Ranked 4 of 9 in best note-taking apps
The open-source choice here, AGPL-licensed, covering desktop, mobile and terminal with end-to-end encrypted sync. Its interface is plainer than the commercial apps, and sharing runs through Joplin Cloud.
Best for Open-source notes with end-to-end encrypted sync
About Joplin
Joplin is a free, open-source note app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, with a terminal app for command-line use. It supports Markdown and rich-text editors, attachments such as images, PDFs and audio, math expressions and diagrams. A web clipper for Chrome and Firefox saves pages as notes, and plugins and themes extend the interface.
Notes are saved in an open format, and sync can run through Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive and other services, with end-to-end encryption available. Joplin Cloud is the optional hosted service for sharing notes and publishing them to the internet. Joplin's source code is released under the AGPL license, so it can be reused and changed under that license's terms.
Key features
- Open source, AGPL licensed
- End-to-end encrypted sync
- Markdown and rich-text editors
- Web clipper for Chrome and Firefox
- Plugin API and themes
- Terminal app
Strengths
- Open source under the AGPL license
- End-to-end encrypted sync
Limits
- Sharing and publishing rely on Joplin Cloud
- Fewer built-in features than commercial note apps
Where Joplin ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Note-taking apps | 4 of 9 | 87.0 | Open-source notes with end-to-end encrypted sync |
Alternatives to Joplin
All 8 alternatives
Questions about Joplin
- Is Joplin free?
- Joplin can be used without paying: Free and open source; Joplin Cloud is an optional hosted service. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Joplin open source?
- Yes. Joplin publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0-or-later license.
- Which platforms does Joplin support?
- Joplin is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Command line.
- What is Joplin best for?
- Open-source notes with end-to-end encrypted sync. In our ranking of note-taking apps it is number 4 of 9 with a score of 87.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Joplin?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Obsidian, Notion, Microsoft OneNote, Apple Notes.