Open Source Evernote Alternatives for Mac

There are many alternatives to Evernote for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best open source Mac alternative is Joplin. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Evernote and 13 are open source and available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source Mac alternatives to Evernote are Standard Notes, Simplenote, Turtl and Logseq.

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Evernote alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Evernote.
Evernote iconEvernote
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Cross-platform app for creating and organizing notes from text, web pages, images, and voice memos. Offers security features and integrates with various tools.

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Evernote alternatives page was last updated Feb 8, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. Joplin icon

    Joplin

     818 likes
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    Joplin is a free, open-source alternative to Evernote, known for its Markdown support, encryption, and cross-platform compatibility. While Evernote offers seamless cloud syncing and text formatting, Joplin excels in privacy and customization. Choose Joplin for technical expertise and security.

    75 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.  Tagging
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  File Sync
    10.  Encrypted Notes
    11. Android icon  Android Sync
    12.  WebDAV Support

    Joplin VS Evernote

     
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to Evernote
    Comment summary: Joplin is often praised as a strong alternative to Evernote, particularly for its open-source nature, cross-platform support, and markdown capabilities. Users appreciate its effective import feature from Evernote, robust synchronization options, and encryption features. However, it lacks WYSIWYG editing and background sync capabilities on mobile devices. Learning Markdown may be necessary, and while it excels in privacy and customization, Evernote remains a more mature and collaborative product.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Jul 29, 2018
    13

    PRO:

    • markdown ?
    • let you encrypt your notes
    • save them on your computer(backup with thirdparty backupsoftware)
    • free, Open Source
    • crossplatform

    CON:

    • no OCR
    Top Negative Comment
    mandrael
    May 24, 2022
    4

    Joplin is a quite okay alternative to Evernote, but it has its issues. 1) the mobile sync doesn't work in the background, so it doesn't work sufficiently. Issue on Android and iOS. It only syncs if you watch it. No background-sync (!!). 2) It's not WYSIWYG and you can't do several common things you can do with Evernote or Nimbus. Joplin has to improve in sync and user-friendlyness. Then it can really compete. But: it has the best Evernote import feature on the market. This worked flawlessly!

    Most Recent Comment
    Eduardo3382
    Positive •May 13, 2022
    0

    There is a large community behind this app that can assist you if you find some problem.

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    3 of 25 comments
    Evernote Icon
    Joplin icon

    • Most users think Joplin is a great Evernote alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Evernote.

    • Joplin is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Evernote.

    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceEvernote is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Joplin is Privacy focusedEvernote is not according to our users
  2. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

     647 likes
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    Though Standard Notes only supports text entry out of the box, it has its own advantages compared to Evernote. Its features can also be expanded with extensions. It's end-to-end encrypted, open source (but freemium), and has no device limit. It can synchronize your notes to as many supported devices as you want. Our users find that it does not feature multilingual support, however.

    85 Standard Notes alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Standard Notes screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Clean design
    3.  Security-focused
    4.  Minimalistic
    5.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  End-to-End Encryption
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  Encrypted Notes
    4.  Support for MarkDown
    5.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  Encrypted Backup
    8.  AES Encryption
    9.  Sync on many devices
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Mobile friendly
    12.  Client side encryption

    Standard Notes VS Evernote

     
    Comments about Standard Notes as an Alternative to Evernote
    Comment summary: Standard Notes is praised for its security, privacy, and open-source nature. It offers end-to-end encryption, multiplatform support including Linux, and options to extend its functionality through plugins, such as Markdown. Users appreciate its reliable sync capabilities and active development, though some note the lack of multilingual support and limited handling of images or attachments. Considered a solid alternative to Evernote for users prioritizing privacy and simplicity.
    Top Positive Comment
    a a
    Mar 10, 2022
    2

    Not good as joplin because almost all features are paid

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    May 5, 2018
    14

    Does not support images or attachments, only text.

    Most Recent Comment
    RemovedUser
    Positive •Aug 8, 2020
    2

    Standard Notes is the service that I can trust to not share and read my notes.

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    3 of 12 comments
    Evernote Icon
    Standard Notes icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Standard Notes is a great Evernote alternative.

    • Standard Notes is Freemium and Open SourceEvernote is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Standard Notes is Privacy focused and Security-focusedEvernote is not according to our users
  4. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     593 likes
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    As its name suggests, Simplenote is a simplified note-taking app for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and the web. It only supports text-based entry and doesn't really support media clipping or any of the more advanced or elaborate features found in other Evernote alternatives. However, for text-based notes, this is truly accessible and simple to use.

    76 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 Evernote

     
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to Evernote
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Nov 13, 2016
    10

    Very quick sync, responsive UI, works good across Windows, Linux and Android, although missing support for graphical notes and more text formatting options

    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    Jun 15, 2017
    22

    Not an archiver. Simplenote is for just that: simple markdown notes.

