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

Joplin is described as 'Open source note-taking app with Markdown support, to-do integration, and synchronization with cloud services like Dropbox and OneDrive' and is a leading Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Joplin for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iPhone apps. The best Joplin alternative is Obsidian, which is free. Other great apps like Joplin are Standard Notes, Logseq, Zettlr and Notesnook.

filter to find the best alternatives

Joplin 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 Open Source, Todo List Manager, Self-Hosted, Android + Open Source, Free and Note-taking. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Joplin.
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Alternatives list

  1. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     1081 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.

    163 Obsidian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1
     
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    22
    Comments about Obsidian as an Alternative to Joplin
    Ako Mahmoodi
    Negative
    5

    The free plan doesn't include synchronisation.

    civ4
    Positive
    0

    Works on top of a normal folder, so all data always remains readable even without Obsidian.

    Joplin Icon
    Obsidian icon

    • Most users think Obsidian is a great Joplin alternative.

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

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Joplin.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  2. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

     682 likes
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    Secure note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, unlimited syncing across all platforms, offline access, detailed organization through tags, strong passcode and biometric protections, and premium features like encrypted files, themes, web clipper, super note types, and hardware key support.

    118 Standard Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Standard Notes homepage.
     
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    28
    Comments about Standard Notes as an Alternative to Joplin
    Top Positive Comment
    garrry
    4

    basic features are paywalled and the cost has doubled over the years

    Top Negative Comment
    bentsoft
    4

    folders & themes are paywalled. it only allows for plain text notes in the free plan

    ztdzyvhb
    Positive
    0

    It’s a lot more simple and easy to use. The security is better than Joplin thanks to on-device storage encryption.

    Show more comments
    3 of 5 comments
    Joplin Icon
    Standard Notes icon

    • Some users think Standard Notes is a great Joplin alternative, some don't.

    • Standard Notes is the most popular Web-based & Self-Hosted alternative to Joplin.

    • Standard Notes is the most popular Open Source alternative to Joplin.

    • Standard Notes is Freemium and Open SourceJoplin is also Freemium and Open Source
    • Standard Notes is Security-focused and CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
  4. Logseq icon

    Logseq

     314 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.

    163 Logseq alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Logseq screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Logseq as an Alternative to Joplin
    bentsoft
    Negative
    1

    no folders :(, all your notes are just thrown together

    Joplin Icon
    Logseq icon

    • Most users think Logseq is a great Joplin alternative.

    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • Logseq is CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
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    DEVONthink icon
    DEVONthink

    Organizes documents, notes, emails, PDFs, and media using AI-powered search, tagging, and OCR. Supports offline use, syncing across macOS and iOS, encryption, web clipping, automation, and customizable grouping for efficient info...

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  6. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     244 likes
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    Unified writing platform offering note-taking, easy citations with Zotero integration, LaTeX/Word templates, snippets, themes, dark modes, code highlighting, multi-language support, and knowledge management with Zettelkasten for seamless writing from notes to books.

    176 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)
     
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    17
  7. Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     171 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.

    293 Notesnook alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    • Notesnook is the most popular SaaS alternative to Joplin.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceJoplin is also Freemium and Open Source
  8. Zim icon

    Zim

     509 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"...

    315 Zim alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Zim screenshot 1
     
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    9
    Comments about Zim as an Alternative to Joplin
    Sam Lander
    Positive
    0

    Zim is more lightweight, less buggy, saves in plain text. So you don't have to worry about any bloated configurations and high attack surfaces. Just put your folder in a VeraCrypt vault in a cloud drive.

    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Zim is a desktop Wiki System and wiki editor, not a multifunction note taking and data synchronizing platform. Joplin and Zim may be complimentory in use and apear to have similar fuctions, but they serve very different purposes. It is like comparing a text editor (e.g. Emacs) to a word processor (MS Word). One can use either to write program code or a novel; however, it is best to match the tool to the job (i.e. a text ditor for the code and a word processor for the novel).

