- Composable blocks: text, databases, kanban, calendar, and custom Types
Watch for
Any Source Available License 1.0 is not a standard open-source license
Migration highlight
Personal Research Repository
Academics and writers organize literature, notes, and citations in a private, encrypted knowledge graph that syncs peer-to-peer across devices without cloud exposure.
Logseq
Privacy-first platform for knowledge management and collaboration
Active developmentPrivacy-firstIntegration-friendlyClojure
Why teams choose it
- Bidirectional linking and graph visualization for connected note-taking
- Visual Whiteboard canvas with shapes, drawings, and embedded media
- PDF annotation and task management integrated into knowledge workflows
Watch for
Database version (DB graphs) in beta with potential data loss risk
Migration highlight
Academic Research Management
Annotate PDFs, link citations bidirectionally, and visualize connections between papers and concepts in a unified knowledge graph
La Suite Docs
Real-time collaborative editor with AI tools and self-hosting
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPermissive licensePython
Why teams choose it
- Live real-time editing with slash‑command block insertion
- AI actions for rephrase, summarize, translate, and prompt generation
- Granular access control and offline synchronization
Watch for
Advanced PDF export depends on GPL‑licensed packages
Migration highlight
Policy drafting for government agencies
Multiple officials edit drafts in real time, apply AI summarization, and export final documents as PDF for official circulation.
Trilium
Hierarchical note‑taking app for building massive personal knowledge bases
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Arbitrarily deep hierarchical tree with note cloning
- Rich WYSIWYG editor with markdown autoformat, code highlighting, and embedded diagrams
- Per‑note encryption and seamless versioning
Watch for
Self‑hosted sync setup can be complex for beginners
Migration highlight
Personal research repository
Store papers, annotations, and citation links in a searchable tree, with version history and encrypted storage.
SiYuan
Privacy-first knowledge base with block-level linking and AI
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Block‑level reference and two‑way linking
- Markdown WYSIWYG editor with rich media support
- AI writing and Q&A via OpenAI API
Watch for
Advanced features (e.g., AI, spaced repetition) require paid membership
Migration highlight
Academic literature review
Collect papers, annotate sections, and link concepts across a searchable knowledge graph.
NoteGen
AI-powered Markdown note-taking bridging recording and writing
Active developmentPrivacy-firstIntegration-friendlyTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Dual-mode workflow separating quick recording from structured writing
- Built-in RAG support for AI-powered note organization and context
- Native Markdown storage with cross-platform sync via WebDAV
Watch for
Mobile versions (Android/iOS) still in alpha development stage
Migration highlight
Research Paper Compilation
Capture quotes and ideas throughout the day, then use AI to organize them into structured sections for academic writing
XWiki
Extensible Java-based wiki platform powering collaborative applications
Active developmentIntegration-friendlyAI-powered workflowsJava
Why teams choose it
- Modular runtime services for extensible applications
- Comprehensive developer, administrator, and user guides
- Continuous Integration pipeline for each commit
Watch for
Steeper learning curve for newcomers
Migration highlight
Internal Knowledge Base
Teams centralize documentation, enable versioned editing, and reduce information silos.
Memos
Self-hosted, privacy-first note-taking platform with full Markdown support
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPermissive licenseGo
Why teams choose it
- Complete data ownership with self-hosted architecture
- Rich Markdown rendering with instant save
- High-performance Go backend and responsive React UI
Watch for
Self-hosting requires own infrastructure
Migration highlight
Personal knowledge repository
Capture, organize, and retrieve research notes securely on a local machine.
Focalboard
Open-source project management alternative to Trello and Notion
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Self-hosted deployment with full data ownership and control
- Dual editions: single-user desktop apps and multi-user server
- Multilingual interface supporting international teams
Watch for
Standalone repository is currently unmaintained
Migration highlight
Personal Task Management
Individuals organize personal todos and projects using the desktop app without cloud dependencies or subscription fees.
AFFiNE
Unified canvas for writing, drawing, and planning together
Active developmentPrivacy-firstFast to deployTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Edgeless canvas supporting any block type—text, embeds, databases, slides, code.
- Multimodal AI that creates outlines, slides, mind maps, and prototype code from prompts.
- Local‑first storage with optional real‑time collaboration across web and desktop.
Watch for
Feature set still maturing; some advanced plugins not yet available.
