Free Microsoft OneNote Alternatives

The best free alternative to Microsoft OneNote is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or NoteLedge. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote and many of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Microsoft OneNote are Standard Notes, Evernote, Xournal++ and Zettlr.

Microsoft OneNote alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Microsoft OneNote.

Microsoft OneNote alternatives page was last updated

Microsoft OneNote

1109

Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office), is a digital notebook...

More about Microsoft OneNote

Obsidian
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
32 Obsidian alternatives
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.
- - Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
- - Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Syntax HighlightingObsidian supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
9. Ad-freeObsidian doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Note organization
Knowledge Base structuring
Write files in markdown
Opinions about Obsidian as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Almost everyone thinks Obsidian is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
Joplin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Cloudron
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
22 Joplin alternatives
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 directly or from your own text editor.
- - Joplin is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
- - Joplin is the most popular Open Source alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Tagging
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Write files in markdown
Multiplatform
Synchronization
Plugin system
Export to HTML
Comments about Joplin as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Most users think Joplin is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
dasonic
Same structure as Onenote, supports images, looks modern.

Doesn't have all the same features (like drawing on the screen) but also has its own unique features Onenote doesn't have.

Also runs on Linux, which is the biggest plus for me.
Top positive comment•
13

Guest
pretty and very clear user interface
Top positive comment•
11

Martin Ligabue
it doesn't have pen input support
Top negative comment•
5

ThunderFox
Onenote allows you to write or draw wherever you want on the screen while Joplin is limited. It makes sense, as Joplin stores everything in plain markdown documents, but it's something severely lacking in all of the Onenote alternatives I've seen.
Negative comment•
1

thepisu
It's simple enough when you need to write small notes or to-do quickly, with a clean interface, but it's also powerful with cloud sync, cross platform (Linux included), and support formatting, images and attachments.
Positive comment•
1

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5 of 12 comments
NoteLedge
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
iPad
12 NoteLedge alternatives
Capture inspiration from Pinterest, YouTube or web pages, organize ideas in one place and add your notes. Make mood boards or quick sketches to visualize and present ideas!.
Suggest and vote on features
NoteLedge Features
1. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with NoteLedge.
2. Handwritten NotesNoteLedge supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
3. PortableNoteLedge can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
4. Video ImportYou can import external video material into NoteLedge.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Drag and Drop
Sync on many devices
Multi-choice brushes
Tag based
Better formatting
Stickers
Apple Pencil support
Note organization
Live Screen Recording
Export to PDF
Comments about NoteLedge as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Almost everyone thinks NoteLedge is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
Harry Ryan
With this app you can organize everything including your daily activity or special event.
Positive comment•
-1
Standard Notes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
29 Standard Notes alternatives
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.
- - Standard Notes is the most popular Web-based alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
Suggest and vote on features
Standard Notes Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionStandard Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedStandard Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
4. Support for MarkDownStandard Notes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsStandard Notes can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. Works OfflineStandard Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Encrypted BackupStandard Notes uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
8. Ad-freeStandard Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Automatic BackupStandard Notes will automatically back up your data periodically.
Encrypted Notes
Clean design
AES Encryption
Security focused
Minimalistic
Distraction-free Writing
Sync on many devices
Simple text editor
Two-factor Authentication
Customizable
Comments about Standard Notes as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Most users think Standard Notes is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Encrypted, very lightweight and not owned by Microsoft.
Top positive comment•
0

Anipe
Very, VERY BASIC, its open source and free but its basic and the features it offers are paid compared to one note's free model
Top negative comment•
2

k71
Good for those options to store online or sync between devices. Devices: Windows app, web-browser, android app...

I prefer this one than SimpleNote, in any case, to share between devices nowadays i recommend telegram or protectedtext. For text, Onenote. I didnt like turtl, joplin or elephant.
Comment•
0

Guest
Don't have sections or pages, just notes.
Negative comment•
0

Guest
The free version is only plain text editing - can't even paste images or use bold and italics. There simply aren't enough features in the free one to determine whether I like it enough to pay for premium.
Negative comment•
5

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5 of 7 comments
Evernote
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
30 Evernote alternatives
Evernote is a cross-platform, freemium app designed for note taking, organizing, and archiving.
Suggest and vote on features
Evernote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Works OfflineEvernote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Handwritten NotesEvernote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
4. OCRExtract the text from a screen capture or file and paste it into another document for edits.
5. Dark ModeEvernote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Calendar IntegrationEvernote lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
7. Support for MarkDownEvernote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
8. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Evernote using IFTTT.
9. PDF annotationEvernote support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
Text formatting
Hyperlinks
Screenshot OCR
Tagging
Folders
Sits in the System Tray
Note organization
Export to HTML
Export to PDF
Protected by Password
Comments about Evernote as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Some users think Evernote is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative, some don't.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Britly Novus
Evernote is clunky, overwhelming, and slow. It has a lot of cool features that used to be relatively unique, but it's grown stagnant. Also the mobile version is pretty buggy.
Top positive comment•
6

Guest
Easy to use, and easy to search.
Top positive comment•
-1

Guest
The possibility of inserting sections is missing.
Top negative comment•
12

k71
I dont use it for writing text (much better OneNote), i just use it for saving webpages or text from webpages. I think it´s quite slow, and somehow i dont like that much. Also, I dont trust neither expect any privacy with Microsoft, but it´s the best option i have to store the webpages.
Comment•
0

frankzhang
Evernote's handwriting is seriously lacking. Especially on the android platform.
Negative comment•
1

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5 of 10 comments
Xournal++
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
42 Xournal++ alternatives
Xournal++ (a fork of Xournal) is a handwriting Notetaking software with PDF annotation support. Written in C++ with platform independent GTK, supporting Linux, e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Suse, macOS and Windows 10. Supports Pen input like Wacom Tablets.
Suggest and vote on features
Xournal++ Features
1. Handwritten NotesXournal++ supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. PDF annotationXournal++ support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
3. Works OfflineXournal++ can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Pressure SensitivityXournal++ can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
5. Ad-freeXournal++ doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. PortableXournal++ can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
7. Support for LaTeXXournal++ supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
8. Dark ModeXournal++ supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. Spell CheckingXournal++ can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Support for styluses
Handwriting
Export to PDF
LaTeX Math
Pen Support
Multi layer drawing
Audio with notes
Freehand Writing
Highlighter
Auto-saving
Comments about Xournal++ as a Alternative to Microsoft OneNote
Almost everyone thinks Xournal++ is a great Microsoft OneNote alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
Guest
Nearly similar interface. Lightweight, open source with latex support and voice notes. Flexible layout which was missing in xournal.
Top positive comment•
1

violoncello
With Xournal++ you own your notes and can save them wherever you want - you are not forced to store them somewhere in the cloud as it's the case with OneNote
Top positive comment•
2

Guest
In the version available for Chromebooks, the option for typed text is not working.
Top negative comment•
0

BachoSeven
Cross-platform and well supporting stylus pens, Xournalpp implements most if not all funcionalities of OneNote, including recording audio alongside pen strokes. Plus, it's free and open source!
Positive comment•
0

komp12321
It is full open source, Supports handwriting (stylus) Allows to create annotations on PDF-s (OneNote doesn't)
Positive comment•
0

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5 of 7 comments
Zettlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
File Organizer
Mac
Windows
Linux
144 Zettlr alternatives
Zettlr is a one-stop publication workbench that combines many writing features and collects them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Syntax HighlightingZettlr supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
7. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zettlr.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Zettlr without registration.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Link files
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Sync with Nextcloud
Interactive tables
Write files in markdown