Joplin
Open-source, E2E-encrypted Markdown notes with EU-hosted optional cloud
What is Joplin?
Joplin is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with cross-device sync, a Markdown editor, web clipper, and optional EU-hosted Joplin Cloud for managed sync. It targets privacy-minded individuals and small teams who want Evernote-style capture without vendor lock-in.
Markdown-native, local-first, docs, notes, and knowledge tools that are easy for people and AI agents to read.
See the full Markdown & Knowledge guide to compare more tools, buyer criteria, and related workflows.
Use cases to evaluate
Researcher clipping articles and PDFs into encrypted, searchable notebooks
Family sharing a notebook synced via self-hosted Nextcloud
Writer keeping decades of Markdown notes portable across machines
Small EU team needing GDPR-resident note storage
Fit to evaluate
FOSS-first individuals who refuse proprietary note formats
EU-based teams with data-residency requirements
Evernote migrants wanting an open-source equivalent
Power users comfortable wiring up their own sync backend
Business fit
Right for you if you want a free, mature, open-source notes app you can sync to your own Nextcloud, Dropbox, or WebDAV - or pay Joplin's EU-based cloud and stay under GDPR jurisdiction. The Chrome/Firefox web clipper is a real Evernote-replacement feature, not an afterthought. Skip if you need a polished modern UX, real-time collaboration, or block-based editing - the interface remains functional rather than beautiful.
How to evaluate Joplin
Use this category when knowledge is scattered across chats, private documents, and tribal memory.
Confirm the exact workflow
Map Joplin to one concrete workflow first, such as researcher clipping articles and pdfs into encrypted, searchable notebooks. Avoid buying before the owner, trigger, output, and success metric are clear.
Check category fit
Compare file portability, linking, search, permissions, and export options.
Compare practical alternatives
Shortlist Joplin against Obsidian, Logseq, Roam Research so the decision is based on fit, effort, and workflow ownership rather than brand recognition alone.
Validate cost and rollout effort
Joplin app itself is free and open-source. Joplin Cloud (managed, EU-hosted): Basic EUR 2.99/mo (EUR 2.40/mo annual, 2 GB), Pro EUR 5.99/mo (EUR 4.79/mo annual, 30 GB), Teams EUR 7.99/user/mo (EUR 6.69/mo annual, min 2 users, 50 GB). Joplin Server Business is custom-quoted self-hosted. 50% education discount available. Also confirm implementation time, support needs, and whether the easy setup matches your team.
Compare Joplin with alternatives
Use this quick comparison before booking demos or moving data into a new system.
| Primary workflow | Researcher clipping articles and PDFs into encrypted, searchable notebooks, Family sharing a notebook synced via self-hosted Nextcloud |
|---|---|
| Best-fit team | FOSS-first individuals who refuse proprietary note formats, EU-based teams with data-residency requirements |
| Implementation effort | Easy setup and maintenance profile |
| Pricing check | Free plan + paid plans |
| Closest alternatives | ObsidianLogseqRoam ResearchTana |
Joplin pricing
| Model | Free plan + paid plans |
|---|---|
| Snapshot | Joplin app itself is free and open-source. Joplin Cloud (managed, EU-hosted): Basic EUR 2.99/mo (EUR 2.40/mo annual, 2 GB), Pro EUR 5.99/mo (EUR 4.79/mo annual, 30 GB), Teams EUR 7.99/user/mo (EUR 6.69/mo annual, min 2 users, 50 GB). Joplin Server Business is custom-quoted self-hosted. 50% education discount available. |
| Checked |
Common questions about Joplin
What is Joplin?
Joplin is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with cross-device sync, a Markdown editor, web clipper, and optional EU-hosted Joplin Cloud for managed sync. It targets privacy-minded individuals and small teams who want Evernote-style capture without vendor lock-in.
What is Joplin used for?
Common use cases: Researcher clipping articles and PDFs into encrypted, searchable notebooks; Family sharing a notebook synced via self-hosted Nextcloud; Writer keeping decades of Markdown notes portable across machines; Small EU team needing GDPR-resident note storage.
How much does Joplin cost?
Joplin app itself is free and open-source. Joplin Cloud (managed, EU-hosted): Basic EUR 2.99/mo (EUR 2.40/mo annual, 2 GB), Pro EUR 5.99/mo (EUR 4.79/mo annual, 30 GB), Teams EUR 7.99/user/mo (EUR 6.69/mo annual, min 2 users, 50 GB). Joplin Server Business is custom-quoted self-hosted. 50% education discount available.
Who is Joplin best for?
Joplin fits FOSS-first individuals who refuse proprietary note formats, EU-based teams with data-residency requirements, Evernote migrants wanting an open-source equivalent, Power users comfortable wiring up their own sync backend. Right for you if you want a free, mature, open-source notes app you can sync to your own Nextcloud, Dropbox, or WebDAV - or pay Joplin's EU-based cloud and stay under GDPR jurisdiction. The Chrome/Firefox web clipper is a real Evernote-replacement feature, not an afterthought. Skip if you need a polished modern UX, real-time collaboration, or block-based editing - the interface remains functional rather than beautiful.
What are alternatives to Joplin?
Common alternatives to Joplin include Obsidian, Logseq, Roam Research, Tana, Capacities, Reflect.