AS Notes vs Joplin: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AS Notes and Joplin comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Joplin wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan. Pick AS Notes if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AS Notes
Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.
Best for you if:
- • You want keeps notes directly within the VS Code editor, reducing context switching
- • You want uses standard Markdown files, preventing vendor lock-in and ensuring portability
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Best for you if:
- • You want open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format
- • You want strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE)
| At a Glance | AS Notes | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | 4.3/5SourceForge 4.3 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose AS Notes or Joplin?
Choose AS Notes if
Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.
- You want keeps notes directly within the VS Code editor, reducing context switching
- You want uses standard Markdown files, preventing vendor lock-in and ensuring portability
Choose Joplin if
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
- You want open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format
- You want strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE)
| Feature | AS Notes | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 67 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingIDE & Code Editors | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
AS Notes
Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.
The pricing for AS Notes is exceptionally generous, offering a powerful Free tier and a Pro Editor lifetime license for a one-time payment of $18.
Strengths
- +Keeps notes directly within the VS Code editor, reducing context switching.
- +Uses standard Markdown files, preventing vendor lock-in and ensuring portability.
- +Supports powerful linking of ideas with wikilinks and backlinks.
- +Includes task management and daily journal features for integrated workflow.
- +One-time purchase for Pro Editor features, no subscription required.
Weaknesses
- -Primarily focused on VS Code and compatible editors, limiting use for those outside this ecosystem.
- -Advanced features like Kanban and static site publishing are only available in the paid Pro Editor version.
Key features
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Joplin's pricing is fair, especially for individual users.
Strengths
- +Open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format.
- +Strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE).
- +Highly customizable with plugins, themes, and API.
- +Available across a wide range of platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Terminal).
- +Supports multimedia content and web clipping for comprehensive note-taking.
Weaknesses
- -E2EE setup requires manual enabling on each device.
- -Initial E2EE sync can be time-consuming for large note collections.
- -Advanced collaboration and sharing features are tied to paid Joplin Cloud plans.
Key features
Pricing: AS Notes vs Joplin
| Plan | AS Notes | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 forever Free | 2.99$ /month Basic |
| Tier 2 | $18 one-time Pro Editor | 5.99$ /month Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | 7.99$ /month (*) Teams |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Contact us Joplin Server Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AS Notes pricing and Joplin pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AS Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Joplin is rated 4.3/5. AS Notes has no ratings yet.
Go with: Joplin
Value user reviews?
AS Notes: no ratings yet. Joplin: 67 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Joplin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Joplin is rated 4.3/5; AS Notes has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Joplin
- More user reviews (1)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
AS Notes
- Choose if you want powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks
The Bottom Line
Joplin wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS Notes or Joplin better?
Joplin is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are AS Notes and Joplin used for?
AS Notes: Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.. Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app..
What does AS Notes cost vs Joplin?
AS Notes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Joplin is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.