AFFiNE
AFFiNE is a local-first workspace that combines documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI.
What AFFiNE is
AFFiNE is a local-first workspace that combines documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI. Its AI can draft and summarize content, adjust tone, generate mind maps, and create presentations. AFFiNE AI currently runs through AFFiNE Cloud and requires sign-in; each Cloud user receives 10 trial experiences, and the page says users can bring their own API key starting with version 0.27. A built-in MCP server lets compatible clients such as Claude and Cursor search a workspace and read documents. MCP credentials are limited to one workspace, revocable, and read-only by default. The desktop app stores documents and whiteboards on the device and supports offline reading and editing without an account. Mobile apps focus on capturing and reviewing notes; the full Edgeless whiteboard and local file control are on desktop. The free cloud plan includes 10 GB storage, up to 3 workspace members, and 7 days of version history. Pro costs $6.75 per month and includes 100 GB storage, up to 10 members, and 30 days of history. AFFiNE serves individual creators, small teams, and enterprise teams seeking self-hosting or custom deployment.
Good
- Desktop supports offline reading and editing.
- MCP access defaults to read-only.
- MCP credentials can be revoked.
- Free cloud plan includes 10 GB storage.
- Available for desktop and mobile platforms.
Watch out
- Free cloud workspaces allow up to 3 members.
- Free cloud version history is 7 days.
- AI requires AFFiNE Cloud sign-in.
- Mobile apps do not include the full Edgeless whiteboard.
Who it suits
AFFiNE suits individual creators and small teams wanting documents, whiteboards, and databases in one workspace. Its offline desktop use and self-hosted or custom deployment options may also suit users prioritizing local control or enterprise deployment.
Verdict
AFFiNE combines workspace tools with offline desktop editing and controlled MCP access. Check the cloud tier's member and history limits, and note that its AI currently requires Cloud sign-in.
Plans and prices
From AFFiNE's own pricing page, checked 14 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Unlimited local workspaces · 10 GB cloud storage · 10 MB maximum file size · up to 3 members per workspace · 7 days version history · up to 3 devices |
| Local FOSS + Cloud Basic | Free | 10 GB cloud storage · 10 MB max file size · Up to 3 members per workspace · 7 days version history · Up to 3 login devices · Free forever |
| Pro | $6.75 a month | 100 GB cloud storage · 100 MB maximum file size · up to 10 members per workspace · 30 days version history · community support · billed annually |
| AFFiNE AI | $8.90 a month | AI add-on for writing, rewriting, translation, presentations, mind maps and planning · billed annually |
| Team | $10 a month | 100 GB initial storage + 20 GB per seat · 500 MB maximum file size · multiple admin roles · priority support · per seat/month |
| Believer Plan | $499.99, paid once | Lifetime personal usage · 1 TB cloud storage · Includes AFFiNE Pro · One-time purchase |
| Believer | $499.99, paid once | Lifetime personal Pro use · 1 TB cloud storage |
| Enterprise | Priced on request | 100+ seats · dedicated contact · custom contract · source-code review · self-hosted/cloud hybrid · SLA on request |
| Code License | Priced on request | Commercial source-code license · whitelabel rights · OEM and SDK embedding support · dedicated solutions engineer |
The facts
Each one read from AFFiNE's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI availability
- AFFiNE AI currently runs through AFFiNE Cloud and requires sign-in; the page says users can bring their own API key starting with version 0.27.checked 3 Oct 2026
- AI features
- AFFiNE AI can draft, rewrite, translate, summarize, create mind maps and turn ideas into presentation or task structures.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Audience
- AFFiNE says it serves individual creators and small teams as well as enterprise teams needing self-hosting or custom deployment.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Core features
- AFFiNE AI can draft and summarize content, adjust tone, generate mind maps, and create presentations.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Database
- AFFiNE databases support table, Kanban and calendar-style planning views.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Official documentation includes Docker installation, backup, upgrade, HTTPS, access and OIDC configuration guidance.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Document editor
- The product supports structured block-based documents, connected pages and Markdown writing.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Funding
- Crunchbase lists one seed funding round with six investors, including Huachuang Zhiye Capital, Red Dot Ventures and Sinovation Ventures.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The product supports Google Calendar and CalDAV synchronization, a web clipper, and imports from Notion, Obsidian, Bear and OneNote.checked 14 Oct 2026
- License
- The editor, desktop app and most client code are MIT licensed, while the backend uses the source-available AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The editor, desktop app, and most of the codebase are MIT-licensed, while the backend uses the AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Limit: AI pricing
