The Best Zim AlternativesTop Note-taking & Task Management Tools like Zim

Zim is described as '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"' and is a leading Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Zim for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and Android apps. The best Zim alternative is Obsidian, which is free. Other great apps like Zim are Joplin, Notion, Anytype and CherryTree.

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Zim 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, Mac and Android. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Zim.
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Alternatives list

  1. Obsidian icon

    Obsidian

     1078 likes
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    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.

    158 Obsidian alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Obsidian screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Comments about Obsidian as an Alternative to Zim
    Sam Lander
    1

    Zim is more lightweight. Obsidian has better UI and more community plugins.

    Zim saves to .txt and has built in folder notes. Obsidian users rely on too many community plugins, making Obsidian inherently less secure.

    Marco Bartoli
    2

    Proprietary, meaning: Do you ultimately trust the vendor with your (potentially) most personal information. If not, stick with Zim.

    john1030
    Positive
    0

    I like obsidian because of the ease of organization with the bookmark plugin . but Zim is great for noting
    "bits and bytes" since Omnivore is shutting down.

    Zim Icon
    Obsidian icon

    • Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Zim.

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Zim.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryZim is Free and Open Source
  2. Joplin icon

    Joplin

     861 likes
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    Open source app for managing notes and to-dos with Markdown support. Syncs seamlessly across devices using services like Dropbox and OneDrive. Offers end-to-end encrypted synchronicity, offline access, rich import/export options, and a Web Clipper for browsers.

    103 Joplin alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Desktop and mobile apps
     
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    4
    13
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to Zim
    Marco Bartoli
    1

    Sadly, Joplin's Notes are proprietary: You cannot easily access your files with a third party tool (like a text editor). Zim (and other tools) keep your files readable and writeable in plaintext.

    andgregorik
    Positive
    3

    Joplin caters to a somewhat different user base: more simplistic, quicker, requires way less IT/wiki savvy just to operate daily. It also has pitch perfect syncing which is not Zim's cup of tea. Still, the moving parts are similar, and it can work as an alternative.

    LordMax
    Positive
    2

    IT's not so similar to Zim Desktop, it's really near to evernote/nixnote It can be a good replacement too

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    3 of 4 comments
    Zim Icon
    Joplin icon

    • Most users think Joplin is a great Zim alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular Web-based & Self-Hosted alternative to Zim.

    • Joplin is the most popular Open Source alternative to Zim.

    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceZim is Free and Open Source
    • Joplin is MinimalisticZim is not according to our users
  4. Notion icon

    Notion

     644 likes
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    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.

    146 Notion alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Notion screenshot 1
     
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    9
    Comments about Notion as an Alternative to Zim
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Android Client, Markdown, Built-in trello-like board

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Dima Neiaglov
    Positive
    1

    Notion is also a wiki and also cross-platform in the sense that it is a web application. It has some features that Zim doesn't, e.g. multi-column layouts.

    Zim Icon
    Notion icon

    • Most users think Notion is a great Zim alternative.

    • Notion is the most popular SaaS alternative to Zim.

    • Notion is Freemium and ProprietaryZim is Free and Open Source
    • Notion is CustomizableZim is not according to our users
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Zenkit Hypernotes icon
    Zenkit Hypernotes

    Knowledge-management tool enabling interconnection and note expansion, semantic network creation, collaboration with task features, and mobile readiness with offline support across devices.

    https://zenkit.com
    Learn More
  6. Anytype icon

    Anytype

     272 likes
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    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.

    134 Anytype alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Movie Database
     
  7. CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     319 likes
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    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.

