3 alternatives to Evernote
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
Evernote after removing the rent, the lock-in and some polish.
LicenseAGPL-3.0+
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationOfficial desktop, mobile, or terminal package; optional Joplin Server via Docker
DataThe app keeps notes and metadata in its local profile database, with Markdown bodies and resource attachments; JEX/raw exports are available, and optional sync copies encrypted items to Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV, S3, or Joplin Server
Limitations compared to EvernoteJoplin is less polished at document scanning, OCR, web clipping, email capture, and search across messy attachments than Evernote.
SetupLocal use installs cleanly; dependable multi-device use means choosing and configuring a sync target, then correctly enabling and preserving end-to-end-encryption keys
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Capture, search, tasks and databases; free sync means bringing your own server.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationDesktop/mobile package, or Docker image for browser-based self-hosting
ModelsBuilt-in AI features connect to OpenAI-compatible APIs using a configured endpoint and key
DataA workspace stores block documents as structured .sy JSON files plus assets on disk; SQLite files hold indexes and auxiliary state; documents can export to Markdown, HTML, PDF, and Word
Limitations compared to EvernoteSiYuan is stronger at structured knowledge than frictionless capture, and its mobile scanning, web clipping, OCR, and turnkey sync are weaker than Evernote's.
SetupThe desktop app installs cleanly, but free cross-device sync is not a turnkey feature: official cloud sync is a paid membership feature and Docker hosting does not transparently become desktop/mobile sync
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Evernote with the server blindfolded and the free tier still usable.
LicenseGPL-3.0 (client); AGPL-3.0 (sync server)
PlatformsOn your machine or in the cloud
InstallationHosted web/desktop/mobile app, or an experimental Docker self-hosted sync stack
DataNotes are encrypted on the device and the hosted or self-hosted sync service stores encrypted per-item data; local app data remains on-device and encrypted .nnbackupz backups can be exported
Limitations compared to EvernoteNotesnook prioritizes encrypted notes but has a less mature task, calendar, scanning, web-clipping, and integration ecosystem than Evernote.
SetupHosted use installs cleanly; self-hosting is explicitly experimental and requires Docker plus MongoDB, MinIO/S3-compatible storage, secrets, backups, and client endpoint configuration
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin | AGPL-3.0+ | One-click installation | macos, windows, linux, ios, android, cli, browser-extension | 55,800 | 2026-07 |
| SiYuan | AGPL-3.0 | One-click installation | macos, windows, linux, android, self-hosted, browser-extension | 45,647 | 2026-08 |
| Notesnook | GPL-3.0 (client); AGPL-3.0 (sync server) | Hosted by the provider | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android, browser-extension | 14,400 | 2026-08 |
They pay because all old notes, attachments, scans, and clipped pages are already there. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $99 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Evernote?
Yes: Joplin, SiYuan, Notesnook. This page lists 3 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Evernote?
Our verdict: With trade-offs. A personal notes app with OCR/search/import is reachable, but the hard parts are migration, sync reliability, clipper UX, OCR quality, and years of user data. The complete prompt is on the Evernote page on Vibe Radar.
