Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Confluence

AppFlowy is a Notion-like workspace for organizing notes, documents, wikis, and project information in a block-based editor. It provides databases and views to structure work and is available as desktop and mobile apps with an optional cloud/collaboration stack.

Key Features

• Block-based editor for pages (text, headings, lists, embeds, and more)
• Databases with multiple views (e.g., table/board/calendar depending on view support)
• Wiki-style organization with pages, nesting, and linking
• Templates and reusable structures for faster page creation
• Cross-platform clients (Flutter-based) for desktop and mobile
• Optional AI capabilities (“AppFlowy AI”) for writing/help features (deployment varies)
• Local-first/offline-friendly usage modes depending on configuration

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management: notes, reading summaries, and research pages
• Team documentation/wiki: meeting notes, SOPs, and internal knowledge bases
• Lightweight project tracking using databases (tasks, kanban-style boards)

Limitations and Considerations

• Collaboration and some advanced features depend on the separate AppFlowy Cloud/Server components and their maturity
• Feature parity vs. Notion varies by platform and release; some views/integrations may be limited compared to commercial incumbents

AppFlowy is a strong fit for users wanting a modern, Notion-style workspace with an open development model and multi-platform apps. It covers core documentation and database workflows and can be expanded with optional backend services for syncing and collaboration as needed.

AFFiNE is an open-source, local-first workspace that combines a block-based document editor with whiteboards and knowledge-base style organization. It targets the “Notion + Miro” workflow, offering flexible pages, databases/collections, and collaborative editing while keeping offline use and local storage as first-class.

Key Features

• Block-based editor for pages and documents (rich text, blocks, embeds)
• Whiteboard/canvas for freeform brainstorming and diagrams
• Knowledge organization with pages, collections/databases, and backlinks-style navigation
• Local-first workflow with offline use; optional sync via AFFiNE Cloud or self-hosted server
• Real-time collaboration (multi-user) on supported deployments
• Import/export options for migrating content (varies by format/version)
• Cross-platform apps (desktop) and web app distribution

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management for notes, journaling, and structured research
• Team documentation/wiki with collaborative editing and shared spaces
• Whiteboarding for planning, brainstorming, and project discovery sessions

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced “Notion-like” database automations/integrations may be less mature than commercial incumbents.
• Feature parity and stability can vary between desktop, web, and server deployments as the project evolves.

AFFiNE is a strong fit for users who want an offline-capable workspace that blends documents and canvases, while still supporting collaboration when a sync server is used. It is especially compelling for teams seeking a unified notes+whiteboard toolchain without relying on proprietary SaaS defaults.

Discourse is an open source discussion platform for building community forums that feel real-time like chat but retain the structure and long-term value of threaded discussions. It is designed to be searchable, mobile-friendly, and highly moderatable, with extensive customization and integration options.

Key Features

• Trust levels, flagging, review queue, and granular moderation tools
• Rich post composer with Markdown support, quoting, mentions, and uploads
• Categories, tags, and full-text search for organizing and discovering content
• Real-time updates (live topics/notifications) plus email-in/out style participation
• Single Sign-On and multiple authentication providers via built-in support/plugins
• Admin console for site settings, user management, and analytics dashboards
• Extensible plugin/theme system (Theme Components) for UI and behavior changes
• API and webhooks for automation and external integrations

Use Cases

• Product/company community forums with announcements, Q&A, and support deflection
• Open source project discussion hub replacing mailing lists and fragmented threads
• Private team/customer portals for structured discussions and knowledge capture

Limitations and Considerations

• Heavier operational footprint than simple PHP forums (requires Redis and PostgreSQL)
• Many advanced capabilities depend on correct email deliverability and configuration

Discourse is well-suited for communities that need durable, searchable conversations with strong moderation and governance. Its extensibility, integrations, and modern UX make it a common replacement for legacy forums and mailing-list-based support channels.

SiYuan is a local-first note-taking and personal knowledge management app designed around “blocks” (paragraph-level units) that can be referenced, embedded, and linked across documents. It supports Markdown editing, backlinks, and graph-style knowledge navigation, and can be run as a self-hosted service for web access and multi-device usage.

