NexaNote review
A focused open-source choice for private notes across Linux, Android, and self-hosted servers.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
NexaNote is an open-source, privacy-focused note-taking application for people who want to keep notes on their own server or NAS. It supports Linux desktop and Android through a Flutter client, while a Python backend provides REST API access and WebDAV synchronization. Notes are stored as plain Markdown files, and the app also supports stylus input, pressure-sensitive drawing, notebooks, local-first offline use, and device-local SQLite storage. It is best suited to individuals who value local control, handwriting, and self-hosted storage over broad workplace collaboration.
The published product details show an open-source pricing model rather than paid plans. Deployment options include Docker for amd64 and arm64, a self-hosted backend for servers or NAS devices, and an Android APK distributed through GitHub Releases. WebDAV offers an optional synchronization route, while Obsidian is listed as an integration. These choices fit users who already manage their own infrastructure or want notes represented as ordinary Markdown files. Linux and Android are the named client platforms, so buyers looking for a wider native platform range should assess that fit carefully.
NexaNote’s strongest distinction is its combination of handwriting tools and local-first Markdown storage. Users can work offline, add stylus drawings with pressure sensitivity, and inspect synchronization through diagnostics. The trade-off is a focused scope: the project is under active development, and synchronization reliability is still improving. There are no AI features, and the product is not positioned around sharing or collaboration workflows. Choose NexaNote for private, self-managed notes, Linux and Android access, and Docker-based deployment; choose an alternative if team collaboration, broader platform coverage, or more mature synchronization is the priority.
Questions about NexaNote
What does NexaNote run on? Linux and Android. It runs self-hosted, as a desktop app and as a mobile app.
What does NexaNote integrate with? 2 integrations: Obsidian and WebDAV.
Who is NexaNote built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
NexaNote pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Plain-file Markdown storage supports local ownership and portability
- Stylus tools include drawing and pressure sensitivity
- Offline use, WebDAV, Docker, and sync diagnostics support self-hosting
- Where it doesn't
- Coverage centers on Linux, Android, API, and self-hosted deployments
- Synchronization reliability is still improving during active development
- No AI features or built-in focus on sharing and collaboration
NexaNote fact sheet, pricing and score →
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