If you’re like me, your brain is a constant storm of ideas, reminders, and tasks. The right note-taking app can be a lifesaver—but finding “the one” is tricky. Proprietary apps often lock you in or raise privacy concerns. That’s why I dove into the world of open-source note-taking apps and tested six of the most recommended tools.
Instead of you spending hours downloading, syncing, and experimenting, here’s a human-friendly breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and how to pick the perfect app for your workflow.
Why Choose Open Source?
- Transparency → No black box. The code is visible and auditable.
- Control: Store your notes locally, or sync with your own server.
- Privacy: Many support strong encryption.
- Future-proof → Open code means the community can keep it alive.
In short: open source = freedom for your thoughts.
The Six Contenders
🟦 Joplin—The Powerhouse
Joplin is the Swiss Army knife of note-taking. Markdown support, attachments, to-dos, and even a web clipper. Sync with Dropbox, Nextcloud, or your own server.
Best for: Students, researchers, and power users who want offline control and flexibility.
🟩 Anytype—The Builder’s Playground
Anytype feels like Notion’s open-source cousin. Instead of notes, you build “objects” and link them into a personal knowledge web.
Best for: Visual thinkers, project managers, and anyone who loves building systems.
🔒 Standard Notes—The Privacy Guardian
Minimal and distraction-free, Standard Notes focuses on end-to-end encryption. The free tier is simple, but extensions unlock more editing power.
Best for: Journalers, professionals handling sensitive info, and privacy-first users.
✏️ Simplenote—The Quick Jotter
True to its name, Simplenote is all about speed and simplicity. Notes sync instantly, and you can tag them for quick retrieval.
Best for: Writers, students, and anyone who wants to jot ideas fast without clutter.
🟪 Notesnook—The Balanced Middle Ground
Notesnook gives you encryption plus richer features like attachments, markdown, and vaults. A nice balance between minimal and feature-heavy.
Best for: Developers, knowledge workers, and anyone who needs structure without complexity.
🎨 AFFiNE—The All-in-One Workspace
AFFiNE wants to be your everything app: notes, whiteboards, databases, and planning tools all in one. Think Notion + Miro with an open-source twist.
Best for: Teams, creatives, and startups who want notes and brainstorming in the same place.
Quick At-a-Glance Comparison
| App | Best for | Format | Sync | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin | Power users, offline-first | Markdown + attachments | Nextcloud, Dropbox, WebDAV | E2EE available |
| Anytype | Structured, visual workflows | Objects/blocks | Built-in P2P | Local encryption |
| Standard Notes | Privacy & minimalism | Plain/encrypted | Cloud sync | Strong E2EE |
| Simplenote | Fast, simple notes | Plain text | Automatic sync | Basic transport |
| Notesnook | Balanced privacy & features | Markdown + media | Notesnook sync | Full E2EE |
| AFFiNE | All-in-one workspace | Rich docs/blocks | AFFiNE cloud/local | Mixed |
My Honest Take
- Joplin is my personal daily driver—flexible, portable, and private.
- Standard Notes wins for peace of mind if you just want a private journal.
- Simplenote is unbeatable for sheer speed and simplicity.
- Anytype and AFFiNE are perfect if you love structure or team brainstorming.
- Notesnook is a comfortable middle ground.
🎁 Want the Full Printable Guide?
I turned my research into a print-ready PDF guide complete with:
- Set up checklists for each app
- Syncing & backup tips
- Markdown + printing hacks
- Resource links
👉 Grab your copy here:
I Tried 6 Open-Source Note-Taking Apps So You Don’t Have To (Printable PDF Guide)
✅ Bottom line:
No matter which app you pick, going open source means you stay in control of your notes, your privacy, and your workflow. That alone makes the switch worth it.
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