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Open source Evernote alternatives

Top Note-taking & Knowledge Bases like Evernote

The most popular alternative to Evernote is Joplin, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Evernote are Notesnook and Standard Notes.

Most alternatives to Evernote are in the Note-taking & Knowledge Bases category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Evernote alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All Evernote alternatives

  1. Joplin

    4.1(478) · App Store

    Joplin is an open source note-taking app with Markdown notes, notebooks, end-to-end encrypted sync and a web clipper.

    11 Joplin alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source, with Markdown notes stored in an open format
    • End-to-end encrypted sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV or Joplin Cloud
    • Web clipper and plugins extend the core app

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated next to newer note apps
    • Sync setup takes more effort than turnkey services
    • No web app for reaching your notes from a browser
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    End-to-end encryptionMarkdown supportOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Joplin

  2. Notesnook

    4.7(676) · App Store

    Notesnook is an open source note-taking app that encrypts every note end to end on your device before syncing it. It offers notebooks, tags, rich text with Markdown shortcuts, an app lock, a private vault and a web clipper, on the web, desktop and mobile. A free plan is available, and the sync server can also be self-hosted.

    9 Notesnook alternatives

    Pros

    • Every note is end-to-end encrypted on your device before syncing
    • Open source apps on web, desktop and mobile
    • The sync server can be self-hosted

    Cons

    • Fewer integrations and plugins than mainstream note apps
    • Some features are limited on the free plan
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    Cross-device syncEnd-to-end encryptionMarkdown supportOffline modeWeb clipper
    Visit websiteMore about Notesnook

  3. Standard Notes

    4.7(3.8K) · App Store

    Standard Notes is an open source note-taking app focused on privacy, with end-to-end encryption for every note and file and apps on all major platforms. Notes work offline and sync across devices, and paid plans add rich editors, file storage and longer revision history. The company became part of Proton in 2024, and the sync server can be self-hosted.

    9 Standard Notes alternatives

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption for every note and file
    • Open source apps on all major platforms
    • The sync server can be self-hosted

    Cons

    • Rich editors, file storage and longer history need a paid plan
    • Collaboration features are minimal compared with mainstream apps
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted
    Features
    Cross-device syncEnd-to-end encryptionMarkdown supportOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Standard Notes

Evernote vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Evernote, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Evernote vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI assistantCross-device syncOCROffline modeTemplates
EvernoteFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
JoplinFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
NotesnookFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
Standard NotesFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted

Evernote alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Evernote?

The most popular alternative to Evernote is Joplin: Open source note-taking and to-do app with sync. Other great alternatives are Notesnook and Standard Notes.

Is there a free alternative to Evernote?

Yes, 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Joplin, Notesnook, and Standard Notes.

Is there an open source alternative to Evernote?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Joplin, Notesnook, and Standard Notes.

Is Evernote free?

Evernote has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Evernote with its alternatives

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