Zim AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Todo List Managers

The best Todo List Manager alternative to Zim is Joplin, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Zim and loads of them are Todo List Managers so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Todo List Manager alternatives to Zim are Notion, Anytype, CherryTree and Microsoft OneNote.

filter to find the best alternatives

Zim alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools.  Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Zim.
Zim iconZim
  499
  • ...

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...

More about Zim
More about Zim
Zim alternatives page was last updated Apr 21, 2025
Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard
Alternatives
  1. Joplin icon

    Joplin

     817 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    75 Joplin alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • 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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Web Clipper
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Local Storage
    7.  Tagging
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  File Sync
    10.  Encrypted Notes
    11. Android icon  Android Sync
    12.  WebDAV Support

    Joplin VS Zim

     
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to Zim
    Most Recent Comment
    Marco Bartoli
    •Dec 9, 2022
    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 •Dec 12, 2019
    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 •Feb 28, 2020
    2

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

    Show more comments
    3 of 4 comments
    Zim Icon
    Joplin icon

    • Most users think Joplin is a great Zim alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular 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 Privacy focusedZim is not according to our users
  2. Notion icon

    Notion

     615 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    106 Notion alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Database Management Tool
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Wiki
    4.  Custom templates
    5.  Team Collaboration
    6.  Visual bookmarks
    7.  Relational Database
    8.  Knowledge Base structuring
    9.  Data export/import
    10.  Kanban Board
    11.  Real time collaboration
    12. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX

    Notion VS Zim

     
    Comments about Notion as an Alternative to Zim
    Guest
    Positive •Feb 3, 2019
    -1

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

    Dima Neiaglov
    Positive •Oct 16, 2018
    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 Web-based & SaaS alternative to Zim.

    • Notion is Freemium and ProprietaryZim is Free and Open Source
  4. Anytype icon

    Anytype

     240 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    106 Anytype alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Movie Database

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Synchronization
    4.  Decentralized
    5.  Visual Organization
    6.  Knowledge Management
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Local Storage
    10.  Wiki
    11.  Team Collaboration
    12.  Cross-Platform

    Anytype VS Zim

     
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Workflowy icon
    Workflowy

    Manage your thoughts and projects with infinite levels of indentation, easy syncing with mobile apps, and features like hoisting and inline notes. Suitable for personal use, task management, and seamless team collaboration.

    https://workflowy.com
    Learn More
  6. CherryTree icon

    CherryTree

     311 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.

    76 CherryTree alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Flatpak
    CherryTree screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Hierarchical Structure
    2.  Tree structure
    3.  Infinite hierarchical depth
    4.  Includes images in notes
    5.  Outliner
    6.  Tree view
    7.  Tree Style Tabs
    8.  Syntax Highlighting
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Portable
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  No registration required

    CherryTree VS Zim

     
    Comments about CherryTree as an Alternative to Zim
    John Fastman
    Positive •Mar 26, 2017
    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 •Nov 26, 2019
    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
  7. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1139 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    96 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1

    Top Microsoft OneNote Features

    1.  Handwritten Notes
    2.  Web Clipper
    3.  Visual Organization
    4.  Hierarchical Structure
    5.  Text formatting
    6.  Insert images
    7.  Works Offline
    8.  Cloud Sync
    9.  Support for styluses
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Pressure Sensitivity
    12.  Multiple Account support

    Microsoft OneNote VS Zim

     
    Comments about Microsoft OneNote as an Alternative to Zim
    Most Recent Comment
    Sam Lander
    Negative •Jun 20, 2023
    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
    •Dec 9, 2022
    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 •Jul 23, 2019
    2

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

    Show more comments
    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
  8. AppFlowy icon

    AppFlowy

     165 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

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

    67 AppFlowy alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    AppFlowy screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Note organization
    2.  Works Offline
    3.  Kanban Board
    4.  Dark Mode
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  Support for MarkDown
    7.  Cloud Sync
    8.  WYSIWYG Support
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Notebook
    11.  Wiki
    12.  Portable

    AppFlowy VS Zim

     
  10. Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     136 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    249 Notesnook alternatives

    License model

    • Freemium • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • PK flagPakistan

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  Private notes
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Note organization
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Support for MarkDown
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Web Clipper
    12.  Reminders

    Notesnook VS Zim

     
  11. Simplenote icon

    Simplenote

     593 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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.

    75 Simplenote alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

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

    Properties

    1.  Clean design
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Cross-device syncing
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Search by tags
    4.  Simple text editor
    5.  Protected by Password
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Text Based Format
    8.  Full-Text Search
    9.  Portable
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  Ad-free

    Simplenote VS Zim

     
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to Zim
    John Fastman
    Negative •Mar 26, 2017
    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 •Oct 26, 2016
    -8

    Free and free of problems. Just simple.

    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 LightweightZim is not according to our users
  12. TiddlyWiki icon

    TiddlyWiki

     294 likes
    Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

    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...

    161 TiddlyWiki alternatives

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • Self-Hosted
    • Xfce
    • RemoteStorage
    TiddlyWiki screenshot 1

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Standalone
    2.  Cross page linking
    3.  Support for MarkDown
    4.  Wiki
    5.  Portable
    6.  Wiki-like interface
    7.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    8.  No registration required
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  No Coding Required
    12.  WYSIWYG Support

    TiddlyWiki VS Zim

     
    Comments about TiddlyWiki as an Alternative to Zim
    Guest
    Positive •May 14, 2017
    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.

    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
9 of 83 Zim alternatives