Joplin vs MinkNote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Joplin and MinkNote 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source note-taking app with multimedia support.
- • Features end-to-end encryption and flexible sync options.
MinkNote
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Stores all notes as plain Markdown files on your Mac, ensuring no lock-in and long-term readability.
- • Keyboard-first navigation and native macOS design for a calm, efficient note-taking experience.
| At a Glance |  Joplin |  MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.3/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Joplin or MinkNote?
Choose Joplin if
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
- 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.
Choose MinkNote if
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
- Fully native macOS app with low resource usage compared to Electron-based alternatives
- No account required and no internet needed for full functionality
- Notes are plain files you own, readable in any editor now and in the future
- You want a fully free tool (Joplin requires payment)
| Feature | Joplin | MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 67 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingWriting Apps |
In-Depth Analysis
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
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
Value 75/100. Joplin's pricing is fair, especially for individual users.
Watch out: Teams tier has an asterisk, potential per-user cost
MinkNote
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
Strengths
- +Fully native macOS app with low resource usage compared to Electron-based alternatives
- +No account required and no internet needed for full functionality
- +Notes are plain files you own, readable in any editor now and in the future
Weaknesses
- -Less mature feature set compared to established apps like Obsidian, with a smaller community and plugin ecosystem
- -Only available for macOS, limiting cross-platform use
Key features
Value 92/100. MinkNote's pricing is generous since it offers a full-featured 14-day free trial with no credit card required, and after the trial the app remains usable in read-only mode at no cost.
Watch out: No paid tier means no cloud sync or backup
Pricing: Joplin vs MinkNote
| Plan | Joplin | MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2.99$ /month Basic | Free for 14 days Free Trial |
| Tier 2 | 5.99$ /month Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | 7.99$ /month (*) Teams | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Joplin Server Business | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Joplin pricing and MinkNote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MinkNote is free. Joplin is paid.
Go with: MinkNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Joplin is rated 4.3/5. MinkNote has no ratings yet.
Go with: Joplin
Value user reviews?
Joplin: 67 reviews (4.3/5). MinkNote: no ratings yet.
Go with: Joplin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Joplin is paid. MinkNote is free. Go with MinkNote if free matters most.
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; MinkNote has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Joplin
- Our pick for this comparison
MinkNote
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Joplin is our pick. That said, MinkNote is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joplin or MinkNote better?
Joplin is rated in our evaluation. Joplin is paid and MinkNote is free.
What are Joplin and MinkNote used for?
Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.. MinkNote: Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first.
What does Joplin cost vs MinkNote?
Joplin is a paid tool. MinkNote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.