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

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

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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, Android + Open Source, Self-Hosted, 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. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

     692 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.

    137 Standard Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    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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    5
    Standard Notes vs Joplin Comments
    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.

    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
  2. Logseq icon

    Logseq

     325 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.

    182 Logseq alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    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
  4. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     250 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.

    187 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Notesnook

     183 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.

    319 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
    Notesnook screenshot 1
     
  6. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     604 likes

    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.

    128 Simplenote alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  7. Zim icon

    Zim

     511 likes

    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"...

    327 Zim alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Zim screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Zim vs Joplin Comments
    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.

    • Zim is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
  9. CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     322 likes

    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.

    111 CherryTree alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    CherryTree screenshot 1
     
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    2
    CherryTree vs Joplin Comments
    Farrukh
    Positive
    0

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

    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.

    • CherryTree is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • CherryTree is CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
  10. Trilium Notes icon

    Trilium Notes

     112 likes

    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

    385 Trilium Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Self-Hosted
    • Google Chrome
    • Cloudron
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Trilium Notes screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Trilium Notes vs Joplin Comments
    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.
    • Trilium Notes is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
    • Trilium Notes is CustomizableJoplin is not according to our users
  11. Cryptee icon

    Cryptee

     107 likes

    Cryptee is a safety and privacy focused, encrypted and cross-platform personal data storage service. You can write personal documents, notes, journals, store photos (including raw photos from DSLR cameras) and all sorts of other files.

    82 Cryptee alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Cryptee screenshot 1
     
  12. Turtl icon

    Turtl

     179 likes

    Whether it's bookmarks or passwords, files or shopping lists...Turtl organizes it all and makes it easy to find later. Sync across your devices. Leave nothing behind.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • Self-Hosted
    • Google Chrome
    • Firefox
    Turtl screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Turtl vs Joplin Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    For those without access to their own server, this proves to be a reliable alternative, even though it has roughly the same or even fewer features.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Turtl is Freemium and Open SourceJoplin is also Freemium and Open Source
  13. Beaver Notes icon

    Beaver Notes

     61 likes

    Your personal note-taking haven for privacy and efficiency.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    Beaver Notes screenshot 1
     
  14. QOwnNotes icon

    QOwnNotes

     96 likes

    Plain text notepad with markdown support and todo list manager for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows, that works together with the notes application of ownCloud.

    278 QOwnNotes alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Qt
    QOwnNotes main screen
     
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    2
    QOwnNotes vs Joplin Comments
    carlosvgonzalez
    Positive
    0

    Faster and lighter than all Electron based apps like Joplin and pretty much all the the others, it lacks a little with the web clipper quality compared to Joplin, but the app is updated frequently and will catch up fast, it has way more options and overall features control as well.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    QOwnNote's Nextcloud integration is useful. Most Note taking apps that sync online require a paid online account. Nextcloud can be self hosted.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • QOwnNotes is Free and Open SourceJoplin is Freemium and Open Source
12 of 68 Joplin alternatives