BlockNote

Visit site Alternatives

Score6.9

Rank#6 of 37

From$195/mo

Free planYes

Runs onSelf-hosted, Web

Summary

BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building web applications such as knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors and internal tools. Its ready-made animated interface and block-based document structure are designed to make setup simpler, while developers can add custom block types, customize menus or build their own UI. The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its real-time collaboration uses Yjs, with providers including Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket and y-webrtc. Collaboration documentation lists y-indexeddb for offline storage. BlockNote imports and exports its own JSON format and HTML; conversions to standard HTML and Markdown are marked lossy. XL packages add AI integration, multi-column layouts and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT and email. Closed-source use of XL packages requires a commercial license. The free Community plan includes all blocks and UI components, drag-and-drop editing and real-time collaboration; XL packages are free for OSS under GPL-3.0. Business costs $195/mo, billed yearly.

Who it is for

It suits developers building web-based editors for knowledge bases, notes, documents or internal tools. It is especially relevant when self-hosting and customization matter.

What is good

Open-source editor with modular customization.
Supports real-time collaboration through Yjs.
Includes drag-and-drop editing on the Community plan.
Supports image, video, audio and file blocks.

What to know first

Standard HTML and Markdown conversions are lossy.
Closed-source XL package use requires a commercial license.
Business costs $195/mo, billed yearly.

Verdict

BlockNote offers a customizable editor foundation with collaboration and self-hosted document handling. Review format-conversion limits and the commercial-license requirement for closed-source XL use before adopting it.

BlockNote plans and pricing

All plans

Community Free Free All blocks & UI components · drag-and-drop editing · real-time collaboration · XL packages free for OSS under GPL-3.0 blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026

Business $195/mo $2,340 billed yearly; page also shows “$390/mo now -50%” Commercial license for XL packages · one application per license · standard support blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026

Enterprise Not published Custom Custom licensing · dedicated support · feature development · onboarding and integration guidance blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026

Compared on rich text editor software

Free plan: Yesblocknotejs.org
Paid from: $195/moblocknotejs.org
Deployment: self_hostedblocknotejs.org
Framework support: React, Next.js, vanilla JavaScript, Mantine, Shadcn, Ariakitblocknotejs.org
Structured content: Yesblocknotejs.org
Real-time collaboration: Yesblocknotejs.org
Table editing: Yesblocknotejs.org
Media handling: Images, video, audio, and file blocks with configurable file uploadsblocknotejs.org

Facts

Product: BlockNote is an open-source, modular rich-text editor for developers building modern web applications.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Use cases: The editor powers editing experiences for knowledge bases, note-taking apps, document editors, and internal tools.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Editor experience: BlockNote provides a ready-made animated UI with minimal setup and a block-based document structure.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Customization: Developers can create custom block types, customize menus, or build their own UI from scratch.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Integrations: The editor is built on ProseMirror and TipTap, and its collaboration feature uses Yjs.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Collaboration: Yjs providers listed for collaboration include Liveblocks, PartyKit, Y-Sweet, Hocuspocus, y-websocket, and y-webrtc.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Offline use: The collaboration documentation lists y-indexeddb for offline storage.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Formats: The editor supports importing and exporting BlockNote JSON and HTML, while standard HTML and Markdown conversions are marked lossy.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Paid features: XL packages include AI integration, multi-column layouts, and exports to PDF, DOCX, ODT, and email; closed-source use requires a commercial license.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Limits: The pricing FAQ says there are no limits on the number of documents or users, and that documents and users remain on the customer's own infrastructure.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Privacy: The privacy policy says personal data is handled in accordance with the GDPR and lists TLS or comparable secure connections and need-to-know employee access as safeguards.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Support: Priority Support includes a 48-hour first-response time and direct access through GitHub, email, and a dedicated Slack channel.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026
Maker: The about page says BlockNote is developed by engineers led by Matthew Lipski, Nick Perez, and Yousef El-Dardiry.blocknotejs.org · 3 Oct 2026