Open source Obsidian alternatives

All Obsidian alternatives

1. 

   

   Joplin

   4.1(478) · App StoreLike

   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. 

   

   Standard Notes

   4.7(3.8K) · App StoreLike

   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
3. 

   

   Notesnook

   4.7(676) · App StoreLike

   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
4. 

   

   Logseq

   4.4(264) · App StoreLike

   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

   Categories

   Note-taking & Knowledge Bases

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid

   Features

   Markdown supportOffline mode

   Visit websiteMore about Logseq
5. 

   

   AppFlowy

   4.2(33) · App StoreLike

   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

   Categories

   Note-taking & Knowledge Bases

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroidSelf-hosted

   Features

   AI assistantOffline modeReal-time collaborationTemplates

   Visit websiteMore about AppFlowy