Apple Notes vs Joplin
Apple Notes is built-in note-taking app for Apple devices with iCloud sync, folders, and basic formatting, while Joplin is open-source note-taking with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and sync via any cloud. Joplin is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Apple Notes is built for apple users who want simple, synced notes, whereas Joplin targets privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking.
| Feature | Apple Notes | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| E2E Encryption | — | ✓ |
| Folders | ✓ | — |
| Markdown | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | — | ✓ |
| Quick Notes | ✓ | — |
| Scan Documents | ✓ | — |
| Webclipper | — | ✓ |
| iCloud Sync | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both Apple Notes and Joplin are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Apple Notes offers Folders, Quick Notes and Scan Documents that Joplin lacks. Joplin brings E2E Encryption, Markdown and Open Source that Apple Notes does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: Joplin is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Apple Notes is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Apple Notes's biggest strengths are: includes icloud sync as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows. includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows. Joplin's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development.
Watch out for: With Apple Notes, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Joplin, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose Apple Notes if
- You need a tool built for apple users who want simple, synced notes
- You specifically need Folders and Quick Notes
- You care about includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
choose Joplin if
- You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need E2E Encryption and Markdown
- You care about open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development
frequently asked
What is the difference between Apple Notes and Joplin?
Apple Notes is built-in note-taking app for Apple devices with iCloud sync, folders, and basic formatting, while Joplin is open-source note-taking with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and sync via any cloud. Joplin is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Apple Notes is built for apple users who want simple, synced notes, whereas Joplin targets privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking.
Should I use Apple Notes or Joplin?
Joplin gives you open source and self-hosting; Apple Notes is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Apple Notes over Joplin?
Choose Apple Notes if You need a tool built for apple users who want simple, synced notes; You specifically need Folders and Quick Notes; You care about includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows.
When should I choose Joplin over Apple Notes?
Choose Joplin if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need E2E Encryption and Markdown; You care about open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development.
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