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Joplin vs Notesnook

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Joplin logo

Joplin

Productivity & Notes

Try Joplin
VS
Notesnook logo

Notesnook

Productivity & Notes

Try Notesnook

A
About Joplin

Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking and to-do application that supports Markdown formatting and end-to-end encryption. It allows users to organize notes into notebooks, tag them, and sync across multiple devices using services like Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud. The app is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it a genuinely cross-platform solution. It's particularly popular among privacy-conscious users and those migrating from Evernote, as it offers a straightforward import tool. While it may lack the polish of some commercial alternatives, its flexibility, plugin ecosystem, and commitment to open-source principles make it a strong choice for technical users.

B
About Notesnook

Notesnook is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking application designed for users who prioritize privacy without wanting to sacrifice functionality. It offers a rich text editor, notebook organization, tags, and cross-platform syncing across desktop, mobile, and web — all while ensuring that only the user can access their notes through zero-knowledge encryption. It serves as a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream apps like Evernote and Google Keep, appealing to journalists, activists, professionals, and anyone concerned about data ownership. The app is built with a clean, modern interface that keeps things simple while still providing the features most people need for everyday note-taking.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
Joplin
Notesnook
Price
Free — Optional donations accepted
Free / From $4.49/mo
Category
Productivity & Notes
Productivity & Notes
Rating
4.4 (20)
3.7 (17)
Free Plan
Yes
No
Integrations
7+ apps
7+ apps
Founded
2017
2021

Feature Comparison

Feature
Joplin
Notesnook
Markdown support for notes
End-to-end encryption for security
Web clipper for saving content
Cross-platform synchronization capabilities
Task management with to-do lists
Tagging system for organization
End-to-end encryption
Zero-knowledge architecture
Rich text editor
Notebooks & tags
Cross-platform sync
Note locking
Web clipper
Markdown support
Export (PDF, HTML, MD)
Open-source

Choose Joplin

Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application.

Try Joplin Free

Read full review

Choose Notesnook

End-to-end encrypted private note-taking app

Try Notesnook Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
7.0
8.0
Features
8.0
7.0
Pricing
10.0
8.0
Support
6.0
6.0
Integrations
7.0
5.0
Overall
7.6
6.8
JoplinNotesnook

Our Verdict

JoplinWinner

You're looking for a free, open-source note-taking option with strong organizational features and no hidden costs.

More affordable
More features
More integrations
Notesnook

You need secure, private note-taking for a small team on a tight budget.

Easier to get started

Joplin vs Notesnook: The Bottom Line

Both Joplin and Notesnook are strong productivity & notes tools, but they serve different needs. Joplin has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 3.7).

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for Joplin and Notesnook, explore Joplin alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Joplin or Notesnook better?

It depends on your needs. Joplin (4.4★) is free to start, while Notesnook (3.7★) is from $null/mo. Joplin has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Joplin to Notesnook?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Notesnook has a migration guide or import tool specifically for Joplin users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, Joplin or Notesnook?

Check the pricing pages of both Joplin and Notesnook for the most up-to-date pricing information.

What are the main differences between Joplin and Notesnook?

Joplin focuses on markdown support for notes and end-to-end encryption for security, while Notesnook emphasizes end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. Both are in the Productivity & Notes category but serve slightly different use cases.