- ToolGuide lists AI as a separate paid add-on rather than part of the base plan.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: enterprise identity
- AFFiNE's self-hosting page says SAML, SCIM provisioning, built-in audit logs and official Kubernetes deployment are not currently available.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: mobile bugs
- An Apple reviewer reported table checkboxes failing and the keyboard remaining visible after tapping plus.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Limit: product maturity
- Tolodora reports that AFFiNE is younger and less polished than established tools, with rough edges and uneven completeness.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Local-first
- Local workspaces support offline use while cloud synchronization remains optional.checked 14 Oct 2026
- MCP access controls
- MCP credentials are scoped to one workspace, can be revoked, and default to read-only access.checked 3 Oct 2026
Money
- AI trial
- Each AFFiNE Cloud user gets 10 free AFFiNE AI trial experiences.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Company facts
- LinkedIn lists AFFiNE as privately held, founded in 2020, headquartered in Singapore and employing 11–50 people.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Company legal name
- Crunchbase identifies the maker as TOEVERYTHING PTE. LTD.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2022checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Singaporechecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Limit: Android reliability
- Google Play reviewers describe Android text deletion, keyboard obstruction, self-hosted connection failures and unusable scrolling.checked 14 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- Linux downloads are offered as x64 AppImage, deb and Flatpak packages.checked 14 Oct 2026
The full review of AFFiNE
Overview
AFFiNE brings documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI into a single local-first workspace. Its desktop app keeps documents and whiteboards on the device, where they can be read and edited offline without an account. Users can choose where desktop files live and optionally sync a workspace through AFFiNE Cloud.
The product serves individual creators and small teams, as well as enterprise teams that need self-hosting or custom deployment. AFFiNE was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Singapore. Its editor, desktop app, and most of its codebase are MIT-licensed; the backend uses the AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license. For more tools in this category, see our Document Collaboration Software list.
Key features
One workspace for different kinds of work
AFFiNE combines documents, whiteboards, and databases rather than focusing on documents alone. The desktop app includes the full Edgeless whiteboard and local file control. The iOS and Android apps are more focused: they support capturing and reviewing notes, while the desktop app provides the fuller whiteboard and local-file experience.
AI writing and creation tools
AFFiNE AI can draft and summarize content, adjust tone, generate mind maps, and create presentations. It currently runs through AFFiNE Cloud and requires users to sign in. Each AFFiNE Cloud user receives 10 free AI trial experiences. Starting with version 0.27, users can bring their own API key.
Workspace access through MCP
A built-in MCP server lets compatible clients such as Claude and Cursor search a workspace and read its documents. MCP credentials are limited to one workspace, can be revoked, and default to read-only access.
Local files and offline access
Desktop documents and whiteboards are stored on the device and remain available for reading and editing offline, even without an account. AFFiNE describes the desktop app as local-first, with optional syncing to AFFiNE Cloud. Cloud storage, file-size limits, and version history vary by plan.
Pricing
AFFiNE uses a freemium model, with a free plan and a free trial. The free cloud tier is limited to 3 members per workspace, 10 GB of storage, 10 MB maximum file size, 7 days of version history, and up to 3 login devices.
| Plan | Price | Included details |
|---|---|---|
| Local FOSS + Cloud Basic | free | Free forever; 10 GB cloud storage, 10 MB maximum file size, up to 3 workspace members, 7 days of version history, and up to 3 login devices. |
| Pro | $6.75 a month | Billed $6.75 per month; 100 GB cloud storage, 100 MB maximum file size, up to 10 workspace members, 30 days of version history, and community support. |
| AFFiNE AI | $8.90 a month | Billed $8.9 / month billed annually; AI writing, image and mind-map generation, and presentations, plus 10 trial experiences per AFFiNE Cloud user. |
| Team | $10 a month | Billed $10 per seat/month; 100 GB initial storage plus 20 GB per seat, 500 MB maximum file size, unlimited team members (10+ seats), multiple admin roles, and priority customer support. |
| Believer Plan | $499.99, paid once | One-time purchase; lifetime personal usage, 1 TB cloud storage, and AFFiNE Pro. |
| Enterprise | Price not listed | Custom pricing for 100+ seats, with custom deployment, a dedicated point of contact, self-hosted and cloud hybrid options, and SLA on request. |
| Code License | Price not listed | Custom pricing for a commercial source-code license, whitelabel and rebrand rights, and OEM and SDK embedding support. |
Platforms
AFFiNE is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and as an extension. Self-hosting is also available. Mobile apps focus on capturing and reviewing notes; the desktop app includes the full Edgeless whiteboard and local file control.
