Is Flomo Worth It? Find Out & Compare with Top Alternatives

If you're checking out new note-taking apps, Flomo is one you'll probably come across. It's a clean and minimal app for jotting down quick thoughts and daily logging. In this guide, you'll discover how it works, what features it offers, and how the free plan compares to the pro version. Also, there are some of the best Flomo alternatives available as well for desktop and mobile devices.

Part 1. Flomo App Complete Overview

So you're going to check out Flomo today. It's a minimal note-taking application with handy ways to record and capture stuff.

Awards and Versions

To start out, this application is pretty notable because it won the Product Hunt Golden Kitty Award 2021 for mobile applications. It has an iOS, a Google Play, a Mac, a PWA version, and a web version, which you can see in front of you here.

PWA ( Progressive Web Apps ) means there is no need to download the Flomo app. You can simply create the desktop shortcuts using the Chrome or Edge browser and open them quickly.

How Flomo Works

The Flomo application is designed around the Zettelkasten method. It is a combination of "flow" and "memo"-they're trying to combine the two words. Just to give you a little background, on the web version, your account has a simple note-taking system where you can start typing notes away.

You can start creating tags for it, add images to it, and even use the Live Text function on iOS to say stuff to it. It also has annotation, which allows you to create relationships between certain links.

It's very basic in terms of note-taking abilities.

Even on the iOS and Google Play Store versions, they are designed to record and move on as you take your notes, and don't offer more file-oriented note features.

Syncing and Interface

Your account is called Memo, and synchronization works across all platforms.

For example, when you sign into the iOS version, everything syncs rapidly between the two.

You can organize content through simple tags and create a sub-tag structure too, which might help when managing through the Zettelkasten method.

WeChat Integration

You can connect to WeChat by scanning the QR code and following the Flomo account. Every message you send to the official account syncs there.

This is something also seen in modern applications like Mem, allowing you to save texts and ideas into your note app quickly.

Heat Map Feature

The heat map is probably the most notable function in the Flomo app.

It's also in apps like Supernotes. It looks good if you're using this as your daily note-taker. If you click on a selection, the heat map shows how many memos you created on each day. This is something more note apps should have.

Live Text Feature on Mobile Version

On iOS and Android, the app performs well. The Live Text feature is integrated nicely. The little button at the bottom helps you take a simple note using the quick capture function.

If you use WeChat often, this integration might suit your mobile use.

Part 2. How Much Does the Flomo App Cost?

The Flomo offers you a free version and the Pro account, which is $90.99.

With the Free version, you already get the basics: tag system, WeChat input, heat map, and syncing across all platforms. You can write unlimited text, store up to 500 MB of images, and export your memos too. But the image quality gets compressed, so you're not saving originals.

Now, if you're on the Pro plan, that's when things step up. You still get all the Free features, but the image storage jumps to 10 GB, and it keeps the original image size. That's important if you care about quality.

The big difference kicks in with the advanced features. Free users don't get Daily Review, API access, Backlinks, or Tag ICONs - all of these are Pro-only. These tools help if you're deep into note connections, reviewing past thoughts, or automating stuff with other platforms.

Bottom line is the Free plan is decent for light use. But if you're serious about note-taking and want full access to integrations and features, the Pro plan actually gives you way more.

Part 3. Top 15 Flomo Alternatives for PC, Android, and iOS

If Flomo is not something that you love, there are some fantastic alternatives for every device available as well.

1. Me.bot

If you're looking for a good note-taking app other than Flomo, Me.bot may sound like a chatbot, but it's actually a great second-brain app.

With Me.bot, you can collect your thoughts, ideas, plans, and life moments in different formats, whether it's a quick note, voice memory, or a saved link. It can handle it. The app then analyzes what you save and shows the highlights, which are like a summary, and the connections between things you saved before.

It's handy and interesting to see the patterns in your thoughts that you might have missed. This is really useful when you quickly want to get the essence of an article or a YouTube video. Being able to see the related items in your library is really cool. You can also use it for writing, and while writing, you can use the AI chat for research or to find something relevant from your library. Writing and researching in one place is convenient. This AI chat can be used for various purposes, like brainstorming ideas for work or personal life, tracking goals and habits, or even as a learning tool.

2. xTiles

xTiles is one of the most interesting note apps out there. It combines the best features of Notion and Miro and creates a vast and enjoyable digital workspace. This unique blend makes it an ideal tool for building a customized setup. It's one of the most fun and satisfying tools to use.

You can start with a total blank canvas and shape your workspace by adding notes and various widgets, such as clocks and calendars. Also, there are options to add task lists, bookmarks, tables, or embed things like YouTube videos, Google Sheets, and Pinterest. xTiles turns the task of creating and managing a digital work area into a playful experience.

You can manage simple things like your schedule with calendar and timeline views or create more complex dashboards. If you don't want to build everything from scratch, it offers templates for weekly reviews, class notes, client lists, or building a second brain. One highlight is the Ultimate ADHD Planner-it includes a daily planner, priority matrix, habit tracker, and more.

Every task you create appears in a unified task list. You can also view everything on a calendar and even sync with your Google Calendar. The mobile app helps you check notes, tasks, and your schedule on the go.

3. Beloga

Beloga is an AI personal knowledge management tool and an amazing alternative to the Flomo app. It's essentially a combination of an AI search engine, bookmark app, and note app. The search capabilities are the strongest part.

