Question 1

What is the best free or freemium alternative to Affine?

Accepted Answer

Several alternatives like Miro and Mural typically offer free tiers suitable for basic use. These provide infinite canvas features for whiteboards and collaboration without upfront costs, though advanced team features may require upgrades. They serve as strong starting points for users testing productivity tools before committing to paid plans.

Question 2

Is Miro better than Affine for teams?

Accepted Answer

Miro stands out for teams with its AI-assisted visual collaboration from ideation to launch on an infinite canvas. It emphasizes real-time teamwork and innovation workflows, differing from Affine's privacy-first solo focus. Users needing scalable group brainstorming often prefer Miro's polished team features.

Question 3

What is the best open-source alternative to Affine?

Accepted Answer

Affine itself is open-source, and while direct matches among listed options are limited, tools like those in this category historically include open-source elements for customization. For privacy-focused users, sticking close to Affine's model or exploring similar local-first apps remains key. Verify specific licensing via official sites.

Question 4

Is Craft a good solo alternative to Affine?

Accepted Answer

Craft suits solo users well by enabling writing, planning, and organization across every device. Its block-based system mirrors Affine's docs and notes but adds polished multi-platform sync. It fills gaps for individuals prioritizing personal knowledge management over heavy collaboration.

Question 5

Can these alternatives handle docs, whiteboards, and databases like Affine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most listed alternatives achieve strong feature parity for core canvas-based productivity. Tools like Mural and Miro merge whiteboards with planning, while Craft and Xmind cover docs and structured mapping akin to databases. Expect some variation in AI integration or offline depth, but all support infinite-style workflows.

Question 6

What is the best AI-powered alternative to Affine?

Accepted Answer

Miro leads with AI-assisted visual collaboration, while Xmind offers AI mind mapping for brainstorming. Ideamap provides AI-assisted team brainstorming, and Slatebox generates editable visuals from prompts. These enhance Affine's optional AI with specialized creativity tools.

Question 7

Is Mural better than Affine for brainstorming?

Accepted Answer

Mural excels for team brainstorming and alignment on infinite canvases, building on Affine's whiteboard strengths with dedicated planning tools. It focuses on collaborative stickies and diagrams for group sessions. Solo users may find Affine sufficient, but teams benefit from Mural's scale.

Affine

Top 123 Best Affine Alternatives & Competitors (2026)

Alternatives to Affine