10 Open Source Alternatives to Evernote

A list of 10 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Evernote.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated10 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Evernote open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Affine logo

Affine

46,410
3,074

Affine is a next-generation knowledge base that merges docs, whiteboards, and databases into a seamless workspace. It offers privacy-first, open-source solutions designed to boost creativity and collaborative planning.

Affine screenshot

Key Features

  • Unified workspace integrating docs, whiteboards, and databases
  • Multimodal AI copilot for smarter writing, drawing, and planning
  • Privacy-first and local-first data control
  • Open-source with extensive customization and community contributions
  • Ready-to-use templates for diverse projects

Affine combines powerful writing, drawing, and planning tools in one unified platform. Its multimodal AI copilot helps transform ideas into structured content while enabling real-time collaboration and effortless creativity. Built with a local-first, privacy-focused approach, this customizable, open-source tool is ideal for individuals and teams looking to streamline their workflow.

#2
Notesnook logo

Notesnook

11,327
712

Notesnook is an open source and end-to-end encrypted note-taking app designed for privacy-conscious users. It offers a secure, private, and flexible platform for writing and organizing notes, making it an ideal alternative to traditional tools like Evernote.

Notesnook screenshot

Key Features

  • End-to-end encryption for complete data privacy
  • Real-time sync across all devices
  • Rich text editor with Markdown, tables, and code blocks
  • Built-in web clipper for saving online content
  • Bidirectional note linking for organized idea management
  • Secure note vault with app lock and hardware key support

Notesnook delivers a fully encrypted note-taking experience that protects your data from the moment it leaves your device. The app supports real-time sync across desktop, mobile, and web clients, and features a rich text editor with Markdown, tables, and code blocks. It also includes advanced tools like a web clipper, bidirectional note linking, and a secure note vault with app lock options, all built with modern encryption protocols such as XChaCha20-Poly1305 and Argon2.

OpenNotas is a personal note-taking app that offers a fast, secure, and free solution for capturing ideas. It provides a simple, user-friendly interface with multi-platform support, making your notes accessible wherever you go.

OpenNotas screenshot

Key Features

  • Simple and user-friendly interface
  • Multi-platform support for mobile and desktop
  • Seamless sync with offline functionality
  • Robust end-to-end encryption (AES)
  • Free and open-source

OpenNotas delivers a streamlined note-taking experience across phones, tablets, and desktops. It features seamless syncing with offline support and robust end-to-end encryption using the AES algorithm, ensuring your data is private and secure. The app’s intuitive design lets you start writing notes with a single tap, eliminating unnecessary complexity.

Standard Notes is a free, open source note-taking app built with industry-leading end-to-end encryption. It secures your thoughts and files while allowing seamless syncing across unlimited devices. With a focus on privacy and simplicity, it gives you the power to write fearlessly.

Standard Notes screenshot

Key Features

  • Industry-leading end-to-end encryption
  • Cross-platform sync with offline access
  • Supports multiple note types (plain text, Markdown, rich text, tasks, code snippets)
  • Advanced editing and organizational tools in paid plans
  • Open source with independently audited security
  • Regular encrypted backups and full data export options

Standard Notes offers a secure digital vault where you can store plain text, markdown, rich text, and more. The platform not only provides robust encryption and offline access across web, desktop, and mobile devices, but also scales with advanced features in its paid plans, such as nested folders, note revision history, and multi-account sharing. Its open source nature and independently audited security ensure you remain in complete control of your data.

Justnote is a privacy-focused note-taking app designed for fast, seamless note management. It offers a simple yet powerful interface that puts encryption and ownership of your data at the forefront.

Justnote screenshot

Key Features

  • Privacy-focused with end-to-end encryption
  • Cross-platform availability and automatic syncing
  • Simple and fast note-taking experience
  • Rich text editor with customizable formatting options
  • Decentralized account ownership for enhanced security

Justnote provides a lightweight solution for drafting, editing, and storing notes with a user-friendly WYSIWYG editor offering options like bold, underline, and color customization. Available on web, iOS, and Android, it automatically syncs your data across devices. The decentralized approach leverages Web3 technology, ensuring your account is cryptographically generated and your notes remain encrypted and truly yours.

Bangle-io is a web-based WYSIWYG note-taking app that allows you to save and manage your notes locally in Markdown format. Its design ensures that your data stays securely on your device, while providing a fully offline experience with a clean and intuitive interface.

Bangle-io screenshot

Key Features

  • Works fully offline and as a Progressive Web App
  • Saves notes locally in human-readable Markdown format
  • Clean WYSIWYG interface with advanced editing features
  • Organizational tools including folders, tags, workspaces, and search
  • No sign-up required and maintains complete data privacy

Bangle-io works directly in your browser, enabling you to create, edit, and organize notes that are stored locally as Markdown files. Designed with simplicity and power in mind, it offers a rich WYSIWYG experience, supporting features like collapsible headings, emojis, and Markdown shortcuts. Organizational tools such as folder views, tags, workspaces, and a robust search function help manage your notes efficiently without requiring sign-up or internet connectivity.