Migration highlight
Product roadmap planning
Combine sticky notes, timelines, and AI‑generated mind maps to visualize milestones and assign tasks in a single canvas.
BlockNote
Block-based React editor delivering modern rich-text experience.
Active developmentIntegration-friendlyTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Drag-and-drop block reordering with nesting support
- Slash (/) menu for quick block insertion and formatting
- Real-time collaboration powered by Yjs
Watch for
XL extensions require GPL-3.0 or commercial license
Migration highlight
Internal Knowledge Base
Employees create, organize, and edit documentation with live collaboration and block nesting.
Supermemory
Unified AI-powered memory hub for your digital content
Active developmentPermissive licenseIntegration-friendlyTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Add memories from URLs, PDFs, plain text, and file uploads
- Chat with stored content using natural‑language queries
- Supermemory MCP connects memories to major AI tools
Watch for
Requires an internet connection and user account
Migration highlight
Literature Review
Researchers upload PDFs and retrieve key findings via chat, accelerating synthesis.
Notesnook
Secure private note-taking app with end-to-end encryption
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- End‑to‑end encryption with XChaCha20‑Poly1305 and Argon2
- Cross‑platform clients (web, desktop, Android, iOS) from a single codebase
- Fully open‑source GPL‑3.0 license with transparent cryptography
Watch for
All encryption/decryption occurs locally, requiring device storage
Migration highlight
Secure personal journal
All entries are encrypted locally and can be accessed on any device without exposing content to third parties.
Reor
AI‑enhanced local note‑taking with automatic linking and semantic search
Privacy-firstIntegration-friendlyAI-powered workflowsJavaScript
Why teams choose it
- Local‑first storage with full‑text markdown editing
- Automatic vector embedding and similarity linking of notes
- Integrated LLM Q&A and semantic search via Ollama or compatible APIs
Watch for
Local models can demand significant RAM/CPU
Migration highlight
Research literature review
Automatically connects related papers and notes, enabling quick retrieval of supporting evidence.
nb
A portable, script-driven note-taking and bookmarking system
Active developmentAI-powered workflowsShell
Why teams choose it
- Plain‑text notes with optional GPG encryption
- Git‑backed versioning and remote syncing
- Wiki‑style linking and full‑text search across notes and bookmarks
Watch for
Relies on external tools for advanced features
Migration highlight
Personal research journal
Capture, tag, and version‑track research notes and web references, searchable via regex and synced via Git.
TakeNote
Developer‑focused web notes app with IDE‑style editing.
Permissive licensePrivacy-firstFast to deployTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Plain‑text IDE‑style editor with multi‑cursor support
- Live markdown preview and Prettier formatting
- Local‑storage persistence with easy export
Watch for
Notes stored only in browser unless self‑hosted
Migration highlight
Documenting code snippets during development
Quickly capture, tag, and retrieve code examples with syntax highlighting and searchable notes.
Archivy
Self-hosted knowledge repository with digital preservation and extensibility
Self-host friendlyPermissive licensePrivacy-firstPython
Why teams choose it
- Automatic web page archival for bookmarks ensures permanent content access
- Markdown-based storage with bidirectional links and tag organization
- Extensible plugin system and API for custom integrations
Watch for
Single-user system currently; multi-user support is on the roadmap
Migration highlight
Academic Research Archive
Preserve cited web sources permanently while organizing literature notes with bidirectional links and LaTeX math support for thesis work
AppFlowy
AI-powered workspace alternative to Notion with data control
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPrivacy-firstDart
Why teams choose it
- Cross-platform native apps built with Flutter and Rust for desktop and mobile
- Self-hosting support with full data ownership and privacy controls
- AI workspace capabilities integrated into collaborative workflows
Watch for
Feature set still maturing compared to established commercial alternatives like Notion
Migration highlight
Self-Hosted Team Wiki
Deploy AppFlowy on internal infrastructure to create a secure, customizable knowledge base where sensitive documentation stays under full organizational control.
Choosing a knowledge base & wiki platforms alternative
Teams replacing Document360 in knowledge base & wiki platforms workflows typically weigh self-hosting needs, integration coverage, and licensing obligations.
- 17 projects let you self-host and keep customer data on infrastructure you control.
- 27 options are actively maintained with recent commits.
Tip: shortlist one hosted and one self-hosted option so stakeholders can compare trade-offs before migrating away from Document360.