QOwnNotes
QOwnNotes: A flexible Markdown notebook for self-hosted workflows, with limited real-time collaboration. Ranked #66 of 214 in Note-Taking Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosted Markdown and Nextcloud users.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosted Markdown and Nextcloud users
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Offline accessYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Plain-text Markdown files with highlighting, preview, links, and backlinks
- Nextcloud and ownCloud sharing with optional AES-256 note encryption
- Scripting, browser clipping, imports, and offline-capable Android editing
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-focused coverage may not suit users seeking a mobile-first app
- No native real-time collaborative editing feature
- Synchronization options center on Nextcloud or ownCloud
Our verdict on QOwnNotes
QOwnNotes is a free, open-source note-taking application for GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows. It stores notes as plain-text Markdown files on the user's computer, with Markdown highlighting and preview, hierarchical tags, note subfolders, search, wiki-style links, autocomplete, and backlinks. The feature set suits people who want portable files, structured personal knowledge management, and control over where notes are stored. An offline-capable Android companion app extends the workflow beyond the desktop through synchronization with Nextcloud's Notes API.
Its strongest fit is the Nextcloud and ownCloud ecosystem. Notes can be shared through those services, while integrations also cover Nextcloud Notes, Nextcloud Deck, CalDAV, LanguageTool, Harper, OpenAI, and Groq. A browser extension clips selected text, screenshots, and bookmarks, and Evernote and Joplin import options can help bring existing material into the app. QML and JavaScript scripting adds room for customized workflows, while optional AES-256 note encryption provides an additional protection option for notes.
QOwnNotes uses an open-source Free plan rather than a tiered paid structure. That keeps the core application focused on plain-text Markdown storage and the surrounding editing, organization, sharing, clipping, scripting, and import features. Its trade-off is a more specialized collaboration model: sharing is built around Nextcloud and ownCloud, not native real-time collaborative editing. Choose QOwnNotes if self-hosted storage, Markdown files, offline access, and customization are priorities. Users who need built-in real-time collaboration or a less desktop-centered workflow should consider a different note-taking approach.
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QOwnNotes pricing
QOwnNotes fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Supported platforms | web, windows, macos, linux, android, chrome_extension |
| Note sharing | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Integrations | Nextcloud, ownCloud, Nextcloud Notes, QOwnNotesAPI, Nextcloud Deck, CalDAV, Dropbox, Syncthing, Seafile, BitTorrent Sync, Git |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 11 integrations: Nextcloud, ownCloud, Nextcloud Notes, QOwnNotesAPI, Nextcloud Deck, CalDAV … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | qownnotes.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
QOwnNotes integrations
QOwnNotes lists 11 integrations on its own site.
- Nextcloud
- ownCloud
- Nextcloud Notes
- QOwnNotesAPI
- Nextcloud Deck
- CalDAV
- Dropbox
- Syncthing
- Seafile
- BitTorrent Sync
- Git
Alternatives to QOwnNotes
- 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 QOwnNotes alternatives →
Also Ranked In
QOwnNotes is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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