Lockpad

At a glance

• Editor score
  3.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Self-hosted encrypted web notes
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Per-note browser-side encryption uses Argon2id and AES-GCM
  • Rich editing, backlinks, folders, tags, and full-text search
  • Docker deployment includes backup and restore scripts

• Where it doesn't

  • Web-only access with no native mobile app
  • Designed for single-user use without real-time collaboration
  • Requires self-hosting and does not provide a vendor-operated cloud service

Our verdict on Lockpad

Lockpad is a self-hosted note-taking application for people who want notes stored on hardware they control. It provides a browser-based workspace for rich-text notes with headings, lists, checklists, quotes, code blocks, images, and slash commands. Organization features include folders, tags, pinned notes, note links, backlinks, and full-text search powered by PostgreSQL. The project is designed for single-user use, does not require cloud accounts, and can be accessed from phones through a local network or Tailscale.

Privacy is the standout area. Lockpad supports per-note browser-side encryption using Argon2id and AES-GCM, while Docker-based deployment keeps the application on infrastructure managed by the user. Backup and restore scripts support the self-hosted model, and the AGPL-3.0 license fits users who want an open-source application. Tailscale-based private remote access extends availability beyond a local network without changing the web-based interface. These controls suit personal knowledge bases and private journals more than shared team workspaces.

The free open-source model keeps the product focused on ownership rather than a hosted subscription plan. Imports from Google Keep, Standard Notes, HTML, Markdown, and CSV can help with migration, while exports are available as JSON for the library or Markdown and PDF for individual notes. The trade-off is operational: users must run the Docker deployment and manage the storage environment themselves. Lockpad is a strong fit for technically comfortable single users who value self-hosting and encryption; choose another note-taking app if native mobile apps, cloud hosting, or real-time collaboration are priorities.

Your product? Our editors can test Lockpad in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Lockpad pricing

Lockpad fact sheet

Lockpad integrations

Lockpad lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• Google Keep
• Standard Notes

Alternatives to Lockpad

• Microsoft OneNoteA broad, collaborative note system with strong Microsoft integration and a capable free option.9.3
• NotionA flexible workspace for teams that want notes and knowledge bases alongside databases and collaboration.9.2
• EvernoteA broad note-taking workspace for organizing information, tasks, calendars, and documents.9.0

See all Lockpad alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Lockpad is listed in our Note-Taking Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update