Can I open-source Capacities?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. AppFlowy (75k stars), AFFiNE (71k stars), Joplin (56k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Capacities — self-host with docker and stop paying $11.99/mo.
People still pay for Capacities because people keep paying when the note system is trusted across every device and disappears into their daily capture habits. The recurring cost buys file watching, conflict handling, indexing, mobile apps, encryption, backups, and migrations, not just the visible interface.
xobject-model polish, mobile capture, sync, calendar integration, and AI features
xfrictionless mobile capture
xreal-time team editing
xhosted publishing
xproprietary AI memory
These projects already replace it, free.
SSiYuanTyped blocks, relations and database views for people who enjoy seeing the machinery.open source↗TTrilium NotesNotes become objects through attributes, relations and reusable templates.open source↗AAppFlowyAI-powered workspace with docs, wikis, and kanban boards built in Rust/Flutteropen source↗What each one is, in full: SiYuan · Trilium Notes · AppFlowy
all 8 open-source alternatives to Capacities →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Capacities pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| capacities basic | $0/user | $0/user | Unlimited spaces, objects, blocks, custom object types and devices; 5 GB media total, then 100 MB uploads/month; 100 MB/file |
| capacities pro | $11.99/user | $9.99/user | Unlimited media uploads under fair use; 100 MB/file; AI, smart queries, calendar, tasks, formulas and API |
| capacities believer | $14.99/user | $12.49/user | All Pro limits/features plus beta access to major new features |
free tierUnlimited spaces, objects, blocks, custom object types and devices; 5 GB total media, then 100 MB uploads/month; 100 MB/file
billingmonthly + annual (-16%); free Pro trial in app, no card
hidden costsPaid 'unlimited' media is subject to fair use and a 100 MB/file cap. Paddle applies regional pricing/VAT, and VPN-based regional pricing is not accepted. No team or organization plan is sold.
verified 2026-08-13 · source ↗
Can I open-source Capacities?
Yes. SiYuan replaces Capacities today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Capacities cost?
Capacities costs about $11.99/month (Capacities Pro, checked 2026-08-13), which is $143.88 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Capacities?
Honestly: object-model polish, mobile capture, sync, calendar integration, and AI features; frictionless mobile capture; real-time team editing; hosted publishing; proprietary AI memory. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Capacities?
Yes: SiYuan (Typed blocks, relations and database views for people who enjoy seeing the machinery.) Trilium Notes (Notes become objects through attributes, relations and reusable templates.) AppFlowy (AI-powered workspace with docs, wikis, and kanban boards built in Rust/Flutter) All 8 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/capacities/alternatives.