Microsoft OneNote vs Joplin: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft OneNote 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: Microsoft OneNote wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Pick Joplin if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Joplin requires payment)
- • You want completely free
- • You want great handwriting/tablet support
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 | Joplin | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | Custom |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Microsoft OneNote or Joplin?
Choose Microsoft OneNote if
Digital notebook for organizing everything
- You want a fully free tool (Joplin requires payment)
- You want completely free
- You want great handwriting/tablet support
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 | Microsoft OneNote | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 3,864 reviews | ★4.3/5 67 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
OneNote's pricing is exceptionally generous, as the core product is entirely free with unlimited notebooks and cross-platform sync.
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
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: Microsoft OneNote vs Joplin
| Plan | Microsoft OneNote | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | 2.99$ /month Basic |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month With Microsoft 365 | 5.99$ /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 Microsoft OneNote pricing and Joplin pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft OneNote is free. Joplin is paid.
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft OneNote: 4.0/5 (3,864 reviews). Joplin: 4.3/5 (67 reviews).
Go with: Joplin
Value user reviews?
Microsoft OneNote: 3,864 reviews (4.0/5). Joplin: 67 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft OneNote is free. Joplin is paid. 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?
Joplin is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft OneNote
- Higher rating: 4.0/5 vs 0.0
- Larger review base (3,864 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Joplin
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5
The Bottom Line
Microsoft OneNote wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom.
What Users Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft OneNote or Joplin better?
Microsoft OneNote is rated 4.0/5 in our evaluation. Microsoft OneNote is free and Joplin is paid.
What are Microsoft OneNote and Joplin used for?
Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything. Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app..
What does Microsoft OneNote cost vs Joplin?
Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Joplin is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.