    96 CherryTree alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    CherryTree screenshot 1
     
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    27
    Comments about CherryTree as an Alternative to Zim
    John Fastman
    Positive
    11

    If Zim isn't to your liking, CherryTree might be: open-source, stores data locally, supports instant search, interprets code blocks, and has more text editing features. The only thing it's not good at (yet) is attaching things by drag-n-drop. But that is in development, I hear.

    bekir celik
    Positive
    2

    wysiwyg , bug free, easy-to use and versatile interface, encrypted and un-encrypted mode, can import/export data from/to zim keynote html etc . Code box with syntax highlighting feature is nice. Also can import files image etc . Strictly hierarchical. More likely an outlining software.

    Zim Icon
    CherryTree icon

    • Most users think CherryTree is a great Zim alternative.

    • CherryTree is Free and Open SourceZim is also Free and Open Source
    • CherryTree is CustomizableZim is not according to our users
  8. Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     169 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.

    288 Notesnook alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • 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
     
  11. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     242 likes
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    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.

    174 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)
     
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    1
    6
    Comments about Zettlr as an Alternative to Zim
    Marco Bartoli
    Positive
    -1

    Native markdown editor. My new choice after retiring Zim. Good features, even clunkier interface than Zim, yet easy to learn and master.

    Zim Icon
    Zettlr icon

    • Most users think Zettlr is a great Zim alternative.

    • Zettlr is Free and Open SourceZim is also Free and Open Source
  12. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1139 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.

    134 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1
     
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    4
    14
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to Zim
    Sam Lander
    Negative
    1

    Microsoft OneNote can be used for similar functions, but I wouldn't call it a replacement.

    OneNote is very bulky. It uses up a lot of space and resources, and doesn't automatically save to a format practically any device can use. Your data is not secure, as it's a Microsoft program.

    Marco Bartoli
    2

    More functional and user-friendly than Zim. However: Privacy. Ask yourself if you trust Microsoft with your data. If yes, that's ok. Personally however, I'd recommend using open source, self-hosted alternatives like Zim.

    Guest
    Positive
    2

    It supports both internal and external links and has good structure. It's also WYSIWYG.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
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    3 of 4 comments
    Zim Icon
    Microsoft OneNote icon

    • Some users think Microsoft OneNote is a great Zim alternative, some don't.

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryZim is Free and Open Source
  13. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     604 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.

    108 Simplenote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Simplenote screenshot 1
     
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    2
    10
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to Zim
    John Fastman
    Negative
    26

    Simplenote is much less functional than Zim (no rich-text, no attachment to notes) and although it does work on mobile, it syncs your data via web-facing servers on which your info is held unencrypted. In that respect your information is much more vulnerable to hackers and govt agencies than if you used Zim, stored the data locally and maybe - if you need - sync it with an end-to-end encrypted service like Spideroak, Tresorit or Seafile (Seafile encrypts file content, not metadata).

    Guest
    Positive
    -8

    Free and free of problems. Just simple.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Zim Icon
    Simplenote icon

    • Some users think Simplenote is a great Zim alternative, some don't.

    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceZim is also Free and Open Source
    • Simplenote is MinimalisticZim is not according to our users
  14. TiddlyWiki icon

    TiddlyWiki

     306 likes
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    TiddlyWiki is a single html file with all the characteristics of a wiki - including all of the functionality (including editing, saving, tagging and searching) and the style sheet. Because its a single file, its very portable - you can email it, put it on a web server or share...

    175 TiddlyWiki alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Xfce
    • RemoteStorage
    TiddlyWiki screenshot 1
     
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    1
    14
    Comments about TiddlyWiki as an Alternative to Zim
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    The single html file of TW is unbelievably simple and platform agnostic. File can be opened in any browser. There TW will open, edit, etc. Works just as well on a phone. File can be hosted/sync'd on DropBox or similar so you don't even need to download/upload (in the usual sense). Very smooth interface to boot. Robust support community constantly adding plugins.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Zim Icon
    TiddlyWiki icon

    • Most users think TiddlyWiki is a great Zim alternative.

    • TiddlyWiki is Free and Open SourceZim is also Free and Open Source
    • TiddlyWiki is CustomizableZim is not according to our users
12 of 314 Zim alternatives