    Most Recent Comment
    ghigotrieste
    Negative •Dec 11, 2024
    0

    Notes in Simplenote are just text, whereas with Evernote notes can also contain images

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    3 of 11 comments
    Evernote Icon
    Simplenote icon

    • Most users think Simplenote is a great Evernote alternative.

    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceEvernote is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Simplenote is LightweightEvernote is not according to our users
  5. Turtl icon

    Turtl

     172 likes
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    Turtl is open source and encrypted end-to-end, so it's desirable as an Evernote alternative from a privacy standpoint. However, its development has ceased since 2019. It also lacks some of the more intricate features of Evernote and some of its highest rated alternatives, such as the ability to import notes from other programs.

    174 Turtl alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Google Chrome
    • Firefox
    Turtl screenshot 1
    Discontinued

    The last update is from 2019.

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  Sync on many devices
    5.  Data portability
    6.  Cloud Sync
    7.  Real time collaboration
    8.  To do lists
    9.  Notebook
    10.  List management
    11.  Client side encryption
    12.  Password encryption

    Turtl VS Evernote

     
    Comments about Turtl as an Alternative to Evernote
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Oct 26, 2016
    10

    Turtl stores your info encrypted, unlike Evernote. Much more private.

    Top Negative Comment
    AnonAT
    Mar 28, 2017
    6

    Windows versions do not work properly. There is very little documentation and a poor forum.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Positive •Mar 18, 2017
    1

    Client-side AES encryption (private), open-source and free syncing. Markdown support, attachments, bookmarks, browser plugins and apps for Win, OsX, Linux and Android. Best used for simple notes, but it's infinitely better than, say Simplenote and much more private than Evernote.

    Show more comments
    3 of 6 comments
    Evernote Icon
    Turtl icon

    • Most users think Turtl is a great Evernote alternative.

    • Turtl is Freemium and Open SourceEvernote is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Turtl is Privacy focusedEvernote is not according to our users
  6. Logseq icon

    Logseq

     279 likes
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    Local-first, privacy-focused notebook supporting Markdown and Emacs Org mode. Offers offline use, encrypted backups, plugin extensibility, LaTeX support, real-time collaboration, and hierarchical organization for personal knowledge management.

    128 Logseq alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Logseq screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Bidirectional links
    2.  Graph view
    3.  Outliner
    4.  Local Storage
    5.  Backlinks
    6.  Knowledge base
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Knowledge Management
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Note organization
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Full-Text Search

    Logseq VS Evernote

     
  7. Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     138 likes
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    Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.

    250 Notesnook alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • PK flagPakistan

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak
    Notesnook screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  Private notes
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Note organization
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Support for MarkDown
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Web Clipper
    12.  Reminders

    Notesnook VS Evernote

     
    Comments about Notesnook as an Alternative to Evernote
    Most Recent Comment
    candroid_man
    Positive •Jun 16, 2022
    0

    Notesnook is implementing features from every mainstream notes app, and improving them. While the app is not open source yet (hopefully by July!), I trust the privacy practices after talking to the developers personally (they are great people). They are always adding really cool features, such as the ability to disable syncing on specific notes, a customizable editor, etc. Don't let Evernote use your personal notes, switch to Notesnook it works great!

    GruvPuddles
    Positive •Nov 25, 2024
    0

    Developers who really care about privacy, listen to their community (their telegram group is one of the most active I've seen) and are proactive about implementing requested-features. Cloud-Sync, encrypted, and a VERY generous free plan. Notesnook is the way to go!

    uhhmylife94
    Positive •Apr 6, 2021
    0

    It's a simple and private alternative that works on every device and syncs seemlessly. Also I love the note editor.

    Evernote Icon
    Notesnook icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Notesnook is a great Evernote alternative.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceEvernote is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Notesnook is Privacy focusedEvernote is not according to our users
  9. TiddlyWiki icon

    TiddlyWiki

     294 likes
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    TiddlyWiki is a single html file with all the characteristics of a wiki - including all of the functionality (including editing, saving, tagging and searching) and the style sheet. Because its a single file, its very portable - you can email it, put it on a web server or share...

    161 TiddlyWiki alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Xfce
    • RemoteStorage
    TiddlyWiki screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Standalone
    2.  Cross page linking
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  Wiki
    5.  Portable
    6.  Wiki-like interface
    7.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  No Coding Required
    12.  WYSIWYG Support

    TiddlyWiki VS Evernote

     
    Comments about TiddlyWiki as an Alternative to Evernote
    Tarcilio Neto
    Positive •Aug 5, 2016
    0

    Although the approach is different, it is an alternative for other platforms in regards to note-taking in which Evernote does not cover (self-hosting mostly).

    Evernote Icon
    TiddlyWiki icon

    • Most users think TiddlyWiki is a great Evernote alternative.

    • TiddlyWiki is Free and Open SourceEvernote is Freemium and Proprietary
    • TiddlyWiki is CustomizableEvernote is not according to our users
7 of 13 Evernote alternatives