JoplinKeep searchable notes, attachments and notebooks locally, with optional encrypted sync.
Free open-source apps · no note-count cap · storage limited by your device or chosen sync provider
Notes, tasks & docs
SiYuan
Free optionOpen sourceLocal
Keep linked notes and structured personal knowledge in a local workspace.
What you can use it for
Keep linked notes and structured personal knowledge in a local workspace.
- Organise linked blocks and local notes without a hosted workspace subscription.
- Local-first storage supports a private personal knowledge base.
Workflow coverage and comparison notes
Individual local note-taking, linked blocks and a personal information database. Not free cloud sync, Notion team collaboration or Obsidian plugin compatibility.
Before you switch
Official cloud storage and third-party S3/WebDAV sync require paid access; owning storage does not make that sync feature free. Optional AI can require paid APIs. Database structure, plugins and export behaviour differ from Notion and Obsidian; no hosted team workspace parity. Keep backups before importing an existing knowledge base.
Alternatives to these paid apps
Each comparison covers the workflow described above, rather than every paid feature.
More for the same workflow
See alternatives →Joplin
Trilium NotesOrganise a personal wiki with nested notes, links, attachments and searchable reference material.
Free open-source desktop app · no feature paywalls · optional server uses your own resources
ZettlrWrite and organise Markdown documents, research notes and longer manuscripts.
Free open-source desktop editor · local files · no document quota