AppFlowy, Immich and FluidVoice: subscription alternatives

Andrew Warner reviews ten GitHub projects as alternatives to subscription apps, with an emphasis on adapting their source code to personal needs. This is a comparison of features and tradeoffs, rather than a step-by-step installation guide.

For local AI, FluidVoice receives the most direct attention. Warner describes dictation that processes audio on the user's computer, previews text while speaking and supports a global shortcut. Users can choose a transcription engine; he notes that his choice requires a larger local file. Optional OpenAI or Anthropic API connections add further functions. He describes macOS availability and says the developer can provide a Windows version, but later acknowledges uncertainty about its full release.

AppFlowy covers documents, databases and integrated AI features as a Notion alternative. Immich handles photo backups from iOS and Android, with facial recognition on the user's hardware. Warner stresses that users must maintain their own backups and cites the project's 3-2-1 guidance.

The broader selection covers signing, whiteboards, design, scheduling, newsletters, links and remote desktop access. Hosting brings obligations: ListMonk needs an email delivery service and deliverability work; Excalidraw's editor repository does not by itself provide the hosted site's full collaboration service. Warner also notes commercial exclusions in Cal.DIY and Dub, and suggests using a coding assistant to customize the projects.