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Notesnook vs Joplin

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

Notesnook logo

Notesnook

Productivity & Notes

Try Notesnook
VS
Joplin logo

Joplin

Productivity & Notes

Try Joplin

A
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.

B
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.

Pricing Comparison

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

Feature Comparison

Feature
Notesnook
Joplin
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
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

Choose Notesnook

End-to-end encrypted private note-taking app

Try Notesnook Free

Read full review

Choose Joplin

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

Try Joplin Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

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

Our Verdict

Notesnook

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

Easier to get started
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 vs Joplin: The Bottom Line

Both Notesnook and Joplin 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 Notesnook and Joplin, explore Notesnook alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Notesnook or Joplin better?

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

Can I switch from Notesnook to Joplin?

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

Which is cheaper, Notesnook or Joplin?

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

What are the main differences between Notesnook and Joplin?

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