Key Features

• Block-based editor with block references, block embeds, and bi-directional links
• Markdown support with rich editing (tables, code blocks, math/LaTeX, etc.)
• Backlinks and knowledge graph views for navigating connected notes
• Full-text search across notebooks and documents
• Organize content with notebooks, folders, tags, and templates
• Web access via the built-in server for using SiYuan in a browser
• Data stored locally and designed for offline-first workflows

Use Cases

• Building a personal knowledge base (Zettelkasten/PKM) with backlinks and block references
• Maintaining project notes, meeting logs, and technical documentation as Markdown
• Creating a lightweight personal wiki with cross-page embeds and references

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced features and the overall UX can differ from mainstream SaaS note apps; evaluating the editor model (block-based) is recommended before migrating large note sets.

SiYuan is a strong fit for users who want a local-first knowledge system with granular block linking and Markdown-centric writing. It combines wiki-style navigation with an editor model optimized for reusing and connecting content across notes.

Trilium Notes is a personal knowledge base for organizing notes in a hierarchical tree while also supporting cross-linking between notes. It combines a fast web UI, rich editing (including code and Markdown), and powerful search to manage large, interlinked knowledge collections.

Key Features

• Tree-structured notebooks with cloning (same note in multiple places)
• Rich-text (WYSIWYG) editing plus code notes with syntax highlighting
• Markdown import/export and other bulk import/export options
• Bidirectional links and backlinks; note relations/attributes and tagging
• Full-text search with filtering to navigate large note collections
• Versioning/revision history for notes
• Web clipper for capturing content into notes
• Scripting/automation (JavaScript) and custom widgets for extending behavior

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management (Zettelkasten-style linking, research notes)
• Technical documentation and “second brain” for projects (snippets, runbooks)
• Journaling and structured life logs organized by a timeline/tree

Limitations and Considerations

• Collaboration features are limited compared with team-first tools (e.g., comments, real-time multi-user editing)
• The data model (tree + clones + attributes) can require a learning period for new users

Trilium is well-suited for users who want a fast, local-first feeling knowledge base with a strong hierarchy, links, and extensibility. It is commonly used as a private alternative to commercial note and knowledge apps while retaining advanced organization and automation capabilities.

Wiki.js is a modern wiki and documentation platform designed for teams to create, organize, and publish internal knowledge and technical documentation. It focuses on a clean authoring experience (Markdown and visual editing), flexible content organization, and enterprise-style access controls.

Key Features

• Markdown editor and visual (WYSIWYG) editing experience for pages
• Powerful content organization with navigation, pages, and hierarchy
• Fine-grained access control with roles and permissions
• Authentication integrations (e.g., local auth and external identity providers)
• Version history and page revisions with restore/compare capabilities
• Git-based storage/synchronization options for backing content with repositories
• Search functionality for quickly finding content across the wiki
• Extensible architecture with modules/integrations (e.g., storage, auth, rendering)

Use Cases

• Internal company wiki for SOPs, onboarding, and team knowledge sharing
• Engineering documentation portal for runbooks, architecture docs, and APIs
• Project documentation site with controlled access for stakeholders

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced capabilities depend on configuring modules (auth/storage/search) and may require additional services
• Major version upgrades can require migration planning due to platform changes

Wiki.js is well-suited for organizations that want a polished documentation experience with strong permissions and integration options. Its modular approach makes it adaptable to different infrastructures, from small teams to larger environments with SSO and Git-backed workflows.

Docmost is a self-hosted, collaborative wiki for creating and organizing internal documentation and team knowledge. It focuses on structured content (spaces and pages), collaborative editing, and search, making it suitable for product docs, runbooks, and internal knowledge bases.

