AFFiNE vs Overleaf
AFFiNE
affine.pro
Overleaf
overleaf.comSide by side
| Figure | AFFiNE | Overleaf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.75/mo | $8.20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 9 |
| Spec score · Document Collaboration Software | 9.5 (#1) | 8.9 (#7) |
| Audience | AFFiNE says it serves individual creators and small teams as well as enterprise teams needing self-hosting or custom deployment. | Overleaf says it was developed by researchers to make scientific and technical writing simpler and more collaborative, and serves research institutions and businesses. |
| Documentation | Official documentation includes Docker installation, backup, upgrade, HTTPS, access and OIDC configuration guidance. | The official documentation covers getting started, editing, projects, collaboration, integrations, security, on-premises administration, troubleshooting and LaTeX tutorials. |
| Founded | 2022 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | London, United Kingdom |
| Integrations | The product supports Google Calendar and CalDAV synchronization, a web clipper, and imports from Notion, Obsidian, Bear and OneNote. | Overleaf documentation lists Git and GitHub synchronization, Dropbox, ReadCube, Zotero, Mendeley, R code (knitr), Grammarly, and Google Drive import among its integrations and add-ons. |
| Self-hosting | The official self-hosting route uses Docker Compose on infrastructure operated by the customer. | Overleaf Community Edition and Server Pro can be deployed on premises with the Overleaf Toolkit and Docker-based services. |
| Support | The Pro plan includes community support, while Team includes priority customer support. | The Organizations plan includes personalized support, personalized onboarding, and a dedicated account manager. |
| What it does | AFFiNE combines documents, databases, infinite whiteboards and AI in one local-first workspace. | Overleaf is a browser-based collaborative LaTeX editor that compiles documents to formatted output while people write together. |
Plans
AFFiNE
- FreeFree
- Local FOSS + Cloud BasicFree
- Pro$6.75 a month
- AFFiNE AI$8.90 a month
- AFFiNE AI$8.90 a month
- Team$10 a month
- Believer$499.99, paid once
- Believer Plan$499.99, paid once
- Code LicensePriced on request
- EnterprisePriced on request
Overleaf
- FreeFree
- Student$8.25 a month
- Standard$16.75 a month
- Pro$33.25 a month
- FreeFree
- Student$8.20 a month
- Standard$16.60 a month
- Pro$33.25 a month
- OrganizationsPriced on request
In their own words
AFFiNE
AFFiNE combines documents, whiteboards, databases, and AI in a local-first workspace. Its AI tools can draft and summarize content, adjust tone, generate mind maps, and create presentations. AFFiNE AI runs through AFFiNE Cloud and requires sign-in; each Cloud user receives 10 trial experiences, and the page says users can bring their own API key starting with version 0.27.
A built-in MCP server lets compatible clients such as Claude and Cursor search a workspace and read documents. Its credentials are limited to one workspace, can be revoked, and default to read-only access. The desktop app stores documents and whiteboards on the device for offline reading and editing without an account. Mobile apps focus on capturing and reviewing notes, while the full Edgeless whiteboard and local file control are on desktop. The free cloud tier includes up to 3 workspace members, 10 GB of storage, and 7 days of version history. The editor, desktop app, and most of the codebase are MIT-licensed; the backend uses the AFFiNE Enterprise Edition license. AFFiNE serves individual creators, small teams, and enterprise teams seeking self-hosting or custom deployment.
Overleaf
Overleaf is an online platform for writing, compiling, and revising LaTeX documents with collaborators. Writers can choose a Visual Editor or a Code Editor, while shared documents support simultaneous editing and comments, plus in-document chat. Free templates and example projects cover journal articles, theses, and CVs. Listed connections and add-ons include Git and GitHub synchronization, Dropbox, ReadCube, Zotero, Mendeley, knitr for R code, and Grammarly. Google Drive content can be imported into projects, but Overleaf does not sync directly with Drive. The free plan costs nothing and allows unlimited projects with one collaborator per project. Student and Standard permit 10 collaborators per project, and Pro permits unlimited collaborators; no prices are listed for those tiers. An Organizations plan is described for 20+ users. A seven-day trial gives access to the selected plan, with the card charged afterward unless canceled. Overleaf was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Listed platforms are extension, self-hosted, and web.