Cards on whiteboards for mapping out and connecting ideas while you research. If it is not working for you, here are 8 apps that do the same job, closest match first.
Built from official pricing pages and app store listings, prices checked 2026-11-01. Not paid to be here.| App | Price | Platforms | Pick it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heptabase (the app you have) | Paid plans from about $9/month | Everywhere | - |
| Capacities | Free plan | Everywhere | you want a free plan to start |
| Obsidian | Free for personal use | iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux | you want a free plan to start |
| Supernotes | Starter free | Everywhere | you want a free plan to start |
| Reflect Notes | Paid app | Apple | you use Apple devices |
| AFFiNE | Free local use | Everywhere | you want a free plan to start |
| Anytype | Free | iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux | you want a free plan to start |
| Amplenote | Free plan | Everywhere | you want a free plan to start |
| RemNote | Free plan | Everywhere | you want a free plan to start |
Notes organised as objects (people, books, ideas) instead of folders.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start.
Notes as plain files on your own device, with plugins for almost anything.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start, privacy matters most to you and you need it to work offline.
Card-based notes app where you write Markdown notecards, nest and link them, view a graph and collaborate in real time.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start and you work with a team.
Daily notes and backlinks with an AI assistant, stored on your Mac and iPhone.
Pick it if you use Apple devices.
Docs, databases and whiteboards in one open-source, local-first workspace.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start, privacy matters most to you and you want open source.
Local-first notes and databases, encrypted by default.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start, privacy matters most to you and you need it to work offline.
Notes, tasks and calendar scheduling together, for people who plan as they write.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start.
Notes that turn into flashcards, with spaced repetition to help you revise.
Pick it if you want a free plan to start.
We matched these apps to Heptabase by what they are for, who they suit and where they run, using our research on each app's official website and app store listing. We have not tested them hands-on for this page. Check the price on each app's own site before you buy.