Key Features

• Spaces and hierarchical pages for structured documentation
• Rich-text/Markdown-style editor for writing and formatting content
• Real-time collaboration features for team editing and updates
• Permissions and access control for organizing content by team/space
• Full-text search to quickly find pages and information
• Attachments and media support for documentation assets

Use Cases

• Internal engineering runbooks, SOPs, and incident playbooks
• Company knowledge base (policies, onboarding, FAQs)
• Product/ops documentation organized by teams or projects

Docmost provides a lightweight Confluence/Notion-style documentation experience that can be deployed on your own infrastructure. It is best suited for teams that want a focused wiki/knowledge base with collaboration, permissions, and search without relying on a hosted SaaS.

Etherpad is a web-based, real-time collaborative text editor for teams to co-author notes and documents in the browser. It focuses on low-friction collaboration: share a pad link, edit together, and keep track of who changed what.

Key Features

• Real-time multi-user editing with per-author colors and attribution
• Built-in chat alongside the pad for in-context discussion
• Revisions and time-slider playback to review and restore past versions
• Import/export and copy/paste support (commonly including HTML/text and document formats via plugins)
• Extensible plugin system (authentication/authorization, import-export, UI, integrations)
• HTTP API for programmatic pad creation and content management
• Embeddable pads for integrating collaborative editing into other websites/apps
• Internationalization (multiple UI languages)

Use Cases

• Collaborative meeting notes and agendas with live editing
• Drafting and reviewing documents, specs, and checklists in small teams
• Embedding collaborative notes into internal tools, portals, or LMS pages

Limitations and Considerations

• Rich document formatting and office-suite features are limited compared to full collaborative office suites; advanced features often depend on plugins.

Etherpad is well-suited for lightweight, real-time co-editing where speed, simplicity, and extensibility matter. Its revision history, chat, and API make it a practical component for team workflows and integrations.

BookStack is a web-based documentation and wiki platform designed for creating and organizing content in a clear hierarchy of Books, Chapters, and Pages. It provides an approachable editing experience while still supporting richer technical workflows for teams that need structured internal documentation.

Key Features

• Structured content model: Books → Chapters → Pages (plus optional “Shelves” to group books)
• WYSIWYG editor with Markdown support, including code blocks and formatting tools
• Granular permissions & roles to control access at shelf/book/chapter/page levels
• Full-text search across content to quickly find pages and references
• Page revision history with change tracking and the ability to review/restore past versions
• Images and file attachments management for documentation assets
• Linkable content with easy page linking and navigation via a consistent hierarchy
• Authentication options including LDAP integration and SSO via SAML2/OAuth2 (via supported identity providers)
• REST API for integrating content and automating documentation workflows
• Theme and customization options (including customization via configuration and UI styling)

Use Cases

• Internal team knowledge base for SOPs, runbooks, onboarding, and troubleshooting guides
• Product/engineering documentation with organized manuals and versionable pages
• Lightweight company wiki for policies, processes, and cross-team collaboration

Limitations and Considerations

• Content organization is opinionated around the book/chapter/page hierarchy, which may not suit all wiki styles
• Real-time collaborative editing (simultaneous co-authoring like Google Docs) is not the primary editing model

BookStack is well-suited for teams that want a clean, navigable documentation system without the complexity of a full CMS. Its structured hierarchy, permissions, and revision history make it a practical choice for maintaining internal documentation at scale.

Overleaf is a web-based collaborative LaTeX editor (Community Edition) for writing, compiling, and managing TeX documents in the browser. It provides a shared workspace where multiple authors can edit the same project, track changes, and produce PDFs via an integrated compile pipeline.

Key Features

• Real-time collaborative LaTeX editing with synchronized cursors and change updates
• One-click LaTeX compilation with in-browser PDF preview
• Project-based workspace for files, folders, and assets (figures, bibliographies)
• Version history (project history) and restore points for tracking edits over time
• Git integration support (via Git bridge in Overleaf tooling/ecosystem) for syncing projects with repositories
• User/project sharing and access controls suitable for teams, labs, and classes
• Template-based project creation (common paper formats and journal/conference styles)

Use Cases

• Collaborative academic writing (papers, theses) with co-authors editing concurrently
• Teaching LaTeX in classrooms with shared assignments and templates
• Producing technical documentation with citations, figures, and reproducible builds

Limitations and Considerations

• Full feature parity with Overleaf’s hosted offering depends on edition/configuration; some enterprise/hosted-only capabilities may not be included in Community Edition.

