JO
Joplin
Best for: Open-source Evernote replacement
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking app that directly imports Evernote notebooks. It supports Markdown, notebooks, tags, and syncs via Nextcloud, Dropbox, or its own cloud.
- Direct Evernote import — migrate everything in minutes
- Markdown editor with rendered preview and math support
- End-to-end encryption with sync across all devices
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source) / Cloud from $1.99/mo
OB
Obsidian
Best for: Personal knowledge base
Top PickFreeBest Value
Obsidian is a local-first Markdown editor that turns a folder of plain-text files into a powerful knowledge graph. Your notes never leave your machine unless you opt into Sync.
- Local Markdown storage — fully portable, no lock-in
- 1,800+ community plugins for tasks, kanban, calendars
- Graph view shows connections between every note
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $10/mo Sync
ST
Standard Notes
Best for: Encrypted, privacy-first notes
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted notes app built on open standards. Your notes are encrypted before they leave your device — even the team can't read them.
- End-to-end encryption on every note and attachment
- Open-source codebase — fully auditable by anyone
- Extended editors: code, markdown, spreadsheet, and rich text
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $9.99/mo Productivity / $14.99/mo Professional
BE
Bear
Best for: Apple-native Markdown notes
Best ValueFree
Bear is a beautifully crafted Markdown writing app for Apple devices. It combines a clean editor with a powerful tagging system that replaces folders entirely.
- Tag-based organisation — no folders, no friction
- Export to PDF, HTML, Word, and 10+ formats
- Apple Watch and iMessage extensions for quick capture
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $2.99/mo Pro
SI
Simplenote
Best for: Ultra-minimalist free notes
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Simplenote is the leanest notes app available — no formatting, no attachments, just text. Built by Automattic (WordPress), it's fast, free, and syncs everywhere.
- 100% free, forever — Automattic funds it as a public good
- Instant sync across web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux
- Version history — restore any past state of any note
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (no paid tier)
NO
Notion
Best for: All-in-one workspace
Free
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, docs, databases, wikis, and project management. It syncs across every device and encourages teams to build custom workflows without code.
- All-in-one workspace that combines notes, docs, databases, wikis
- It syncs across every device and encourages teams to build custom
- Free tier available
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $10/mo Plus / $15/mo Business