TreeLine vs Workflowy
TreeLine
treeline.bellz.orgWorkflowy
workflowy.comSide by side
| Figure | TreeLine | Workflowy |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $6.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Outlining Software | 7.4 (#17) | 8.3 (#11) |
| Spec score · Note-taking apps | 7.5 (#179) | 9.1 (#14) |
| Spec score · Outliner Software | 7.4 (#27) | 8.3 (#12) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Organization | A file can include several node types with different sets of fields, and each node type can have its own format. | Users can nest items to organize content, zoom into a bullet to focus, and search the document in real time. |
| Purpose | TreeLine stores information in a tree structure, with fields on each node forming a mini-database. | Workflowy describes itself as a note-taking app built around a single, infinite document and list. |
| Support | Doug Bell welcomes feedback, bug reports, and suggestions by email, and the site points TreeLine users to a mailing list. | Workflowy directs users with questions to [email protected]. |
Plans
Workflowy
- BasicFree
- Pro$6.99 a month
- Pro (annual billing)$6.99 a month
- Workflowy Teams$6.99 a month
- Pro (monthly billing)$8.99 a month
In their own words
TreeLine
TreeLine is a free, offline information organizer for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It stores records in a tree, with fields on each node acting like a small database. Fields can contain plain or rich text, HTML, numbers, dates, times, booleans, and URLs. One file can hold several node types, each with its own fields and formatting. Search commands find node data, while filters present matching nodes in a flat view. Node output can appear on screen, be printed, or be exported to HTML. Files use JSON and may be compressed or encrypted automatically. Import and export cover plain text, delimited tables, older TreeLine files, Mozilla and XBEL bookmarks, generic XML, and ODF text outlines. Additional exports include CSV, PDF, tab-indented text, and TreeLine format. Windows installers target Windows 10 and 11. Linux installation requires Python 3.9 or newer, Qt 6.4 or newer, and PyQt 6.4 or newer. macOS is not formally supported; a third-party MacPorts version is suggested. The free plan is free under GNU GPL v2 or later.
Workflowy
Workflowy is a note-taking app built around one expandable document and list. Users can nest items, focus on a bullet by zooming into it, and search across the document in real time. A bullet can become a checkbox, heading, board or table. Tags, dates, backlinks, mirrors and templates help connect or reuse material. Workflowy says it saves automatically and synchronizes across devices. Its API can read and write Workflowy data for apps, scripts and automations. Users can also enable multi-factor authentication with an authenticator-app code and recovery codes. The free Basic plan includes 100 nodes per month and 100 MB of uploads; reaching the node limit brings up a subscription prompt, though users can continue adding nodes. Pro lists unlimited nodes and uploads at $6.99 per month billed annually or $8.99 per month billed monthly. The annual option lists a seven-day trial. Workflowy supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, and lists a Chrome extension. Its integrations include Readwise, Kindle Highlights, Google Calendar, Zapier and Workflowy Desktop MCP.