Best Open-Source Note-Taking Apps
Our curated selection of the top 10 tools. Compare features, pricing, and find the perfect fit for your needs.
TL;DR
- 1Standard Notes(7.2/10) — Pick Standard Notes if privacy is your top priority and you need robust features at a low monthly cost.. Affordable and feature-rich.
- 2Joplin(7.6/10) — You're looking for a free, open-source note-taking option with strong organizational features and no hidden costs.. Affordable and feature-rich.
- 3Notesnook(6.8/10) — You need secure, private note-taking for a small team on a tight budget.. Easy to use and affordable, but limited integrations.
Why Standard Notes is #1 for open-source note-taking apps
Consider alternatives if you prioritize:
Our Picks
Notion
All-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and project management.
Joplin
Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application.
Apple Notes
Apple Notes is a powerful note-taking app for organizing your thoughts and ideas seamlessly.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Price | Rating | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Notes | Free — From $8/mo for extended features | 3.8 | 7.2 | privacy-conscious individuals who need encrypted note-taking |
| Joplin | Free — Optional donations accepted | 4.4 | 7.6 | privacy-minded individuals wanting a free, open-source note |
| Notesnook | Free / From $4.49/mo | 3.7 | 6.8 | privacy-conscious users who need encrypted cross-platform no |
| Notion | Free — From $10/user/mo | 4.8 | 8.0 | teams and individuals consolidating docs, notes, and project |
| Logseq | Free — From $5/user/mo for premium features | 3.8 | 7.8 | privacy-conscious thinkers building interconnected personal |
Detailed Rankings
A secure, open-source note-taking app that prioritizes privacy.
Skip if: you need advanced editors require a paid subscription
Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application.
Skip if: you need user interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives
End-to-end encrypted private note-taking app
Skip if: you need fewer integrations compared to evernote or notion
Logseq is a powerful knowledge management and note-taking tool.
Visual thinking canvas with connected notes and mind maps
Supernotes is a collaborative note-taking tool that enhances productivity.
Obsidian is a powerful note-taking and knowledge management tool that helps you organize your thoughts.
Amplenote is a powerful productivity and notes tool designed for efficient information management.
Apple Notes is a powerful note-taking app for organizing your thoughts and ideas seamlessly.
How to Choose
When choosing the right tool for “best open-source note-taking apps”, consider: your team size and budget, must-have features vs nice-to-haves, integration with your existing tools, and long-term pricing scalability. Start with free trials when available — most tools on this list offer them.
Former SaaS product manager turned analyst. Personally tested 200+ tools and built the scoring methodology behind SaasHunter rankings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best open-source note-taking apps?
Based on user ratings and features, Standard Notes is the top pick for best open-source note-taking apps. Other strong options include Joplin, Notesnook, Notion.
Are there free options for productivity & notes?
Yes, Standard Notes, Joplin, Notion offer free plans in the Productivity & Notes category.
How did we rank these tools?
Tools are ranked based on keyword relevance to the use case, user ratings from the SaasHunter community, and feature coverage. Featured tools with strong ratings rank higher.
How often is this list updated?
This list is updated automatically as new tools are added and user ratings change. Pricing and feature information is refreshed regularly.
Problems These Tools Solve
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