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Self-Hosted Microsoft OneNote Alternatives

Microsoft OneNote is not available as a self-hosted solution but there are plenty of alternatives for power users and business that want to host a solution on-premise. The best Self-Hosted alternative is Joplin. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Standard Notes or Xournal++. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote and many of them are available as a self-hosted solution so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Self-Hosted alternatives to Microsoft OneNote are Turtl, Trilium Notes, Dendron and AppFlowy.

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.
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Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft Office Suite, is a digital notebook...

Learn more about Microsoft OneNote
  1. Joplin icon

    Joplin

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    • Mac
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    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Flathub
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Firefox
    • Termux
    • Self-Hosted
    584 alternatives to Joplin 

    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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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.
    Desktop and mobile apps
    Example
    Cli version!
    Joplin vs Microsoft OneNote opinions
    Most users think Joplin is a great alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
     all • positive • negative      relevance • date
    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.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    1
    Guest

    Your data is YOUR data. I'm able to keep my data on my own Nextcloud server. Not on Microsoft OneDrive. And, it can be encrypted as well (mine is).

    Top positive comment• ago
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    0
    martinligabue

    it doesn't have pen input support

    Top negative comment• ago
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    3
    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• ago
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    0
    RemovedUser

    Joplin doesn't allow files to be attached, it doesn't support colors, and you have to learn a special programming language to use it.

    Negative comment• ago
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    -6
    naxawo7733

    it is a markdown editor with integrated sync for nextcloud

    Positive comment• ago
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    1
    Guest

    You Fan usw it on Linux. Persona who search for Open Source appriciate that very much.

    Positive comment• ago
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    4
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    7 of 12 comments
  2. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

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    • F-Droid
    452 alternatives to Standard Notes 

    Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, including your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and web browser.

     Suggest and vote on features
    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.  File VersioningStandard Notes has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
    9.  LightweightStandard Notes consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    Free version.
    Screenshot
    Cross-platform sync and end-to-end privacy
    Standard Notes vs Microsoft OneNote opinions
    Most users think Standard Notes is a great alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
    Guest

    Encrypted, very lightweight and not owned by Microsoft.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    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.

    Top negative comment• ago
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    4
    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.

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    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

    Negative comment• ago
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    0
    Guest

    Don't have sections or pages, just notes.

    Negative comment• ago
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    0
    Guest

    Extremely feature-light. Does only the bare minimum to be considered a notes app, whereas OneNote does much more.

    Negative comment• ago
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    5
    Guest

    OneNote is way more powerful

    Negative comment• ago
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    0
  4. Xournal++ icon

    Xournal++

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    • Android Tablet
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    32 alternatives to Xournal++ 

    Xournal++ (a fork of Xournal) is a handwriting Notetaking software with PDF annotation support. Written in C++ with plattform 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
    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.  Support for LaTeXXournal++ supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
    6.  Ad-freeXournal++ doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Xournal++ vs Microsoft OneNote opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Xournal++ is a great alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
    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• ago
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    2
    Guest

    Nearly similar interface. Lightweight, open source with latex support and voice notes. Flexible layout which was missing in xournal.

    Top positive comment• ago
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    0
    Guest

    In the version available for Chromebooks, the option for typed text is not working.

    Top negative comment• ago
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    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• ago
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    0
    komp12321

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

    Positive comment• ago
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    0
    Guest

    Very similar to OneNote, has pretty much all the same features. Plus Cross-Platform and has LaTeX support.

    Positive comment• ago
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    0
    Guest

    works great on linux, and has stylus support

    Positive comment• ago
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    3
  5. Turtl icon

    Turtl

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    • Google Chrome
    • Firefox
    166 alternatives to Turtl 

    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.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  End-to-End EncryptionTurtl has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    2.  Support for MarkDownTurtl supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    3.  Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
    4.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Turtl simultaneously.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Turtl vs Microsoft OneNote opinions
    Most users think Turtl is a great alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
    k71

    Windows app. Visually it´s nice, but its movement between "folders" is not intuitive or i didnt like it. I didnt like it that we have to be online to access to it. I didnt like the option to introduce password everytime to access (i dont know if there is the option to remove it). In this case i´d prefer Standardnotes or Simplenote.

    Negative comment• ago
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    0
    Guest

    Encryption, zero-knowledge encryption.

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    2
  6. Trilium Notes icon

    Trilium Notes

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    • Google Chrome
    • Cloudron
    • Firefox
    354 alternatives to Trilium Notes 

    Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
    2.  End-to-End EncryptionTrilium Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
    3.  No TrackingTrilium Notes will not track you or use your personal data.
    4.  Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Trilium Notes.
    5.  Dark ModeTrilium Notes supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  8. Dendron icon

    Dendron

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    • Self-Hosted
    • Visual Studio Code
    206 alternatives to Dendron 

    Dendron is an open-source, local-first, markdown-based, note-taking tool built on top of VSCode. It supports all the usual features you would expect like tagging, backlinks, a graph view, split panes, and so forth.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Support for MarkDownDendron supports MarkDown for document formatting.
    2.  Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Dendron.
    3.  Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsDendron can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
    4.  Privacy focusedDendron is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  9. AppFlowy icon

    AppFlowy

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    • Self-Hosted
    380 alternatives to AppFlowy 

    AppFlowy is an open source alternative to Notion. You are in charge of your data and customizations.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  Kanban BoardAppFlowy allows you to organize your workflow by moving cards with drag-and-drop functionality between multiple columns.
    2.  Privacy focusedAppFlowy is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    3.  Works OfflineAppFlowy can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
    4.  Dark ModeAppFlowy supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
  10. Foam icon

    Foam

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    • Self-Hosted
    • Visual Studio Code
    277 alternatives to Foam 

    Foam is a personal knowledge management and sharing system inspired by Roam Research, built on Visual Studio Code and GitHub.

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    Features
    Screenshot
  11. Carnet icon

    Carnet

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    • Online
    • Android
    • Self-Hosted
    77 alternatives to Carnet 

    Carnet is a complete and rich note taking app for Android and Linux that can be synced with NextCloud (selfhosted) or the official Carnet server.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    1.  WYSIWYG SupportCarnet integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
    2.  Dark ModeCarnet supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
    3.  Privacy focusedCarnet is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Screenshot
    Carnet vs Microsoft OneNote opinions
    pros, cons and recent comments
    Crystale

    It has a great UI and it is Open Source.

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    0
  12. Athens icon

    Athens

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    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    70 alternatives to Athens 

    The problem with notetaking apps like Evernote or Apple Notes is that once you write a note, after a week you never look at it again. Without any organization, you're stuck praying that search will work for your future self.

     Suggest and vote on features
    Features
    Discontinued

    https://twitter.com/tangjeff0/status/1591139758457389056

    Screenshot
Showing 10 of 36 alternatives
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