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Standard Notes vs Joplin

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

Standard Notes logo

Standard Notes

Productivity & Notes

Try Standard Notes
VS
Joplin logo

Joplin

Productivity & Notes

Try Joplin

A
About Standard Notes

Standard Notes is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking application built for people who take privacy seriously. It provides a clean, distraction-free writing environment that syncs across all major platforms including web, desktop, and mobile. Unlike many competitors, Standard Notes doesn't track users or serve ads, and its encryption model means even the company itself cannot read your notes. The app supports extensibility through editors and themes, allowing users to customize their experience from plain text to markdown, code editing, and more. It's well-suited for journalists, researchers, developers, and anyone who wants a reliable, long-lasting notes solution they can trust.

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
Standard Notes
Joplin
Price
Free — From $8/mo for extended features
Free — Optional donations accepted
Category
Productivity & Notes
Productivity & Notes
Rating
3.8 (28)
4.4 (20)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Integrations
6+ apps
7+ apps
Founded
2016
2017

Feature Comparison

Feature
Standard Notes
Joplin
End-to-end encryption for notes
Cross-platform synchronization
Markdown support for formatting
Customizable themes and styles
Offline access to notes
Rich media embedding options
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 Standard Notes

A secure, open-source note-taking app that prioritizes privacy.

Try Standard Notes 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
7.0
7.0
Features
8.0
8.0
Pricing
8.0
10.0
Support
7.0
6.0
Integrations
6.0
7.0
Overall
7.2
7.6
Standard NotesJoplin

Our Verdict

Standard Notes

Pick Standard Notes if privacy is your top priority and you need robust features at a low monthly cost.

Better support
JoplinWinner

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

More affordable
More integrations

Standard Notes vs Joplin: The Bottom Line

Both Standard Notes and Joplin are strong productivity & notes tools, but they serve different needs. Joplin has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 3.8).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Standard Notes or Joplin better?

It depends on your needs. Standard Notes (3.8★) is free to start, while Joplin (4.4★) is free to start. Joplin has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Standard Notes to Joplin?

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

Which is cheaper, Standard Notes or Joplin?

Both Standard Notes and Joplin start at $0/mo.

What are the main differences between Standard Notes and Joplin?

Standard Notes focuses on end-to-end encryption for notes and cross-platform synchronization, 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.