Joplin review

Joplin is the open source answer to Evernote. Notes are written in Markdown, organized in notebooks with tags, and the apps are free with the source code available. You can sync through Joplin Cloud or run your own Joplin Server, which matters to people and organizations that want full control over where data lives. Joplin Cloud Basic gives 2 GB of storage, 10 MB per note or attachment, publishing to the web and unlimited devices. Pro raises storage to 30 GB, with an upgrade to 100 GB, and allows 200 MB per note or attachment, and paid plans list features such as notebook sharing, Email to Note and a Joplin Cloud AI beta. Teams plans need at least two users. Joplin lists its prices in euros, so our USD check is pending. The interface is functional rather than pretty, and setting up sync takes more thought than in Notion or Bear. For people who value open source and data ownership, it is the strongest free option alongside Obsidian.

Who it is for

People who want open source notes and control over where they sync.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Open source apps with source code available
• Joplin Cloud sync for as many devices as you want
• Publish notes to the internet and share notebooks on Joplin Cloud
• Email to Note and a Joplin Cloud AI beta
• Self-hosted Joplin Server for organizations

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free and open source
• Strength: Choice of sync service, including self-hosting
• Strength: Low-cost Joplin Cloud plans
• Weakness: Interface is plainer than Bear or Notion
• Weakness: Joplin Cloud prices are listed in euros
• Weakness: Collaboration features need a paid Joplin Cloud plan

Key facts

• Joplin Cloud Basic: 2 GB storage, 10 MB per note or attachment
• Joplin Cloud Pro: 30 GB storage, upgradable to 100 GB
• Teams: Minimum of 2 users

Where it ranks

Joplin is No. 9 in our Best Note-Taking Apps verdict.