Skip to main content
HomeCompareZoho Notebook vs Joplin

Zoho Notebook vs Joplin

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

Zoho Notebook logo

Zoho Notebook

Productivity & Notes

Try Zoho Notebook
VS
Joplin logo

Joplin

Productivity & Notes

Try Joplin

A
About Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is a free note-taking application that lets users capture ideas using text, audio, images, sketches, and checklists organized into visually appealing notebooks. It's part of the broader Zoho ecosystem, making it a natural fit for anyone already using Zoho products, though it works well as a standalone tool too. The app stands out with its clean, card-based interface that treats each note as an individual card within a notebook, offering a more visual approach than most competitors. It's available across all major platforms with solid offline support and syncing, making it suitable for individuals, students, and small teams who want a straightforward, no-cost note-taking solution without the complexity of tools like Notion or Evernote.

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
Zoho Notebook
Joplin
Price
Free — From $0/mo
Free — Optional donations accepted
Category
Productivity & Notes
Productivity & Notes
Rating
4.3 (19)
4.4 (20)
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Integrations
7+ apps
7+ apps
Founded
1996
2017

Feature Comparison

Feature
Zoho Notebook
Joplin
Multi-device synchronization
Audio and video note recording
Customizable notebook covers
Web clipper for saving articles
Handwriting recognition for notes
Tagging system for organization
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

Choose Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is a versatile note-taking app that helps you organize your thoughts efficiently.

Try Zoho Notebook Free

Read full review

Choose Joplin

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

Try Joplin Free

Read full review

Not sure which to pick?

Get a personalized recommendation in 10 seconds.

Score Comparison

Ease of Use
8.0
7.0
Features
7.0
8.0
Pricing
9.0
10.0
Support
6.0
6.0
Integrations
7.0
7.0
Overall
7.4
7.6
Zoho NotebookJoplin

Our Verdict

Zoho Notebook

Choose Zoho Notebook if you're on a tight budget and need a versatile note-taking solution for personal use.

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

Zoho Notebook vs Joplin: The Bottom Line

Both Zoho Notebook and Joplin are strong productivity & notes tools, but they serve different needs. Joplin has a higher user rating (4.4 vs 4.3).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zoho Notebook or Joplin better?

It depends on your needs. Zoho Notebook (4.3★) is free to start, while Joplin (4.4★) is free to start. Joplin has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from Zoho Notebook to Joplin?

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

Which is cheaper, Zoho Notebook or Joplin?

Both Zoho Notebook and Joplin start at $0/mo.

What are the main differences between Zoho Notebook and Joplin?

Zoho Notebook focuses on multi-device synchronization and audio and video note recording, 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.