Python
SurfSense
Search your own knowledge and the web
by MODSetter · Apache-2.0
AI search enginesResearch assistantApache-2.0Runs locallyPythonIntermediate
From the README
Install
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/MODSetter/SurfSense/main/docker/scripts/install.sh | bash
- Upload PDFs, Office docs, images, and audio, or sync Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. 50+ file formats supported.
- Hybrid semantic and full-text search with cited, Perplexity-style answers.
- AI file sorting auto-organizes documents by source, date, and topic.
Excerpts from the project README on GitHub. Copyright and licensing remain with the respective authors.
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🐳 Docker pulls
📦 PyPI downloads / month
📦 npm downloads / month
🚀 Latest release ·
What is SurfSense?
SurfSense connects your personal knowledge sources with web search into one research assistant with citations.
Why people choose SurfSense
- Searches your notes and the web together
- Cites every source
- Self-hosted and private
SurfSense at a glance
| Category | AI search engines |
| Type | Research assistant |
| License | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Yes |
| Built with | Python |
| Skill level | Intermediate |
| Best for | research across personal notes and the web |
Latest releases
Open-source alternatives to SurfSense
Other open-source ai search engines tools worth comparing:
PerplexicaOpen-source Perplexity you self-host
MorphicGenerative UI answer engine
SearXNGThe private search layer behind AI search
FarfalleSelf-hosted answer engine with local models
Lepton SearchA conversational search engine in 500 linesSurfSense head-to-head
SurfSense vs PerplexicaSurfSense vs MorphicSurfSense vs SearXNGSurfSense vs FarfalleSurfSense vs Lepton Search
FAQ
Is SurfSense free?
SurfSense is free and open-source (Apache-2.0 license), so you can use, self-host and modify it at no cost.
Can I run SurfSense locally?
Yes. SurfSense is designed to run on your own machine or server, keeping your data private.
What is the best alternative to SurfSense?
Popular open-source alternatives include Perplexica, Morphic, SearXNG. See the comparisons above to choose.
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