Open source alternatives · Productivity
Open Source Alternative to Evernote
Evernote keeps raising prices and limiting free accounts. Joplin is the open-source note app with sync and encryption.
What the paid app costs: US$10.83/mo
Why switch?
Notes should be plain files you own, not database rows on someone's server. Joplin stores Markdown you can open anywhere, syncs through your own cloud, and encrypts everything. Obsidian is excellent but proprietary, so Joplin is the true open-source pick.
Compare the alternatives
| Alternative | License | Platforms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin | AGPL-3.0 | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | The direct Evernote replacement |
| Obsidian | Free for personal use (not open source) | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Free for personal use, but not open source |
Joplin
Free forever AGPL-3.0 · Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Markdown notes with sync
- Web clipper extension
- End-to-end encryption
The direct Evernote replacement
Obsidian
Free forever Free for personal use (not open source) · Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Local Markdown files
- Graph view of notes
- Huge plugin ecosystem
Free for personal use, but not open source
Which one should you pick?
- Joplin: The direct Evernote replacement
- Obsidian: Free for personal use, but not open source
Frequently asked questions
Can Joplin import my Evernote notes?
Yes, Joplin imports Evernote ENEX export files directly.
How does Joplin sync?
Through your own storage: Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, S3, or Joplin Cloud.
Is Obsidian open source?
No. Obsidian is free for personal use but proprietary. Joplin is the open-source alternative.