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Open source Joplin alternatives

Top Note-taking & Knowledge Bases like Joplin

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

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

Joplin alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
5 apps

All Joplin alternatives

  1. Logseq is a privacy-first outliner that stores notes locally in Markdown or Org files, with bidirectional links, journals and whiteboards.

    7 Logseq alternatives

    Pros

    • Notes live in local Markdown or Org files that you fully own
    • Bidirectional links, block references and daily journals
    • Free and open source, with a plugin ecosystem

    Cons

    • Outliner-only structure is a poor fit for long-form writing
    • Can slow down with very large graphs
    • Syncing between devices takes extra setup
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Simplenote is a free note app from Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, that sticks to plain text with optional Markdown, tags and quick search. Notes sync instantly across web, desktop and mobile apps, every change is kept in version history, and notes can be shared with collaborators or published as a web page. The apps are open source.

    8 Simplenote alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, ad-free and fast plain-text notes
    • Instant sync across web, desktop and mobile
    • Version history keeps every change to a note

    Cons

    • No images, attachments or rich formatting
    • Organization is limited to tags and search
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
  5. AppFlowy is an open source workspace for docs, databases and kanban boards that you can self-host, with AI features and offline support.

    7 AppFlowy alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source Notion alternative that you can self-host
    • Docs, databases and kanban boards in one workspace
    • Offline support with apps on desktop and mobile

    Cons

    • Fewer templates and integrations than Notion
    • Some features still feel less polished than in mature rivals
    • Advanced AI features are reserved for paid plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source

Joplin vs its alternatives at a glance

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

Joplin vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsEnd-to-end encryptionMarkdown supportOffline mode
JoplinFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
LogseqFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
Standard NotesFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
NotesnookFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
SimplenoteFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
AppFlowyFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted

Joplin alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Joplin?

The most popular alternative to Joplin is Logseq: Open source outliner and knowledge graph. Other great alternatives are Standard Notes, Notesnook, Simplenote, and AppFlowy.

Is there a free alternative to Joplin?

Yes, 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Logseq, Standard Notes, Notesnook, and Simplenote.

Is there an open source alternative to Joplin?

Yes, 5 open source alternatives are listed, including Logseq, Standard Notes, Notesnook, and Simplenote.

Is Joplin free?

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

Compare Joplin with its alternatives

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