Standard Notes is a secure, open-source note-taking app crafted to protect your privacy with end-to-end encryption. It ensures your notes and files are accessible across all devices, empowering you to think fearlessly and work seamlessly.

Standardnotes screenshot

Key Features

  • Industry-leading end-to-end encryption
  • Cross-platform syncing and offline access
  • Support for markdown, rich text, and various file types
  • Open-source with independent security audits
  • Free to download with unlimited notes and devices

Standard Notes offers a robust platform for creating and managing notes with advanced encryption that safeguards your data from unauthorized access. The app supports markdown, rich text, and secure file storage while ensuring smooth cross-platform syncing and offline accessibility. Its open-source design and independently audited security features make it a reliable choice for anyone who values privacy and data protection.

#8
Zettlr logo

Zettlr

10,779
654

Zettlr is a comprehensive, free, and open source publication workbench designed for writers, researchers, and academics. It streamlines the entire writing process from initial drafts to final publication with powerful tools integrated in one app.

Zettlr screenshot

Key Features

  • Free and open source with a privacy-first approach
  • Comprehensive support for academic citation management
  • Customizable templates for journal submissions, theses, books, and presentations
  • Efficient project organization with integrated note linking and Zettelkasten support
  • Versatile exporting options through any Pandoc-supported format
  • Multi-platform availability: Windows, macOS, and Linux

Zettlr supports your writing journey by managing projects from idea to publication. It integrates advanced citation management compatible with Zotero, JabRef, and Juris-M, offers customizable templates for various publication needs, and provides powerful note-linking and a Zettelkasten workflow. Its privacy-first design ensures your data remains local without forced cloud synchronization or telemetry.

#9
Trilium Notes logo

Trilium Notes

28,234
1,921

Trilium Notes is a comprehensive personal knowledge base and note-taking application designed to help you build and manage large, hierarchical note collections. It offers an intuitive interface with rich editing, seamless synchronization, and robust note management capabilities.

Trilium Notes screenshot

Key Features

  • Hierarchical note organization with cloning capabilities
  • Rich WYSIWYG editor with markdown autoformat, tables, images, and math support
  • Syntax highlighting for code notes and enhanced text editing
  • Fast navigation, full text search, and note versioning
  • Attribute-based note organization and advanced scripting
  • Self-hosted synchronization and REST API integration
  • Per-note encryption and secure sharing options
  • Touch-optimized mobile frontend and customizable themes

Trilium Notes enables users to organize notes into deeply nested trees and allows individual notes to appear in multiple locations through cloning. The tool supports rich WYSIWYG editing including tables, images, math, and syntax-highlighted source code. It features powerful navigation, full text search, note versioning, attribute-based organization, advanced scripting, a REST API for automation, and robust encryption at the note level. Users can utilize both desktop and self-hosted web app forms for flexible deployment.

#10
Laverna logo

Laverna

9,211
800

Laverna is an open source JavaScript note-taking application that offers a customizable Markdown editing experience and robust client-side encryption. It delivers a lightweight, secure, and modular solution for anyone from casual note-takers to professional users.

Laverna screenshot

Key Features

  • Modular and extensible design with plugin support
  • Advanced Markdown editor for rich text formatting
  • Client-side encryption ensures data privacy
  • Lightweight and platform-independent with both web and standalone versions
  • Minimalistic interface for a distraction-free writing experience

Laverna is designed to be modular and extensible with support for plugins and extensions, allowing users to tailor the application to their needs. The tool runs efficiently in any modern web browser with a minimalistic interface that ensures a distraction-free environment for writing. With local encryption of data and offline capabilities, it provides a secure and versatile note-taking platform that bridges simple functionality with advanced customization.

Price comparison of Evernote open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
Affine logo
Affine
$8.9
AFFiNE AI
$6.75
Pro
$10
Team
Learn more
Notesnook logo
Notesnook
$0
Basic
$4.17
Pro
$9.99
Education
Learn more
Standard Notes logo
Standard Notes
$0
Standard
$90
Productivity
$120
Professional
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About Evernote

Evernote is a pioneering brand that develops cutting-edge technologies and innovative products. With over 500 million app downloads, their services are trusted by a staggering 90 million monthly active users. Evernote is driven by their manifesto to create products that challenge the impossible. They offer a range of products, including Splice, Remini, and 30 Day Fitness Initiatives, all designed to enhance various aspects of life. Engineering is at the core of Evernote, with their team dedicated to delivering exceptional user experiences. What sets Evernote apart is their incredible team called Spooners, who are passionate, talented, hard-working individuals committed to creating the best workplace on the planet. With a rating of 4.7/5 on Glassdoor, Evernote's reputation as an extraordinary employer is widely recognized. Join Evernote's team and experience unparalleled growth and development. Connect with Evernote on their various platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Medium, Glassdoor, Twitter, Facebook, and Dribbble. For support or media inquiries, Evernote can be contacted through their support center or email. Don't wait, unleash your potential with Evernote and be part of their extraordinary journey.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Evernote logo

Evernote

Evernote is a suite of software and services that allow users to capture, organize, and find information across multiple platforms.

Founded

2008

Employees

201

Location

Redwood City, United States

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