Logo
Deploy Now

SaaS Alternative

Notion Evernote Google Keep OneNote Bear

Categories

Self-Hosted Productivity Privacy Knowledge Management Notes Encryption Markdown Sync

Stars

55671

Forks

6183

Watchers

480

Developer links

Last Updated: 07-21-2026 05:35 PM (UTC)

Joplin

Notes on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and the terminal, synced through your own server: Joplin pairs its open-source clients with Joplin Server, the official self-hosted backend that replaces Dropbox, OneDrive, or Nextcloud as the synchronization target. Notes are Markdown with inline attachments (images, PDFs, audio), organized into hierarchical notebooks and sub-notebooks with cross-cutting tags, alongside to-do lists with reminders and alarms. End-to-end encryption is the headline feature: enabled in the clients, it encrypts sync payloads on-device before upload, so the server stores blobs it cannot read - genuine protection even if the host is compromised. The desktop app offers both Rich Text and Markdown editors, extended by a plugin ecosystem, custom themes, and an Extension API for writing your own scripts; a Web Clipper for Chrome and Firefox captures full pages or screenshots straight into notebooks. Joplin Server ships as a Docker image with SQLite for evaluation and PostgreSQL for production, offers a filesystem storage driver for large content, and includes multi-user support and note sharing - all free under AGPL-3.0 when self-hosted. Notes stay in an open format, so the exit path always exists.

Joplin

Benefits

  • Notes the Server Can't Read
  • End-to-end encryption happens on your device before sync, so the backend stores ciphertext - privacy that survives even a server breach.
  • Every Device, One Notebook
  • Native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and the terminal all sync through your own server.
  • An Open Format Forever
  • Markdown storage and AGPL-3.0 licensing mean your notes and your tooling outlive any vendor decision.
  • Clip Now, Organize Later
  • The browser Web Clipper saves pages and screenshots directly into notebooks, replacing Evernote's flagship workflow.

Features

  • Markdown Notes and To-Dos
  • Rich formatting, code blocks, inline attachments, reminders, and alarms across hierarchical notebooks and tags.
  • End-to-End Encrypted Sync
  • Client-side encryption of all sync payloads; the server holds only unreadable blobs.
  • Self-Hosted Sync Server
  • Docker deployment with SQLite or PostgreSQL, filesystem storage driver, multi-user support, and sharing.
  • Plugins and Extension API
  • Community plugins, custom themes, multiple editors, and a scripting API for custom behavior.
  • Web Clipper
  • Chrome and Firefox extensions capture pages or screenshots straight to notebooks.
  • Cross-Platform Clients
  • Desktop, mobile, and terminal apps with identical notebooks everywhere.