You press "S" on your keyboard to bring up the search bar. From there, choose your preferred AI model to search the web, Google Scholar, or even your own data from Notion or Google Drive. Beloga runs multiple searches and summarizes the best results for you. If you find something useful, you can save it to your personal library with Shift + C. For writing and notes, just create a new note, and you'll see search results on the right side. You can keep writing or have the AI write a draft for you. There's no mobile app yet, but it's a top priority right now.

4. Heptabase

Like Flomo, Heptabase helps you organize your thoughts visually on a canvas instead of a list. It feels like creating a mind map. You can jot down your thoughts/ideas, make to-do lists, or save stuff from the web. Then you can head to the app and make as many whiteboards as you want for your projects. It's satisfying to watch the map grow. You can also search online inside the app, which helps a lot when researching.

The AI features are still limited, but one called Generate Insight can produce insights based on your notes. It also has a decent mobile app so you can access notes and maps anywhere.

5. AFFiNE

AFFiNE is similar to Heptabase but has more of a Notion feel. It lets you work in different modes. The Page mode is for writing documents, tables, and managing tasks. Then there's the Ed mode, a digital whiteboard to spread out ideas. AFFiNE offers more flexibility than other visual note apps. You can draw, create shapes, make mind maps, and add stickers.

Once you're done organizing your thoughts, you can switch back to page mode to write. AI features have been added-you can highlight a part, ask for help, generate a mind map, or even a presentation. There's no mobile app yet, which is a drawback.

6. Kosmik

Kosmik takes a visual approach. Though it's called a browser, it's more like a digital playground for your notes and bookmarks. It offers an infinite canvas to store files, notes, and web pages. You can save things right from your browser and drag-and-drop items onto your canvas.

The AI helps organize everything by tagging saved items and sometimes finding connections between ideas you didn't even notice. You can surf the web, read articles, and take notes all in the same space. Kosmik also integrates with other note apps like Notion, so you're not locked into one system.

7. Traverse

Traverse is a study-focused tool that mixes mind mapping, flashcards, and linked notes. You can create whiteboards for each topic, take notes, arrange them visually, and connect them. Each note can be turned into a flashcard for review. This is useful when studying or trying to remember something.

The mobile app isn't the prettiest, but it does the job. If you find Flomo too complicated, Traverse is a solid alternative.

8. Saner.ai

Saner.ai might be one of the best note apps around. It just launched a new mobile app, too. The highlight is its personal AI assistant that knows your notes. You can search and chat with it, and it suggests relevant content from your library. It even generates answers based on your notes.

It also creates automatic tags, saving you time. The UI is clean and easy to use. The mobile app still feels a bit slow, but it functions well-you can chat, view notes, and see your task list.

9. LazyNotes

Compared to Flomo, LazyNotes is all about speed. It's an iOS-only app, so if you're using Android or a Windows PC, skip this one.

You can capture content fast from anywhere-web pages, videos, or random thoughts. It even captures YouTube transcripts with timestamps. There's also a shortcut to chat with AI instantly. The mobile app is limited to quick note-taking, but the rest of the app performs well.

10. NotebookLM

NotebookLM is one of the best free note apps, even better than some paid ones like Flomo. It's ideal for students or anyone in academia. The AI doesn't pull from the internet. It only uses your uploaded sources like PDFs, Docs, websites, and YouTube videos. You can ask it to create a study guide, summarize, or answer questions.

You can also write your own notes while viewing a doc or watching a video. There's even a feature that turns documents into podcast-like conversations. It's a bit quirky, but really helpful.

11. Capacities

Capacities is like a cross between Notion and Obsidian. It makes linking and organizing info really easy. You CAN create "objects" like categories in restaurants, places, or people. Then every note you make under those gets sorted into that object list.

The design is clean. You get a writing panel in the center, pinned notes and collections on the left, and a graph view on the right. That graph helps you see connections between notes. It's great for planning, research, or organizing files. Task management isn't its strength, but it connects with apps like Todoist and Google Tasks.

12. Napkin

Napkin is more like a space for your thoughts than a traditional note-taking tool. It lets you save book quotes, article clips, or your own thoughts.

The AI links related ideas together. You can review by topic or randomly. You can even scan book quotes with your phone or record voice notes. Napkin helps you reflect and connect ideas rather than just storing them. It's a great way to catch and grow "aha" moments.

13. Amplenote

Amplenote combines note-taking, task management, and a calendar in one app. It helps you prioritize tasks without juggling too many lists.

You can schedule tasks and view your day or week easily. It's easy to use but offers enough customization to make it feel personal. You'll find a balance of simplicity and features that actually work together.

14. Twos

Twos is one of the best free Flomo alternatives, especially if you like simple tools like Google Keep. You can write notes, make to-do lists, set reminders, and manage your calendar. You just have to type your thoughts on the daily note screen.

The AI features help you break down tasks, fix grammar, or explain things. For bigger projects, you can create list-style project notes. It's surprisingly customizable in the settings. It offers a lot for a free app.

15. Apple Notes

Apple Notes is becoming one of the strongest apps like Flomo out there. It's fast and has many new features. The live audio transcription is a highlight. You can record during meetings or lectures, and it turns into text automatically. That's perfect if you want to focus on listening but still want notes.

The document scanner is helpful too. Instead of managing papers and receipts, just scan them. Apple Intelligence also refines your writing or summarizes long notes. It's still simple but now a lot more capable.

Part 4. FAQs of Flomo

Conclusion on Flomo

Flomo is a simpler app, which makes it a good pick if you just want to write and move on. You've seen what it offers and how it stacks up against other note-taking apps. If you're into clean layouts, fast syncing, and quick daily notes, it might just fit your style without getting in the way.