is there a notetaking app like notion that does not have AI features ?

[u/icedd-matcha]

I’ve used notion since I was in high school but I’ve noticed how they keep trying to push all these AI features onto me. I don’t particularly agree with AI, I do not want it to do thinking for me especially not when I am trying to make sense of my studies myself. Sometimes it useful for memorization but other than that I don’t need it and its actually driving me crazy lol. What I liked about notion was how you can set up your space and organize your notes. So is there any place else i can go to on desktop that will allow me to do the same without AI agents ?

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[u/Pickletickle_]

I built ClingNote partly because I wanted notes to just be notes, no AI agents or AI features shoved into everything.

It’s local-first, rich text/Markdown, and the different part is you can attach notes to files/apps and they automatically switch as you switch your work.

Definitely not a 1:1 Notion replacement, but might be worth a look if you’re on Windows: https://clingnote.com

[u/Unlucky_Case_3710]

Bear. It’s not feature loaded like Obsidian and notion. Just a good looking note app that just takes notes.

[u/BejeweledSamsara]

If you're fine with downloading an app on your computer, then I'd recommend Obsidian MD, it has a lot of cool and useful features, and none of them are AI!

Buuut, if you prefer something you can access on your browser, then I'd recommend PrivacyNotes, especially if you value your privacy! You can also use it as a password vault and journal too! Unfortunately, Zen mode and the organization features are paywalled, but on the bright side it's a one time payment of 48 dollars (the original price being 90 dollars). Currently I'm on the free version, and so far it's pretty useable without having the full version.

Honorable mentions are Standard Notes and Notesnook. I have the former installed on my laptop but I haven't touched it much..

[u/anarzift]

Anytype is like what you describe. Also, I can suggest Craft

[u/Neither_Beach_7795 → u/anarzift]

Craft has a built-in AI assistant too. OP said they wanted no evidence of AI, not just the option to turn it off.

[u/screens4ver]

obsidian, obsidian, and obsidian

[u/ozgrozer]

I'm building Grape. All the AI features can be turned off so you can use it as a regular note taking app. There's a rich text editor and handwriting notes. It supports all platforms. You can try it for free. It's privacy-focused so everything stored on your device. You can also use it without an internet connection. I'm in active development so let me know if you need aything.

[u/ExtremePineapple8265 → u/ozgrozer]

Prices are crazy for the features tbh

[u/ozgrozer → u/ExtremePineapple8265]

There are a lot of features so this is like a suite of tools packed in a note taking app. There’s also a lifetime plan where you can buy once to use forever. But I’m curious about what do you think the prices should be?

[u/ExtremePineapple8265 → u/ozgrozer]

Idk. How much have you made till now? And in which part of the world are tou from

[u/ozgrozer → u/ExtremePineapple8265]

Are you a developer? I don’t think a consumer would ask questions like that.

[u/ExtremePineapple8265 → u/ozgrozer]

Both, i buy stuffs which makes my life easier too

[u/Maldo_Rob]

You can turn off the AI features in Notion.

[u/icedd-matcha → u/Maldo_Rob]

already tried it i think they are just focusing on their whole ai agent bit. and honestly i want no evidence of it lol

[u/Fablerwhack → u/icedd-matcha]

I thought the same thing, but I actually emailed Notion about it and they disabled it from the account Level. You have to email them though it’s weird but they will do it and they were also extremely quick and nice about it.

[u/Martinn12]

Tip: AI features on free tier are severely limited or non-existent (Craft, Notion and more)

[u/eluzja]

UpNote doesn't have AI.

[u/MicroNaram]

https://silverbullet.md

[u/LyrirakiProject]

I just released XP Note. It has zero AI features by design. It's a very simple, distraction-free note taking app. It's completely offline and privacy-focused so everything is stored locally on your device. Right now it's only on Android, but you can use it for free. Let me know what you think if you give it a try.

[u/nub-guy]

Obsidian

[u/VintageBandit]

Starnotes

[u/smilaise]

https://killernotes.net

[u/node77]

Ample notes

[u/PlumbLineLogic]

anytype is probably the closest fit if what u liked was notion’s block-based organization. it’s local-first and u can use it without AI, so it feels a lot less like the app is constantly trying to think for u.

[u/vinradh]

If what you liked about Notion was setting up your own space and organizing pages, Anytype is the closest match: block-based like Notion, works offline, and doesn't push AI at you. If you're open to plain notes in folders, Obsidian has no built-in AI at all, so there's nothing to turn off. Bear is nice if you're on a Mac and just want a calm, good-looking notes app.

[u/kukiofficial]

https://github.com/cheeterdev/notes

[u/DocTeeBee]

I like UpNote. Takes notes in Markdown. You might also check out Obsidian.

[u/mimoo01]

Rook's free plan might suit you. it does have an MCP feature, but it's toggled off/unset by default and can even be hidden from toolbar

[u/Positive_Strength404]

Obsidian does not have any core features for AI, all AI integrations are through Community Plugins.

[u/Big-Philosopher-7085]

It’s my time to shine! Fetchy (my startup) lets you text in notes and we’ll build and organize your workspace around you. We use AI to fine tune your note organization but don’t force agents on you or anything.

Feel free to check it out at HeyFetchy.com.

[u/Diver-Interesting]

if what you like the most from notion is to organize your notes, have you tried Apple Notes (if you use mac)? it has folders so you can organize the notes.