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Head-to-head · Note And Writing Apps

Joplin vs Google Keep

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Joplin #4 in Note And Writing Apps 9.0/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Joplin
Google Keep #5 in Note And Writing Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Google Keep

Joplin leads on 0 checks, Google Keep on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreJoplin · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Joplin

Joplin scores higher on our rubric for note and writing apps: 9.0 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

Joplin is the better fit for open-source note takers wanting sync options. Google Keep is the better fit for free, lightweight notes and shared checklists.

  • Joplin fits best

    Open-source note takers wanting sync options

  • Google Keep fits best

    Free, lightweight notes and shared checklists

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Joplin 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Google Keep 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.9
Ranking #4 in Note And Writing Apps #5 in Note And Writing Apps
Best for Open-source note takers wanting sync options Free, lightweight notes and shared checklists
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price €2.40/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Joplin 1/4 · Google Keep 1/4
Offline access ✓ ✓
Markdown support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Live collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cross-device sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, API web, ios, android, chrome_extension
Our review
Pros
  • Works offline and stores notes locally in Markdown.
  • Syncs through Joplin Cloud or services including Nextcloud and Dropbox.
  • Extensible with plugins, themes, a web clipper, and an API.
  • Captures text, checklists, photos, drawings, and audio recordings
  • Works offline and syncs edits after reconnecting
  • Supports shared notes with real-time collaborative editing
Cons
  • Joplin Cloud collaboration and publishing require a paid plan.
  • Basic limits notes and attachments to 10 MB each.
  • Some users may prefer a simpler app over its plugins and sync choices.
  • Organization centers on labels, colors, pins, filters, and archives
  • Designed for lightweight note taking rather than deep organization
  • List creation with Gemini may not suit users seeking manual-only workflows
Our verdict

Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application for individuals and teams who want control over where notes live and how they sync. It stores notes locally for offline access and organizes Markdown content with notebooks, tags,…

Read the review →

Google Keep brings quick note capture and shared checklists to the web, iOS, Android, and Chrome extension. It suits people who want to jot down text, make lists, save photos or drawings, and record audio without paying for a standalone…

Read the review →
  1. JoplinNote And Writing Apps 9.0Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. Google KeepNote And Writing Apps 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Joplin — where it wins

    • Works offline and stores notes locally in Markdown.
    • Syncs through Joplin Cloud or services including Nextcloud and Dropbox.
    • Extensible with plugins, themes, a web clipper, and an API.

    Where it doesn't

    • Joplin Cloud collaboration and publishing require a paid plan.
    • Basic limits notes and attachments to 10 MB each.
    • Some users may prefer a simpler app over its plugins and sync choices.

  • Google Keep — where it wins

    • Captures text, checklists, photos, drawings, and audio recordings
    • Works offline and syncs edits after reconnecting
    • Supports shared notes with real-time collaborative editing

    Where it doesn't

    • Organization centers on labels, colors, pins, filters, and archives
    • Designed for lightweight note taking rather than deep organization
    • List creation with Gemini may not suit users seeking manual-only workflows
  • Joplin9.0/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A flexible Markdown notebook with local storage, sync choices, and optional cloud collaboration.

    Visit JoplinFull verdict →
  • Google Keep8.9/10 · Free plan

    A free, lightweight way to capture notes and share checklists across devices.

    Visit Google KeepFull verdict →

More comparisons

All note and writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update