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

Joplin is described as 'Open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor' and is a leading Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Joplin for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad apps. The best Joplin alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Standard Notes or Logseq. Other great apps like Joplin are sNotes – Students Notes, Zettlr, Microsoft OneNote and CherryTree.

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Joplin alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools.  Other popular filters includes Android + Open Source. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Joplin.
Joplin iconJoplin
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Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications...

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Joplin alternatives page was last updated Jan 15, 2025
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  1. Obsidian icon
    Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     915 likes
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    Obsidian is a note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear thinking and allows you to easily link your notes together wiki-style.

    89 Obsidian alternatives
    Obsidian screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free Personal • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Safari
    Obsidian screenshot 1
    Obsidian screenshot 2
    +4
    Obsidian screenshot 3

    Top Obsidian Features

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

    Obsidian VS Joplin

    Is Obsidian a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about Obsidian as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    Ako Mahmoodi

    The free plan doesn't include synchronisation.

    Negative comment •Dec 1, 2022
    4
    civ4

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

    Positive comment •Sep 23, 2024
    0
    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 Free Personal and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  2. Standard Notes icon
    Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

     640 likes
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    Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser.

    69 Standard Notes alternatives
    Standard Notes screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Free version.
    Cross-platform sync and end-to-end privacy
    +4
    Extensions and Themes

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Clean design
    3.  Security-focused

    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.  Distraction-free Writing
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Mobile friendly
    Standard Notes iconJoplin Icon

    Standard Notes VS Joplin

    Is Standard Notes a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about Standard Notes as an Alternative to Joplin
     
       
    garrry

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

    Top positive comment •Feb 13, 2023
    3
    bentsoft

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

    Top negative comment •Dec 30, 2023
    3
    ztdzyvhb

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

    Positive comment •Mar 29, 2022
    0
    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 Privacy focused and Security-focusedJoplin is not according to our users
  4. Logseq icon
    Logseq icon

    Logseq

     253 likes
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    Logseq is a platform for knowledge sharing and management. It focuses on privacy, longevity, and user control. Notice: the backend code will be open-sourced as soon as we’re sure that the backend service meets the security standards.

    117 Logseq alternatives
    Logseq screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Top Logseq Features

    1.  Bidirectional links
    2.  Graph view
    3.  Local Storage
    4.  Outliner
    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 iconJoplin Icon

    Logseq VS Joplin

    Is Logseq a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about Logseq as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    bentsoft

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

    Negative comment •Jan 30, 2024
    1
    Joplin Icon
    Logseq icon
    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Craft icon

    Craft

    Craft offers document creation with stunning visuals, seamless navigation, and effortless sharing. Nest notes, use AI for summaries, and export in multiple formats.

    https://www.craft.do
    Learn More
  6. sNotes – Students Notes icon
    sNotes – Students Notes icon

    sNotes – Students Notes

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

    38 sNotes – Students Notes alternatives
    sNotes – Students Notes screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    sNotes – Students Notes screenshot 1
    sNotes – Students Notes screenshot 2

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    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 iconJoplin Icon

    sNotes – Students Notes VS Joplin

    Is this a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about sNotes – Students Notes as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    samir_jajar

    Students Notes is an amazing app

    Positive comment •Mar 29, 2024
    0
    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
    • sNotes – Students Notes is Privacy focused and LightweightJoplin is not according to our users
  7. Zettlr icon
    Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     209 likes
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    From idea to publication in one app: Zettlr accompanies you while writing your blog post, newspaper article, term paper, thesis, or entire book.

    158 Zettlr alternatives
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Zettlr Main Window (light mode)
    The Berlin Theme (dark mode)
    +5
    The Berlin Theme (light mode)

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Zettelkasten note method
    3.  File Tagging
    4.  Multiple export options
    5. Zotero icon  Zotero integration
    6.  Note organization
    7.  Link files
    8.  Built-in themes
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Syntax Highlighting
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  Hierarchical Structure
    Zettlr iconJoplin Icon

    Zettlr VS Joplin

    Is Zettlr a good alternative to Joplin?
     
  8. Microsoft OneNote icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1132 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.

    84 Microsoft OneNote alternatives
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 2
    +4
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 3

    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 iconJoplin Icon

    Microsoft OneNote VS Joplin

    Is Microsoft OneNote a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    bentsoft

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

    Negative comment •Dec 30, 2023
    1
    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
  10. CherryTree icon
    CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     309 likes
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    A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.

    62 CherryTree alternatives
    CherryTree screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    CherryTree screenshot 1
    CherryTree screenshot 2
    +3
    CherryTree screenshot 3

    Top CherryTree Features

    1.  Hierarchical Structure
    2.  Tree structure
    3.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    4.  Includes images in notes
    5.  Outliner
    6.  Tree view
    7.  Tree Style Tabs
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  Portable
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  Support for MarkDown
    12.  Code Formatting
    CherryTree iconJoplin Icon

    CherryTree VS Joplin

    Is CherryTree a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about CherryTree as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    andgregorik

    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.

    Positive comment •Dec 15, 2019
    3
    Farrukh

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

    Positive comment •Aug 23, 2022
    0
    Joplin Icon
    CherryTree icon

    • Most users think CherryTree is a great Joplin alternative.

    • CherryTree is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  11. Notesnook icon
    Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     116 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.

    234 Notesnook alternatives
    Notesnook screenshot 1

    License model

    • Freemium • 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 screenshot 2
    +6
    Notesnook screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    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 iconJoplin Icon

    Notesnook VS Joplin

    Is Notesnook a good alternative to Joplin?
     

    • Notesnook is the most popular SaaS alternative to Joplin.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceJoplin is also Freemium and Open Source
    • Notesnook is Privacy focusedJoplin is not according to our users
  12. Simplenote icon
    Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     588 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.

    61 Simplenote alternatives
    Simplenote screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Simplenote screenshot 1
    Simplenote screenshot 2
    +3
    Simplenote screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Clean design
    2.  Lightweight

    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 iconJoplin Icon

    Simplenote VS Joplin

    Is Simplenote a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    Guest

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

    Positive comment •Sep 4, 2020
    1
    bentsoft

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

    Comment •Sep 3, 2024
    0
    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
    • Simplenote is LightweightJoplin is not according to our users
  13. Zim icon
    Zim icon

    Zim

     492 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"...

    289 Zim alternatives
    Zim screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Graphviz graph using Diagram plugin
    Formatting options available
    +1
    Hiding all toolbars and statusbar for maximum screen space

    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 iconJoplin Icon

    Zim VS Joplin

    Is Zim a good alternative to Joplin?
     
    Comments about Zim as an Alternative to Joplin
     
    Sam Lander

    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.

    Positive comment •May 25, 2024
    0
    Guest

    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).

    Negative comment •Dec 26, 2020
    1
    Harvey Williams

    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.

    Negative comment •Nov 14, 2018
    -11
    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
    • Zim is LightweightJoplin is not according to our users
10 of 64 Joplin alternatives