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Harvey Williams
    Negative
    -11

    Joplin offers syncing functionality with other services (such as OwnCloud/Nextcliud) where as Zim only gives you access to the files so you can sync them.

    Joplin Icon
    Zim icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Zim is a legitimate Joplin alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Zim is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  10. Google Keep icon

    Google Keep

     831 likes
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    Google Keep is a multifunctional tool that merges note-taking with browsing, allowing capture of thoughts, checklists, or voice notes, with cross-device synchronization. Features include color-coded notes, voice transcription, geo-fencing, collaboration, cloud storage, and seamless Google integration.

    104 Google Keep alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Android Wear
    Google Keep screenshot 1
    Google Keep screenshot 2
    Google Keep screenshot 3
     
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    13
    Comments about Google Keep as an Alternative to Joplin
    sharemind
    Negative
    4

    The notes are not End to end encrypted

    Guest
    Negative
    13

    It's not open source and secure

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    1

    Google Keep is neither end-to-end encrypted nor open-source. It also does not respect your privacy

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Joplin Icon
    Google Keep icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Google Keep is a legitimate Joplin alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Google Keep is Free and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  11. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     604 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.

    112 Simplenote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Simplenote screenshot 1
     
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    14
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to Joplin
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Unlike Joplin, this has a web-based version. The Android version is also very lightweight.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    bentsoft
    0

    Good app by itself, but not as comprehensive as Joplin, it's much simpler and lighter

    Joplin Icon
    Simplenote icon

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

    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  12. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1138 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.

    138 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1
     
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    1
    14
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to Joplin
    bentsoft
    Negative
    1

    There is little to none markdown support, multi-device sync is awful. Joplin is FOSS and OneNote is owned by Microsoft

    Joplin Icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Microsoft OneNote is a legitimate Joplin alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  13. CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     319 likes
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    Hierarchical note-taking software that is free, open-source, cross-platform. Features include rich text, syntax highlighting, multi-level lists, embedded files, customizable interface, code execution, PDF export, spell check, images & tables, and comprehensive project management support.

    98 CherryTree alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    CherryTree screenshot 1
     
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    19
    Comments about CherryTree as an Alternative to Joplin
    andgregorik
    Positive
    3

    CherryTree has more elaborate hierarchy features and less elaborate to-do features. It is not into cloud-based cross-platform syncing, but makes it up with having a very natural feel on a desktop.

    Farrukh
    Positive
    0

    it does not support MarkDown as so cannot be compared to Joplin. However, it has its own good features.

    Joplin Icon
    CherryTree icon

    • Most users think CherryTree is a great Joplin alternative.

    • CherryTree is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • CherryTree is CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
  14. sNotes – Students Notes icon

    sNotes – Students Notes

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

    73 sNotes – Students Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    sNotes – Students Notes screenshot 1
     
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    40
    Comments about sNotes – Students Notes as an Alternative to Joplin
    costanza6221
    Negative
    0

    this app is so much inferior, super ugly ui and not the exact alternative

    samir_jajar
    Positive
    0

    Students Notes is an amazing app

    Joplin Icon
    sNotes – Students Notes icon

    • Almost everyone thinks sNotes – Students Notes is a great Joplin alternative.

    • sNotes – Students Notes is Free and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  15. Trilium Notes icon

    Trilium Notes

     110 likes
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    The original trilium is transfered to this repo by its owner and the app continues to develop here as stated here: https://github.com/TriliumNext/Trilium

    371 Trilium Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Google Chrome
    • Cloudron
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Trilium Notes screenshot 1
     
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    6
    Comments about Trilium Notes as an Alternative to Joplin
    Guest
    Positive
    2

    Awesome note taking app with E2E encryption only bad thing is another Java/Electron application. Really hard on resources of older devices even if sync is off.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Joplin Icon
    Trilium Notes icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Trilium Notes is a great Joplin alternative.

    • Trilium Notes is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • Trilium Notes is CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
12 of 106 Joplin alternatives