Best Joplin Alternatives: For Open-source note-taking and to-do app in 2025
Joplin has carved out a loyal fanbase thanks to its open-source nature, privacy-focused design, and robust note-taking and to-do capabilities. However, as the world of digital productivity evolves, many people are on the lookout for fresh alternatives that offer new features, improved usability, and better integrations. Whether you’re after more collaboration options, a sleeker interface, or a different approach to open-source note-taking, this list highlights some of the top alternatives to Joplin for 2025.
All the tools below provide secure and customizable experiences—perfect for users who love the freedom of open-source software and want the best for productivity and task management. Discover your next favorite app from these Joplin alternatives!
Top 10+ Joplin Alternatives and Best for Open-source Note-taking and To-do App
1. Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a truly privacy-respecting note-taking app that encrypts everything you write. It’s simple but extensible, making it a favorite among security-conscious users. If you need reliability in taking notes and storing to-do lists, Standard Notes is a fantastic pick.
- End-to-end encryption for all notes
- Extensible with productivity-focused plugins
- Cross-platform (mobile, desktop, web)
- Open-source and transparent with code
2. Trilium Notes
Trilium Notes is known for its hierarchical note structure and powerful editing tools. Fans of deep organization and visual note-mapping will find its features a big plus for both professional and personal use.
- Hierarchical note tree with unlimited depth
- Powerful text editor with rich content support
- Supports tasks, reminders, and note linking
- Robust backup and synchronization options
3. Laverna
Laverna delivers a minimalist, open-source note-taking alternative for those who value both privacy and simplicity. It’s excellent for users who want a distraction-free interface and easy organization.
- Markdown-based note editing
- Does not require registration or signup
- Privacy-focused (no data is saved online unless you choose)
- Web app and desktop versions available
4. Turtl
Turtl makes note-taking ultra-secure with strong encryption and is ideal for storing not just notes but also passwords and bookmarks. Think of it as your private digital notebook that travels with you.
- End-to-end encryption for notes and files
- Tag-based organization for easy searching
- Save passwords, bookmarks, and images securely
- Open-source and free to use
5. Notesnook
Notesnook stands out for its impressive privacy features and easy-to-use design. It strives to bring private, open-source note-taking to everyone with a clean user experience.
- Privacy-first, open-source philosophy
- Cross-platform with sync and backup functionalities
- Password-protected notes for extra security
- Supports rich text and image attachments
6. QOwnNotes
QOwnNotes is perfect for users who want locally stored, markdown notes that seamlessly sync to cloud storage (like Nextcloud). Its flexibility and customization options make it popular with power users.
- Supports plain text and markdown notes
- Integration with popular cloud services
- Custom scripts and highly configurable interface
- Tagging and to-do list management
7. Simplenote
Simplenote lives up to its name, providing an extremely easy, distraction-free way to manage notes and to-dos. Its open approach and cross-platform availability are perfect for anyone needing quick access to their thoughts on any device.
- Simple, clean, and easy-to-use interface
- Instant syncing across devices
- Completely free and open-source
- Supports note sharing and collaboration
8. Zoho Notebook
This app offers a beautiful interface combined with a wide range of note formats, including text, sketch, and voice. Open-source fans will love its community-driven features and flexibility.
- Supports text, photo, audio, and checklist notes
- Easy organization with custom card colors and covers
- Syncs notes across all devices
- Web clipper for browser integration
9. Boost Note
Boost Note is perfect for developers and those who like to combine documentation with their to-do lists. Its markdown support and collaboration tools drive productivity, especially in technical workspaces.
- Markdown-based with code snippet support
- Open-source and designed for teams
- Customizable workspace and organization
- Real-time collaborative editing
10. Jupyter Notebook
If you’re looking for a note-taking tool with a twist, Jupyter Notebook lets you combine live code, equations, and visualizations in a single document. While more technical, it’s a great fit for students, researchers, and data enthusiasts.
- Create documents with live code, equations, and text
- Supports over 40 programming languages
- Open-source, community-driven development
- Perfect for academic and technical notes
11. Zim Wiki
Zim Wiki brings a desktop wiki-like experience to note-taking, letting users interlink ideas, tasks, and notebooks freely. It’s great for mapping out ideas and managing research projects.
- Desktop wiki with easy-to-follow note linking
- Simple formatting and instant page creation
- Task list and calendar integration
- Open-source with plugins for extra features
Conclusion
Choosing the right note-taking and to-do application is all about finding what works best for your workflow and your privacy needs. These Joplin alternatives shine in their commitment to open-source ideals and offer a range of powerful, user-friendly features. Whether you’re focused on privacy, collaboration, or just need a simple place to jot down your thoughts, there’s an open-source tool perfectly suited for you. Give a few of these a try and enjoy new levels of productivity in 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I look for in a Joplin alternative?
Consider features you need, such as syncing, collaboration, privacy, and markdown support. Choose an app that aligns with your daily habits and long-term productivity.
2. Are open-source note-taking apps as secure as commercial ones?
Many open-source apps offer robust security, including encryption. Their open code allows independent audits, making them trustworthy for privacy-focused users.
3. Can I import my notes from Joplin to these alternatives?
Most apps support note imports via markdown or other formats. Check each app’s documentation for specific instructions on importing from Joplin.
4. What if I need to collaborate with others?
Some alternatives like Boost Note and Simplenote offer team collaboration features. Review what each app provides if working in a group is important to you.