The Best CherryTree AlternativesTop Note-taking Tools & Todo List Managers like CherryTree

CherryTree is described as 'Free, open-source note-taking with rich text, cross-platform support, syntax highlighting, embedded files, and customizable interface' and is a very popular Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 50 alternatives to CherryTree for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and Web-based apps. The best CherryTree alternative is Obsidian, which is free. Other great apps like CherryTree are Joplin, Zim, Notion and Microsoft OneNote.

filter to find the best alternatives

CherryTree alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools, but if you're looking for Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Android + Open Source. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to CherryTree.
CherryTree iconCherryTree
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Free, open-source note-taking with rich text, cross-platform support, syntax highlighting, embedded files, and customizable interface.

More about CherryTree
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CherryTree alternatives page was last updated Apr 27, 2025
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  1. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     989 likes
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    Privacy-oriented note-taking app for non-linear thinking, blending knowledge graph creation with wiki-style linking. Supports Markdown, end-to-end encryption, and plugins for customization. Offers distraction-free mode, tags, themes, syntax highlighting, and operates offline without tracking.

    110 Obsidian alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1

    Top Obsidian Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Local Storage
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Graph view
    5.  Bidirectional links
    6.  Mind Mapping
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Knowledge Management
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Backlink

    Obsidian VS CherryTree

     
    Comments about Obsidian as an Alternative to CherryTree
    Most Recent Comment
    Sam Lander
    Positive Jul 26, 2023
    1

    Very similar format. Obsidian will be better for most people as it has many plugins.

    CherryTree is faster and open-source.

    TBayAreaPat
    Positive Aug 19, 2023
    0

    I don't see a way to import webpages in Obisidian like I do with CherryTree if you save a webpage as CompleteHtml. I'm still new with it all, but I somehow find CherryTree easier to use and more organized.

    andgregorik
    Positive Nov 8, 2020
    -1

    CherryTree feels like an ancient WIP beta of Obsidian. I used to be a CT guy for 2 yrs but as of late 2020 I'm an Obsidian convert. It does everything that CT can but with panache and speed. And of course it does a lot more.

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    3 of 4 comments
    CherryTree Icon
    Obsidian icon

    • Most users think Obsidian is a great CherryTree alternative.

    • Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to CherryTree.

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to CherryTree.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryCherryTree is Free and Open Source
  2. Joplin icon

    Joplin

     827 likes
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    Open source app for managing notes and to-dos with Markdown support. Syncs seamlessly across devices using services like Dropbox and OneDrive. Offers end-to-end encrypted synchronicity, offline access, rich import/export options, and a Web Clipper for browsers.

    78 Joplin alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Desktop and mobile apps

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Web Clipper
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Local Storage
    7.  File Sync
    8.  Tagging
    9.  Ad-free
    10. Android icon  Android Sync
    11.  Encrypted Notes
    12.  WebDAV Support

    Joplin VS CherryTree

     
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to CherryTree
    Most Recent Comment
    TBayAreaPat
    Negative Aug 19, 2023
    0

    Wasn't impressed w/Joplin first time, but now that I have CherryTree, I reinstalled Joplin to compare. I quickly notice that I can't import webpages like with CherryTree complete html import. Then when I paste an article clipping into Joplin, it doesn't show the imported clickable links like CherryTree and Obsidian do. Uninstalling again.

    a a
    Positive Mar 11, 2022
    1

    It supports hierarchical note

    distantkay
    Negative Dec 11, 2019
    2

    It is not hierarchical note

    CherryTree Icon
    Joplin icon

    • Most users think Joplin is a great CherryTree alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to CherryTree.

    • Joplin is the most popular Open Source alternative to CherryTree.

    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceCherryTree is Free and Open Source
    • Joplin is Privacy focusedCherryTree is not according to our users
  4. Zim icon

    Zim

     500 likes
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    Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...

    296 Zim alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • NL flagNetherlands
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Zim screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  Plain text file
    3.  Wiki-like interface
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Cross-Platform
    6.  Note organization
    7.  WYSIWYG Support
    8.  Outliner
    9.  Text formatting
    10.  Portable
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Notebook

    Zim VS CherryTree

     
    Comments about Zim as an Alternative to CherryTree
    Top Positive Comment
    LordMax
    Sep 28, 2017
    4

    Very similar, simplest and use txt files

    Most Recent Comment
    Sam Lander
    Positive Jul 26, 2023
    0

    Similar.

    I prefer Zim because it is clean, can portable, and saves to .txt.

    Lenny Su
    Positive Apr 22, 2021
    1

    I use Zim & CherryTree both.

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    3 of 6 comments
    CherryTree Icon
    Zim icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Zim is a great CherryTree alternative.

