Open-source alternatives to Evernote

Evernote in the Docs & collaboration category. These are the open alternatives we recommend looking at.

Joplin

Note-taking app with sync and encryption for desktop and mobile.

AGPL-3.0Network copyleft (AGPL)Open core

SaaS: Yes, with conditionsClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 56.6k
Deployment: Desktop

SiYuan

Local-first, privacy-focused knowledge base with block editing, Markdown and optional self-hosting.

AGPL-3.0Network copyleft (AGPL)

SaaS: Yes, with conditionsClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 46.6k
Deployment: Desktop

Logseq

Local-first note app for knowledge management with journals, linked notes and outliner editing.

AGPL-3.0Network copyleft (AGPL)

SaaS: Yes, with conditionsClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 45.1k
Deployment: Desktop

Trilium Notes

App for a personal knowledge base with hierarchical notes, links and scripting.

AGPL-3.0Network copyleft (AGPL)

SaaS: Yes, with conditionsClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 38.2k
Deployment: Docker
Login/SSO: OIDC

Notesnook

End-to-end encrypted note-taking app, in the style of Evernote.

GPL-3.0Strong copyleft

SaaS: YesClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 14.7k
Deployment: Desktop

Anytype

Local-first app for notes, documents and databases with end-to-end encryption and sync between devices.

LicenseRef-Any-Source-Available-1.0Source-available (not OSI)

SaaS: NoClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 8.9k
Deployment: Desktop

Standard Notes

End-to-end encrypted notes and files on all platforms.

AGPL-3.0Network copyleft (AGPL)

SaaS: Yes, with conditionsClosed product: No

GitHub stars: 6.6k
Deployment: Desktop

Free alternatives (not open source)

Free to use under the vendor's terms, but not open source: no right to modify, redistribute or build on it. Listed separately from the open alternatives.

Obsidian

Note-taking app and personal knowledge base that stores everything as plain local Markdown files.

LicenseRef-Obsidian-LicenceFree, not open sourcenot verified

SaaS: NoClosed product: No

Deployment: Desktop

This is guidance, not legal advice (inte juridisk rådgivning). Check with a lawyer before deciding.

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