Overleaf Community Edition is well-suited for organizations that want a browser-first LaTeX workflow with collaboration, preview, and history in a single interface. It is commonly used in research groups and education environments to standardize templates and simplify collaboration.

OneDev is an all-in-one DevOps platform that bundles a Git server, code review, CI/CD automation, and project management into a single application. It’s designed to reduce integration overhead by providing source hosting, pipelines, and issues in one place, with a web UI for day-to-day developer workflows.

Key Features

• Git repository hosting with web UI, permissions, and repository browsing
• Pull requests with code review workflows, discussions, and approvals
• Built-in CI/CD with declarative pipelines (YAML) and self-hosted build agents
• Docker/agent-based job execution with caching/artifacts to speed up builds
• Issue tracking with customizable fields/workflows and agile boards
• Package registries (commonly used for publishing/consuming build outputs)
• Integrations via webhooks and API for automation and external tooling
• Search and traceability across commits, pull requests, builds, and issues

Use Cases

• Replace a GitHub/GitLab-style workflow for small-to-mid teams on private infrastructure
• Run CI/CD pipelines close to your code with integrated reviews and issue tracking
• Maintain internal developer platforms where unified permissions/auditability matter

Limitations and Considerations

• Smaller ecosystem than GitLab/GitHub; fewer third-party add-ons and marketplace-style integrations
• Some advanced enterprise features (varies by release) may require careful evaluation vs. larger suites

OneDev fits teams wanting a single, cohesive system for code hosting, reviews, and pipelines without stitching together many separate services. It is particularly useful when you prefer an integrated UI and centralized project data for development workflows.

Blinko is a self-hosted note-taking and personal knowledge management (PKM) app focused on quickly capturing ideas and organizing them into a searchable knowledge base. It provides a clean web UI for writing notes, categorizing with tags, and retrieving information later.

Key Features

• Markdown-based note editor for fast writing and formatting
• Tagging and organization to build a personal knowledge base over time
• Full-text search to quickly find notes
• Web-based UI designed for quick capture and browsing
• Multi-user capable deployments (account-based access)

Use Cases

• Personal PKM system to store notes, ideas, and snippets
• Lightweight alternative to hosted note apps for private journaling and work notes
• Team-shared scratchpad/knowledge space for small groups

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature set is primarily focused on notes/PKM; advanced wiki-style structures and complex collaboration workflows may be limited compared to larger platforms

Blinko fits users who want a straightforward, self-hosted notes app with tagging and search rather than a heavy project management or document suite. It is suitable as a private, always-available web notebook that grows into a personal knowledge base.

TiddlyWiki is a non-linear personal wiki designed to be flexible, portable, and heavily customizable. It can run entirely in the browser as a single self-contained HTML file (easy to carry, backup, and open anywhere), or it can be hosted using Node.js for multi-page/server-based workflows.

Key Features

• Single-file wiki mode that stores the app and your content together in one HTML file
• Non-linear note model (“tiddlers”) with powerful linking, tagging, and organization
• Transclusion and “wikitext” templating to reuse and compose content across pages
• Built-in search, filtering, and dynamic lists powered by a rich filter language
• Extensible plugin architecture (themes, macros, widgets, custom renderers)
• Multiple saving/hosting options (classic file saving, Node.js server, and adapters)
• Import/export and inter-wiki sharing via core import tools and plugin ecosystem

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management (Zettelkasten-style notes, research notebooks)
• Lightweight documentation and project wikis (run locally or on a server)
• Building custom, form-like tools and dashboards using templates/widgets

Limitations and Considerations

• Collaboration is not a primary design focus in classic single-file mode; multi-user editing typically requires additional server/storage choices.
• The learning curve can be steep for advanced customization (filters, widgets, macros).

TiddlyWiki is a strong fit for users who want an offline-friendly knowledge base with deep customization and composable content. Its single-file mode makes it uniquely portable, while Node.js hosting enables more traditional server-backed deployments when needed.