    • Zim is Free and Open SourceCherryTree is also Free and Open Source
    • Zim is LightweightCherryTree is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Notion icon
    Notion

    Enhance team collaboration and content organization with Notion. Experience real-time access, intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities, and visually simple interfaces designed for productivity in managing tasks, notes, and databas...

    https://www.notion.com
    Learn More
  6. Notion icon

    Notion

     622 likes
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    Enhance team collaboration and content organization with Notion. Experience real-time access, intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities, and visually simple interfaces designed for productivity in managing tasks, notes, and databases effectively. Ideal for teams of every size.

    112 Notion alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Notion screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Database Management Tool
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Wiki
    4.  Custom templates
    5.  Team Collaboration
    6.  Visual bookmarks
    7.  Relational Database
    8.  Knowledge Base structuring
    9.  Data export/import
    10.  Kanban Board
    11.  Real time collaboration
    12. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX

    Notion VS CherryTree

     
    Comments about Notion as an Alternative to CherryTree
    TBayAreaPat
    Aug 19, 2023
    0

    Doesn't work without internet connection

    distantkay
    Negative Dec 11, 2019
    -3

    It is not hierarchical note

    CherryTree Icon
    Notion icon

    • Most users think Notion is a great CherryTree alternative.

    • Notion is the most popular Web-based & SaaS alternative to CherryTree.

    • Notion is Freemium and ProprietaryCherryTree is Free and Open Source
  7. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1140 likes
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    Comprehensive digital notebook offering organizers, shared notes, multi-device syncing, and optical character recognition, plus cloud-based data management for efficient information handling and accessibility.

    102 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1

    Top Microsoft OneNote Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Web Clipper
    3.  Visual Organization
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Text formatting
    6.  Insert images
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Support for styluses
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Pressure Sensitivity
    12.  Multiple Account support

    Microsoft OneNote VS CherryTree

     
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to CherryTree
    Top Positive Comment
    Azazel
    May 30, 2020
    1

    Sync between devices, snappier interface...

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Feb 12, 2019
    4

    Cherrytree is OS independent, runs faster and has better view for tree as OneNote.

    Most Recent Comment
    RemovedUser
    Negative Jan 8, 2021
    1

    OneNote hasn't a good search mechanism. When you search for a term the just show the notes where we can find, not the places on the notes, it highlight but don't offers a way to do that easely. Differently from cherrytree.

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    3 of 6 comments
    CherryTree Icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

    • Some users think Microsoft OneNote is a great CherryTree alternative, some don't.

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryCherryTree is Free and Open Source
  8. AppFlowy icon

    AppFlowy

     165 likes
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    AppFlowy is an open source alternative to Notion. You are in charge of your data and customizations.

    69 AppFlowy alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    AppFlowy screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Note organization
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Kanban Board
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  WYSIWYG Support
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Notebook
    11.  Wiki
    12.  Portable

    AppFlowy VS CherryTree

     
  10. sNotes – Students Notes icon

    sNotes – Students Notes

     121 likes
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    Students Notes is a note-taking app designed for online learners to overcome information overload, organization, and memorization challenges.

    50 sNotes – Students Notes alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    sNotes – Students Notes screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Educational

    Features

    1.  Knowledge base
    2.  Note organization
    3.  Hierarchical Structure
    4.  Handwritten Notes
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Full-Text Search
    9.  Ad-free

    sNotes – Students Notes VS CherryTree

     
  11. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     595 likes
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    Made by the company behind WordPress, Simplenote enables users to take notes, lists, and ideas. These notes are stored on the cloud and are accessible across multiple devices.

    79 Simplenote alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Simplenote screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Clean design
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Cross-device syncing
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Search by tags
    4.  Simple text editor
    5.  Protected by Password
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Text Based Format
    8.  Full-Text Search
    9.  Portable
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  Ad-free

    Simplenote VS CherryTree

     
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to CherryTree
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Mar 20, 2018
    2

    It is not the equal of cherry notes. It is a great note ap for all three. I have been using cherry tree for several years and it is great. I will use the android version when it comes out. I use simple note with cherry notes and I will continue as it is a good lite weight application and easy to use and quick.

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jun 29, 2018
    15

    Does not have hierarchical note ability

    Most Recent Comment
    RemovedUser
    Negative Aug 1, 2021
    1

    I can't add images to the notes

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    3 of 5 comments
    CherryTree Icon
    Simplenote icon

    • Some users think Simplenote is a great CherryTree alternative, some don't.

    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceCherryTree is also Free and Open Source
    • Simplenote is LightweightCherryTree is not according to our users
8 of 80 CherryTree alternatives