Joplin replaces 2 paid apps
One open-source tool, 2 subscriptions it can stand in for. Each pairing below is curated and verified by hand, with the honest catch spelled out. No votes, no pay-to-list.
licenseAGPL-3.0+
runsyour machine or their cloud
installInstall the native desktop/mobile app; then optionally choose Joplin Cloud, a third-party sync target, or a self-hosted Joplin Server
enginesOptional desktop AI connects to Joplin Cloud AI, Anthropic, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint including OpenAI, Ollama, LM Studio, OpenRouter, and vLLM; semantic search uses a downloaded local embedding model
dataEach device keeps a local `database.sqlite` with notes, notebooks, tags, metadata, sync state, and encryption keys plus a `resources/` attachment directory; configured sync targets receive Joplin item records/resources, optionally end-to-end encrypted
setupThe app itself installs cleanly, but free multi-device use requires choosing and correctly configuring a sync target; enabling E2EE must start on one device and the master-key password cannot be recovered
facts verified 2026-08-14
Evernote after removing the rent, the lock-in and some polish.
the catchJoplin is less polished at document scanning, OCR, web clipping, email capture, and search across messy attachments than Evernote.
the verdict →all Evernote alternatives →
Tagged Markdown notes with real sync choices and rather less Apple polish.
the catchIt is more portable and configurable, but its interface and editing experience feel less native and polished on Apple devices than Bear's.
the verdict →all Bear Pro alternatives →last updated 2026-08-14 · up to $216/yr replaced · no votes, no pay-to-list
