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

The best free alternative to Joplin is Obsidian. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Joplin and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Joplin are Super Productivity, Logseq, Standard Notes and Anytype.

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 Android + Open Source, Self-Hosted, Open Source, Free and Note-taking. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Joplin.
More about Joplin
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Get a badge for your siteJoplin alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. PrivacyNotes icon
    Official Partner

    PrivacyNotes

    Workspace with end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge security, rich notes, private journal, encrypted file storage, password management, cross-platform browser access, open-source cryptography, optional Pro features, and no recurring subscription fees.

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • US flagUnited States
    More about PrivacyNotesVisit website
  2. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     1213 likes

    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.

    333 Obsidian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • AppImage
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1
     
    |
    3
    Obsidian vs Joplin Comments
    Ako Mahmoodi
    Negative
    8

    The free plan doesn't include synchronisation.

    MANOJ91
    Negative
    2

    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.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  3. Super Productivity icon

    Super Productivity

     353 likes

    Free, open-source software offering task management and time tracking across Linux, MacOS, and Windows with Jira, GitHub, and GitLab integration, plus a pomodoro timer for breaks and focus. Designed with privacy in mind, it requires no user data collection or registration.

    366 Super Productivity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Flatpak
    • AppImage
    Task List and Calendar Panel side by side
     
    |
    1
    Super Productivity vs Joplin Comments
    ailuridae
    Negative
    2

    Super Productive is a time and task management and tracker system, not a note taking app.

    • Super Productivity is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • Super Productivity is a Todo List Manager Joplin is a Note-taking Tool
  5. Logseq icon

    Logseq

     356 likes

    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.

    253 Logseq alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    Logseq screenshot 1
     
    |
    1
    Logseq vs Joplin Comments
    bentsoft
    Negative
    2

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

    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • Logseq is CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
  6. Ad
    Screenshot
    Proton Docs icon
    Proton Docs

    Docs in Proton Drive are end-to-end encrypted so your work stays safe from data breaches, online surveillance, and can never be fed into AI models.

    https://proton.me
    Learn More
  7. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

     708 likes

    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.

    214 Standard Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Plain text note on free version.
     
    |
    5
    Standard Notes vs Joplin Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    garrry
    6

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

    Top Negative Comment
    bentsoft
    7

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

    ztdzyvhb
    Positive
    -1

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

    3 of 5 comments
    • 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
  9. Anytype icon

    Anytype

     310 likes

    Manage notes, tasks, and projects offline with Markdown support. Enjoy encrypted storage, P2P syncing, and powerful dynamic collections across all devices, while allowing redistribution and modification for non-commercial uses.

    231 Anytype alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Source Available

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • Docker
    Movie Database
     
  10. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     266 likes

    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.

    243 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)
     
  11. Notion icon

    Notion

     678 likes

    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.

    396 Notion alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Notesnook

     218 likes

    Offers open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes with device-based privacy, cross-platform support, private vault, secure sync, offline access, markdown editor, exports to multiple formats, automatic backups, organizational tools, and strong encryption.

    389 Notesnook alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    AppFlowy

     213 likes

    Open-source workspace offering complete data control, deep customization via themes, plugins, and templates, native multi-platform support using Flutter and Rust, offline access, privacy features, collaborative tools, and easy extensibility for all users.

    151 AppFlowy alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    AppFlowy screenshot 1
     
  14. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     611 likes

    Cloud-based, open-source note-taking app supporting plain text notes, lists, and ideas with real-time sync, multi-device support, version history, markdown, tagging, collaborative editing, no ads, and free registration required for all cloud features.

    189 Simplenote alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Simplenote screenshot 1
     
    |
    2
    Simplenote vs Joplin Comments
    bentsoft
    0

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

    Guest
    Positive
    1

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

    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  15. Google Keep icon

    Google Keep

     847 likes

    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.

    172 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
     
    |
    3
    Google Keep vs Joplin Comments
    sharemind
    Negative
    4

    The notes are not End to end encrypted

    Guest
    Negative
    13

    It's not open source and secure

    Guest
    Negative
    1

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

    • Google Keep is Free and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  16. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1148 likes

    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.

    230 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • 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
     
    |
    1
    Microsoft OneNote vs Joplin Comments
    bentsoft
    Negative
    1

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

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
12 of 190 Joplin alternatives