OpenVLT
OpenVLT: A self-hosted vault for encrypted notes, rich media, diagrams, search, and version history. Ranked #10 of 30 in Secure Notes Apps by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for self-hosted encrypted notes with rich media.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forSelf-hosted encrypted notes with rich media
- Paid fromFree
- Encryption modelEnd_to_end
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- AES-256-GCM encryption for locked notes
- Rich Markdown, attachments, canvas notes, and Excalidraw diagrams
- Version history, vault export, Google Drive backup, and peer-to-peer sync
Where it doesn't
- The listed integration coverage centers on Google Drive
- Self-hosting requires your own hardware or VPS
- Its platform and ecosystem coverage is narrower than broader note platforms
Our verdict on OpenVLT
OpenVLT is a self-hosted, open-source notes application for individuals and teams that want to keep their data on their own hardware or VPS. It stores notes as plain Markdown files on the host filesystem and combines a rich Markdown editor with wiki-links, slash commands, attachments, embedded media, handwritten canvas notes, and Excalidraw diagrams. Sensitive notes can be locked with AES-256-GCM encryption, making OpenVLT a fit for users who want control over storage alongside private note areas.
Its feature depth is strongest around structured personal knowledge and vault management. Full-text search uses SQLite FTS5, while version history provides snapshots and restore. Vault export includes notes and attachments in ZIP format. These capabilities give users ways to find, recover, and move their content without reducing the product to a basic text editor. OpenVLT also supports WebAuthn biometric authentication, adding an authentication option for installations that use it.
OpenVLT runs on the web, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted deployments, with local or Docker operation described by the vendor. Google Drive is the named integration, supporting backup, while peer-to-peer synchronization can connect OpenVLT instances. That makes it a strong choice for users prioritizing self-hosting, Markdown files, encrypted locked notes, and rich media tools. Users who need a wider integration ecosystem or broader platform coverage should consider an alternative.
Your product? Our editors can test OpenVLT in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
OpenVLT pricing
OpenVLT fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Encryption model | End_to_end |
| Offline access | Not verified |
| Open source | Yes |
| File attachments | Yes |
| Supported platforms | web, macos, linux, self_hosted |
| Export formats | ZIP |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Google Drive |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | openvlt.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
OpenVLT integrations
OpenVLT lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Google Drive
Alternatives to OpenVLT
- JoplinA flexible, low-cost choice for encrypted notes across desktop, mobile, and web.9.2
- Standard NotesA privacy-focused notes app with offline editing and several editor types.9.0
- NotesnookA low-cost encrypted notes app with broad platform coverage and useful integrations.8.8
See all OpenVLT alternatives →
Used OpenVLT? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used OpenVLT for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
OpenVLT is listed in our Secure Notes Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/openvlt/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/openvlt.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update