Joplin vs Microsoft OneNote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Joplin and Microsoft OneNote 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 is our overall pick for note-taking workflows. Pick Microsoft OneNote if you need a fully free option.
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.
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free digital notebook from Microsoft
- • Great for visual and handwritten notes
| At a Glance |  Joplin | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose Joplin or Microsoft OneNote?
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 Microsoft OneNote if
Digital notebook for organizing everything
- Completely free
- Great handwriting/tablet support
- Deep Microsoft integration
- You want a fully free tool (Joplin requires payment)
| Feature | Joplin | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 67 reviews | ★4.6/5 3,799 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
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
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Great handwriting/tablet support
- +Deep Microsoft integration
- +Unlimited storage (with M365)
- +Good for visual thinkers
Weaknesses
- -Can feel cluttered
- -Sync issues occasionally
- -Less structured than Notion
- -Microsoft account required
Key features
Pricing: Joplin vs Microsoft OneNote
| Plan | Joplin | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2.99$ /month Basic | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | 5.99$ /month Pro | $6.99 month With Microsoft 365 |
| Tier 3 | 7.99$ /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 Microsoft OneNote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft OneNote is free. Joplin is paid.
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Joplin: 4.3/5 (67 reviews). Microsoft OneNote: 4.6/5 (3,799 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Value user reviews?
Joplin: 67 reviews (4.3/5). Microsoft OneNote: 3,799 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Joplin is paid. Microsoft OneNote is free. Go with Microsoft OneNote if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft OneNote is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Joplin
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft OneNote
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (3,799 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Joplin is our pick. That said, Microsoft OneNote is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joplin or Microsoft OneNote better?
Joplin is rated in our evaluation. Joplin is paid and Microsoft OneNote is free.
What are Joplin and Microsoft OneNote used for?
Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.. Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything.
What does Joplin cost vs Microsoft OneNote?
Joplin is a paid tool. Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.