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Head-to-head · Secure Notes Apps

Joplin vs QOwnNotes

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Joplin #1 in Secure Notes Apps 9.2/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Joplin
QOwnNotes #6 in Secure Notes Apps 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit QOwnNotes

Joplin leads on 0 checks, QOwnNotes on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreJoplin · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Joplin

Joplin scores higher on our rubric for secure notes apps: 9.2 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Joplin is the better fit for broad, low-cost encrypted notes across platforms. QOwnNotes is the better fit for self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping.

  • Joplin fits best

    Broad, low-cost encrypted notes across platforms

  • QOwnNotes fits best

    Self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping

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 9.2/10 Visit ↗ QOwnNotes 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.3
Ranking #1 in Secure Notes Apps #6 in Secure Notes Apps
Best for Broad, low-cost encrypted notes across platforms Self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping
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 Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome extension
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 11 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Joplin 2/3 · QOwnNotes 2/3
Offline access ✓ ✓
Open source ✓ ✓
File attachments Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Encryption model Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, API web, windows, macos, linux, android, chrome_extension
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source app with offline-first local storage
  • End-to-end encrypted sync with several storage integrations
  • Broad platform coverage, attachments, sharing, and Markdown support
  • Stores notes as plain-text Markdown files
  • Offers optional AES-256 encryption, offline Android editing, and recovery
  • Supports clipping, sharing, and sync through several services
Cons
  • Basic limits storage to 2 GB and attachments to 10 MB
  • Advanced sharing and collaboration require Joplin Cloud
  • Some features, including AI tools, are optional Cloud capabilities
  • Desktop sync depends on Nextcloud, ownCloud, or another service
  • Encryption is optional rather than the central default
  • The setup may not suit buyers seeking a managed, all-in-one service
Our verdict

Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking and to-do application for individuals and teams. Its offline-first design stores notes locally and supports Markdown, notebooks, tags, full-text search, and attachments such as images, videos,…

Read the review →

QOwnNotes is a free, open-source Markdown note-taking application for people who want their notes stored as plain-text files and prefer control over synchronization. Desktop apps are available for GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows, with an…

Read the review →
  1. JoplinSecure Notes Apps 9.2Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. QOwnNotesSecure Notes Apps 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Joplin — where it wins

    • Free, open-source app with offline-first local storage
    • End-to-end encrypted sync with several storage integrations
    • Broad platform coverage, attachments, sharing, and Markdown support

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic limits storage to 2 GB and attachments to 10 MB
    • Advanced sharing and collaboration require Joplin Cloud
    • Some features, including AI tools, are optional Cloud capabilities

  • QOwnNotes — where it wins

    • Stores notes as plain-text Markdown files
    • Offers optional AES-256 encryption, offline Android editing, and recovery
    • Supports clipping, sharing, and sync through several services

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop sync depends on Nextcloud, ownCloud, or another service
    • Encryption is optional rather than the central default
    • The setup may not suit buyers seeking a managed, all-in-one service
  • Joplin9.2/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A flexible, low-cost choice for encrypted notes across desktop, mobile, and web.

    Visit JoplinFull verdict →
  • QOwnNotes8.3/10 · Free plan

    A flexible, open-source notes setup for people comfortable choosing and managing their own sync.

    Visit QOwnNotesFull verdict →

More comparisons

All secure notes apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update