Alternatives
The 3 Best Joplin Alternatives in 2026
If Joplin isn’t the right fit — because of pricing, platform support or the source model — these are the verified options we’d actually install.
What is Joplin?
Joplin is an open source note-taking application built around a simple principle: your notes belong to you. Everything is stored locally in an open Markdown-based format, and synchronisation is optional — through Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive or your own server — with end-to-end encryption available so that not even the sync provider can read your data. The desktop, mobile and terminal apps are maintained in a single public repository by founder Laurent Cozic and an active community.
The shortlist
Obsidian
Private, local-first knowledge base
Choose Obsidian if
You want local Markdown notes with a bigger plugin ecosystem and graph-based linking
Anytype
Local-first encrypted everything app
Choose Anytype if
You want local-first, encrypted-by-default workspaces that go beyond plain notes
Notion
All-in-one connected workspace
Choose Notion if
You want real-time team collaboration and databases more than data ownership
Why look for a Joplin alternative?
Most people weighing a switch are balancing one of three things: what it costs (free · cloud €2.99/mo), how it’s built and licensed (AGPL-3.0-or-later), or where their data lives. None of these make Joplin a bad choice — they’re trade-offs, and a different tool may simply balance them in a way that fits you better.
Platform coverage is the other common reason. Joplin runs on Windows 10+ · macOS · Linux · iOS 15.6+ · Android — if your devices fall outside that list, or you’d rather align on a different source model, the options above cover the same ground from a different angle. Each carries its own Trust Report, so switching doesn’t mean starting your research from zero.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Joplin alternative?
Obsidian is the strongest free option on this list (Free · Sync $4/mo). You want local Markdown notes with a bigger plugin ecosystem and graph-based linking
Is Joplin safe to use?
Yes. Joplin passed 8/9 checks in our Trust Report, last reviewed Jul 17, 2026 — covering source verification, permissions, trackers and known risks. The full report is on its app page.
What should I consider when switching?
Export your data first, confirm the new app covers your platforms, and read its Trust Report. Run both apps side by side until you’re confident nothing was left behind.