Who it's for
AFFiNE suits individual creators and small teams looking to keep documents, whiteboards, and databases in one workspace. Offline desktop access and control over local files may matter to people who want work stored on their device, with cloud sync as an option. Enterprise teams can consider it when they need self-hosting or custom deployment; the Enterprise plan is aimed at 100+ seats. The Team plan supports unlimited team members at 10+ seats, with multiple admin roles and priority customer support.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Desktop documents and whiteboards can be read and edited offline without an account.
- Users can choose local storage and optionally sync workspaces to AFFiNE Cloud.
- AI can help draft, summarize, adjust tone, make mind maps, and create presentations.
- MCP access defaults to read-only and can be scoped to one workspace and revoked.
- Self-hosted and custom deployment options are available for enterprise teams.
Cons
- The mobile apps focus on note capture and review rather than the full desktop experience.
- AFFiNE AI currently requires AFFiNE Cloud and sign-in, unless using the bring-your-own-API-key option starting with version 0.27.
- The free cloud tier has limited storage, file size, workspace membership, login devices, and version history.
Alternatives
Readers comparing workspace and document collaboration options can also consider Lark, Notion, Nuclino, ONLYOFFICE Docs, WPS Docs, Collabora Online, Confluence, and Craft.
Verdict
AFFiNE brings several work formats together while giving desktop users offline access and control over local files. Its AI tools and MCP server add ways to create content and access workspace documents, though AI currently depends on AFFiNE Cloud or a supported API-key setup. The free cloud tier has defined limits, while paid plans expand storage, file sizes, membership, and support. Teams needing self-hosting or custom deployment have an Enterprise option, with custom pricing.
Getting started
- Visit https://affine.pro/.
- Choose a platform: Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, or extension.
- Use the desktop app for offline reading and editing without an account.
- Sign in to AFFiNE Cloud to use AFFiNE AI.
- Choose a plan: the free cloud plan, Pro, AFFiNE AI, Team, Believer Plan, or an enterprise option.
Limits worth knowing
The free cloud plan allows up to 3 workspace members, 10 GB of storage, files up to 10 MB, 7 days of version history, and up to 3 login devices. Pro costs $6.75 per month (annual) and allows up to 10 members, 100 GB of storage, files up to 100 MB, and 30 days of history.
Questions
Is AFFiNE free?
Yes. The Local FOSS + Cloud Basic plan is free forever and includes 10 GB of cloud storage, up to 3 workspace members, 7 days of version history, and up to 3 login devices.
How much does AFFiNE cost?
Pro costs $6.75 per month (annual). AFFiNE AI is $8.90 per month billed annually, Team is $10 per seat/month, and the Believer Plan is a one-time $499.99 purchase. Enterprise and Code License use custom pricing.
Which platforms does AFFiNE support?
AFFiNE is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, as an extension, and for self-hosting.
Can I use AFFiNE offline?
The desktop app stores documents and whiteboards on the device and supports reading and editing offline without an account.
Is AFFiNE open source?
The editor, desktop app, and most of the codebase are MIT-licensed. The backend uses the AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license.
What does AFFiNE AI include?
It can draft and summarize content, adjust tone, generate mind maps, and create presentations. It runs through AFFiNE Cloud and requires sign-in; each Cloud user gets 10 free trial experiences.
Alternatives to AFFiNE
- 1
ONLYOFFICE Docs
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Lark
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Notion
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Overleaf
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Coda
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Confluence
Free planAndroidiOSWebSelf-hosted8.2From $5.42 a month