Lokus vs Notion: Privacy Comparison
Local-first vs cloud-based. If you care about privacy and owning your data, here's why Lokus is the best Notion alternative.
The Fundamental Difference
Lokus: Local-First
Your notes are stored as markdown files on YOUR device. They never touch our servers. Complete privacy and ownership.
Notion: Cloud-Based
All your notes are stored on Notion's servers. Requires internet. They can access your data.
TL;DR
Choose Lokus if you want:
- Complete privacy - data stays on your device
- Full offline support - work anywhere
- Plain markdown files - portable forever
- Graph view and backlinks for connected notes
Choose Notion if you want:
- Real-time team collaboration
- Powerful database features
- Polished mobile apps
- All-in-one workspace for teams
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Lokus | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever | Free / $8+/mo |
| Data Storage | Local (your device) | Cloud (their servers) |
| Privacy | 100% private | Data on Notion servers |
| Offline Support | Full | Limited |
| Open Source | ||
| Wiki Links | Partial | |
| Backlinks | ||
| Graph View | ||
| Infinite Canvas | ||
| Markdown Files | ||
| Templates | 90+ features | |
| Databases | Coming soon | |
| Collaboration | Via file sharing | |
| AI Features | Plugin | $10/mo add-on |
| Account Required | ||
| macOS | ||
| Windows | ||
| Mobile Apps | Coming soon |
Why Privacy Matters
Your notes contain your thoughts, ideas, research, and often sensitive information. With Notion, all of this lives on their servers. They have access to your data, and it could be exposed in a breach.
With Lokus, your notes are just files on your computer. We never see them. There's no server to breach. You have complete control and ownership.
Features Notion Doesn't Have
Graph View
Visualize connections between your notes. Notion has no equivalent.
Backlinks
See all notes that link to the current note. Essential for PKM.
Infinite Canvas
Whiteboard for visual thinking. Notion doesn't have this.
Plain Markdown
Your notes are portable. Notion uses a proprietary format.
Take Back Control of Your Notes
Your notes should belong to you, not a company. Download Lokus and experience true privacy with local-first note-taking.