Heptabase
A visual knowledge base for research and connected thinking
★★★★☆
4.3
/ 5
Visit Heptabase →
At a glance
Rating
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Pricing
Pro $8.99/mo; 7-day trial
Free plan
No
Platforms
Web, macOS, Windows, Ios, Android
Best for
Researchers, students, and visual thinkers working through complex topics
Our take
We find Heptabase most useful when research is messy and relationships between ideas matter. Its cards, whiteboards, PDF annotation, bidirectional links, Readwise and Zotero connections, and AI Tutor support a visual research workflow rather than a plain notes archive. It suits researchers, students, and lifelong learners who think spatially. The tradeoff is no permanent free plan and AI usage is split into credit-based tiers.
Key features
- ✓Cards and nested whiteboards
- ✓Block-based editor
- ✓PDF annotation and highlights
- ✓Bidirectional links and connected notes
- ✓Readwise and Zotero integrations
What we like
- ✓Spatial model makes complex topics easier to map
- ✓Strong PDF reading and annotation workflow
- ✓Offline access and cross-device sync
- ✓Free collaborator invites for shared work
What could be better
- ✗No permanent free tier
- ✗AI credits vary by plan
- ✗More than a simple notes app for lightweight capture
- ✗Whiteboard-heavy workflow may not suit linear thinkers
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