CryptPad is a privacy-first collaborative workspace for creating and editing documents online with end-to-end encryption. It provides a browser-based suite of office-style apps plus encrypted file storage, designed so the server cannot read your content.

Key Features

• End-to-end encrypted collaboration where document contents are encrypted in the browser
• Real-time co-editing with share links and granular sharing options (e.g., view/edit)
• Multiple app types: rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, kanban boards, code/markdown, whiteboard, forms, and polls
• Encrypted Drive for organizing files and documents (folders, uploads, and shared content)
• Optional accounts; supports sharing without requiring recipients to sign up
• Version history and change tracking features (vary by app)
• Team/shared spaces for organizing collaborative work
• Import/export options for common formats (varies by app)

Use Cases

• Collaborative writing and internal documentation for privacy-sensitive teams
• Collecting responses using encrypted forms/polls without exposing content to the server
• Secure project coordination using kanban/notes with share-by-link access

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature parity with mainstream office suites varies by app (advanced formatting and compatibility can be limited)
• Search/indexing of content is constrained by the encryption model

CryptPad is a strong fit for organizations and communities that want practical online collaboration while minimizing trust in the hosting server. It combines a broad set of document tools with encrypted storage and link-based sharing for flexible collaboration workflows.

HedgeDoc is a web-based, collaborative Markdown note editor designed for teams to write together in real time. It focuses on fast note creation, easy sharing, and flexible publishing, while still supporting structured organization and access control.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaborative editing for Markdown documents
• Markdown preview and formatting helpers, including syntax highlighting for code blocks
• Multiple sharing and publishing modes (private notes, shared links, published notes)
• Note history/revisions to track and restore changes
• User accounts and team collaboration features (permissions depend on configuration)
• External authentication support via common identity providers (e.g., LDAP/OAuth/OIDC depending on setup)
• Export/share notes in common formats (e.g., Markdown) and embed-friendly published views

Use Cases:

• Collaborative meeting notes, sprint notes, and incident write-ups
• Lightweight internal documentation and how-to pages for teams
• Publishing announcements or public notes with shareable URLs

Limitations and Considerations:

• Advanced wiki-style information architecture (hierarchical pages, strong interlinking, graph views) is not the primary focus compared to dedicated wiki platforms.

HedgeDoc is well-suited when you want a simple, fast, multi-user Markdown editor with real-time collaboration and straightforward ways to share or publish notes. It fits teams that value “write together now” workflows over heavyweight document management.

HumHub is a self-hosted social networking platform designed for building private social networks, team intranets, and community portals. It centers collaboration around “Spaces” (groups) with an activity stream, posts, and integrated apps via a modular extension system.

Key Features

• Space-based structure (teams/projects/groups) with configurable permissions and visibility
• Activity stream with posts, comments, likes, mentions, and notifications
• Built-in collaboration modules such as tasks, calendar, files, polls, and wiki/knowledge features (via modules)
• Extensible module system and marketplace for adding functionality without forking core
• User profiles, directory, and social features (following, messaging depending on modules)
• Administration tools for users, spaces, modules, theming, and system settings
• REST API support for integrations (where enabled/available in the platform)

Use Cases

• Company intranet for internal announcements, knowledge sharing, and team coordination
• Private community portal for associations, schools, or member groups
• Project hubs using dedicated Spaces to coordinate updates, tasks, and files

Limitations and Considerations

• Many capabilities are delivered through optional modules; required features may depend on selecting and maintaining specific extensions.

HumHub fits organizations that want a customizable, Space-centric social intranet with an app/module ecosystem. It is especially suitable when you want a familiar social feed UX combined with structured group workspaces and extensibility.

Standard Notes is a cross-platform note-taking application focused on long-term privacy and durability. It provides end-to-end encrypted syncing across devices, with optional editors and extensions to tailor the writing experience.

