Best Open-Source Evernote Alternatives (2026)
6 self-hostable, open-source projects that replace Evernote — without repeated price hikes and device limits. Each is scored for how hard it is to self-host, with one-click deploy options where they exist.
Evernote has raised prices repeatedly and capped how many devices free users can sync, pushing long-time users toward paid tiers for basic functionality. People leave to stop renting access to their own notes and to keep their data encrypted and under their control.
Our picks at a glance
Difficulty 2/5 with Docker or manual deploy, plus managed hosting, the lowest-friction full PKM option here.
Full note-taking app with web clipper, notebooks, and end-to-end encrypted sync, the most complete Evernote-style replacement.
Highest star count in this list (~50k) and actively maintained across desktop, mobile, and server.
Offers an official managed/hosted sync service with end-to-end encryption, the closest drop-in to Evernote's hosted model.
Compare all 6 alternatives
Tap a column header to sort| Project | Deploy | Managed | License | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Joplin TypeScript | 50k ★ | 3/5 Moderate | Docker Docker Compose +1 | AGPL-3.0 | 8 days ago | Repo | |
 Memos Go | 40k ★ | 2/5 Easy | Docker Manual | MIT | 7 days ago | Repo | |
 SiYuan TypeScript | 36k ★ | 2/5 Easy | Docker Manual | AGPL-3.0 | 6 days ago | Repo | |
 Logseq Clojure | 36k ★ | 4/5 Involved | Manual | AGPL-3.0 | 26 days ago | Repo | |
 Trilium Notes TypeScript | 12k ★ | 2/5 Easy | Docker Manual | AGPL-3.0 | 13 days ago | Repo | |
 Standard Notes TypeScript | 6k ★ | 3/5 Moderate | Docker Docker Compose | AGPL-3.0 | 18 days ago | Repo |
What to look for: For a personal note tool the deciding factors are reliable cross-device sync, a clean capture/clipping workflow, and ideally end-to-end encryption so your notes stay private even on a server you host. Check whether sync is built in or requires wiring up your own server, since that's the biggest practical difference between these options.
The alternatives, reviewed
- #1
JoplinSelf-host: ModerateOpen-source note-taking app with end-to-end encrypted sync
50k TypeScript AGPL-3.0 8 days agoHow it compares to Evernote
- The note editor is more basic than Notion-style block editors.
- No real-time collaborative editing; sync is eventual.
- No relational database or board views.
- Self-hosted Joplin Server setup and multi-user management is less polished than the apps.
- #2
MemosSelf-host: EasyLightweight, self-hosted note-taking and memo hub
40k Go MIT 7 days agoHow it compares to Evernote
- Designed for short notes/memos, not long structured documents or wikis.
- No nested page hierarchy, databases, or board views.
- No real-time collaboration.
- Limited rich formatting compared to block editors.
- #3
SiYuanSelf-host: EasyPrivacy-first personal knowledge management with block-level editing
36k TypeScript AGPL-3.0 6 days agoHow it compares to Evernote
- Primarily single-user; no real-time team collaboration.
- Official cloud sync and some features require a paid subscription.
- Documentation and UI are translated from Chinese and can be uneven.
- Smaller English-language community and plugin ecosystem.
- #4
LogseqSelf-host: InvolvedPrivacy-first, local-first outliner for networked notes
36k Clojure AGPL-3.0 26 days agoHow it compares to Evernote
- Primarily a local desktop app; there is no official self-hosted web server, only file sync via Git/cloud storage.
- Official sync service is paid and separate from the open-source core.
- The database-backed rewrite has had a long, disruptive transition.
- Mobile apps are less polished and sync can be tricky.
- #5
Trilium NotesSelf-host: EasyHierarchical note-taking app for building personal knowledge bases
12k TypeScript AGPL-3.0 13 days agoHow it compares to Evernote
- Single-user oriented; no real-time multi-user collaboration.
- UI is dense and has a steep learning curve.
- No relational database/board views like Notion.
- Original Trilium is archived; users must migrate to the community TriliumNext fork.
- #6
Standard NotesSelf-host: ModerateEnd-to-end encrypted notes app with self-hostable sync server
6k TypeScript AGPL-3.0 18 days agoHow it compares to Evernote
- Advanced editors and features require a paid (or self-hosted Pro) subscription.
- No relational database or board views.
- No real-time collaboration.
- Minimalist by design, so power-user organization features are limited.
The verdict
Joplin is the most direct Evernote replacement, with notebooks, a web clipper, and end-to-end encrypted sync; if privacy is the priority over features, Standard Notes offers the same encrypted-by-default sync with an official managed option.
Evernote alternatives — frequently asked questions
What's the closest open-source replacement for Evernote?
Joplin, which mirrors Evernote's notebook model and includes a web clipper plus end-to-end encrypted sync across desktop and mobile. It's AGPL-3.0 and can self-host its sync server via Docker.
Which Evernote alternative has the best privacy?
Standard Notes and Joplin both offer end-to-end encrypted sync, so your notes are encrypted before they reach the server. Standard Notes is built around encryption first and offers a managed hosted plan.
Which is easiest to self-host?
SiYuan and Memos are the lowest difficulty (2/5). Memos is a lightweight memo hub good for quick captures; SiYuan is a fuller personal knowledge base with block-level editing.
Do any of these offer hosted sync so I don't have to run a server?
Yes. Joplin, SiYuan, and Standard Notes provide managed/hosted options. Memos, Logseq, and Trilium are self-host or local-only and don't offer official managed hosting.
Is there a free Evernote alternative that syncs across devices?
Joplin is free, open-source, and syncs across devices with encryption; you can use its own server or services like a WebDAV target. Standard Notes also syncs across devices, with a self-hostable server.
Can I migrate my Evernote notes?
Joplin has the most mature import path and can take in Evernote ENEX exports directly, which makes it the safest landing spot if you have years of notes to bring over.