Notesnook vs Joplin: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Notesnook 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. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Pick Notesnook 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:
Notesnook
The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Joplin requires payment)
- • You want strong emphasis on privacy with end-to-end and at-rest encryption
- • You want 100% open source, allowing for transparency and self-hosting
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 | Notesnook | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Notesnook or Joplin?
Choose Notesnook if
The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.
- You want a fully free tool (Joplin requires payment)
- You want strong emphasis on privacy with end-to-end and at-rest encryption
- You want 100% open source, allowing for transparency and self-hosting
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 | Notesnook | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 67 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Notesnook
The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.
Notesnook's Free tier is incredibly generous, offering a vast array of features that many competitors reserve for paid plans.
Strengths
- +Strong emphasis on privacy with end-to-end and at-rest encryption.
- +100% open source, allowing for transparency and self-hosting.
- +Available on multiple platforms (desktop, web, mobile) with seamless sync.
- +Feature-rich for diverse note-taking needs.
- +Community-driven open development.
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has limitations on storage, file size, and feature usage.
- -Some advanced features like full offline mode are only available in the Pro plan.
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: Notesnook vs Joplin
| Plan | Notesnook | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0/ month Free | 2.99$ /month Basic |
| Tier 2 | N/A | 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 Notesnook pricing and Joplin pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Notesnook is free. Joplin is paid.
Go with: Notesnook
Want the highest-rated option?
Joplin is rated 4.3/5. Notesnook has no ratings yet.
Go with: Joplin
Value user reviews?
Notesnook: no ratings yet. Joplin: 67 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Joplin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Notesnook is free. Joplin is paid. Go with Notesnook 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; Notesnook has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Joplin
- Our pick for this comparison
Notesnook
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Joplin wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom. That said, Notesnook is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notesnook or Joplin better?
Joplin is rated in our evaluation. Notesnook is free and Joplin is paid.
What are Notesnook and Joplin used for?
Notesnook: The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.. Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app..
What does Notesnook cost vs Joplin?
Notesnook is completely free. Joplin is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.