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption for note content and synced data
• Cross-platform apps (web, desktop, mobile) with account-based sync
• Offline access (notes remain available without a network connection)
• Extension system for additional editors (e.g., Markdown/rich text) and tools
• Revision history features available via extended functionality
• Data portability with export options to back up or migrate notes

Use Cases

• Private personal journaling and daily notes that should remain confidential
• Managing technical notes (e.g., Markdown) across multiple devices
• Keeping a secure knowledge base with optional enhanced editors/workflows

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced editors/tools and features are provided via add-ons/paid plans rather than the minimal core editor

Standard Notes is a solid choice for users who prioritize encryption and cross-device note syncing. Its modular editor/extension approach lets you keep a simple, durable core while enabling richer writing and organization when needed.

DokuWiki is a lightweight, PHP-based wiki engine designed for documentation and knowledge bases. It stores content as plain text files (no database required), making it easy to deploy, back up, and migrate while still supporting multi-user collaboration.

Key Features

• Plain-text file storage with automatic revision history and diff viewing
• Built-in Access Control Lists (ACL) for namespaces/pages and user/group permissions
• Full-text search and structured navigation using namespaces and backlinks
• Plugin and template ecosystem for extending functionality and theming
• Media management for file uploads and embedding images/documents
• Interwiki links, page locking, and conflict handling for concurrent edits
• Built-in authentication options with support for external auth via plugins

Use Cases

• Internal team wiki for SOPs, runbooks, and technical documentation
• Project documentation portal for software/hardware teams
• Personal or small-organization knowledge base with fine-grained permissions

Limitations and Considerations

• Does not use Markdown by default (uses DokuWiki syntax; Markdown available via plugins)
• Advanced workflows (e.g., WYSIWYG editing, complex approvals) typically require plugins

DokuWiki is well-suited for teams that want a dependable wiki with minimal operational dependencies and strong permissioning. Its file-based design and mature extension ecosystem make it a practical choice for long-lived documentation.

SilverBullet is a markdown-first personal knowledge base (PKM) and wiki that runs in your browser with a server-backed file store. It focuses on fast note navigation (links, backlinks, search) and on extensibility: you can automate workflows and customize behavior using scripts and plug-ins.

Key Features

• Markdown-based pages stored as plain files, editable in a web UI
• Wiki-style linking with backlinks for knowledge graph-style navigation
• Full-text search across pages
• Extensible architecture: plug-ins and user scripts to add commands, panels, and behaviors
• Built-in command palette for quick navigation and actions
• Templates/snippets and metadata via frontmatter for structured notes
• Multi-device access via the web interface (single server, many clients)

Use Cases

• Personal wiki for meeting notes, project journals, and daily logs
• Team “lightweight wiki” for documentation where plain markdown files are preferred
• Power-user note system with custom commands (e.g., automations, page generators)

Limitations and Considerations

• Extension power comes with a learning curve (scripting/plug-ins) for advanced customization
• Best suited to wiki/PKM workflows; not a full project management suite

SilverBullet is a good fit if you want a browser-based markdown wiki that stays file-oriented while still being highly customizable. Its link-centric navigation and programmable extension model make it especially useful for users who want to tailor their note-taking system to their own workflows.

Colanode is an open-source collaborative workspace that brings team documentation, notes, and lightweight project organization into a single place. It is designed as a Notion-style knowledge hub that you can run on your own infrastructure and tailor to internal team workflows.

Key Features

• Workspace structure for organizing content (pages/collections-style organization)
• Collaborative editing for team documentation and shared notes
• Rich-text/Markdown-oriented writing experience with structured content blocks
• Search and navigation to quickly find workspace content
• User and workspace access management for team collaboration
• API-first / developer-friendly approach (project ships as a full web application)

Use Cases

• Internal team wiki for processes, runbooks, and onboarding documentation
• Project space for specs, meeting notes, and lightweight planning
• Central knowledge base to replace scattered documents across multiple tools

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature set and integrations may be narrower than mature hosted suites (e.g., automation/integration marketplace)
• Some enterprise controls (advanced compliance features) may be limited depending on your deployment needs

Colanode fits teams that want an all-in-one shared workspace without depending on proprietary SaaS. It is most suitable for documentation-centric collaboration with simple project organization in the same product.