Joplin vs Standard Notes
Joplin is open-source note-taking with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and sync via any cloud, while Standard Notes is end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option. Joplin is built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking, whereas Standard Notes targets privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes.
| Feature | Joplin | Standard Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| E2E Encryption | ✓ | ✓ |
| Editors | — | ✓ |
| Markdown | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | ✓ | — |
| Self-Hosted | — | ✓ |
| Tags | — | ✓ |
| Webclipper | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both Joplin and Standard Notes are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: Joplin offers Markdown, Open Source and Webclipper that Standard Notes lacks. Standard Notes brings Editors, Self-Hosted and Tags that Joplin does not have. Both share E2E Encryption.
Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: Both Joplin and Standard Notes are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: Joplin's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development. Standard Notes's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator.
Watch out for: With Joplin, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Standard Notes, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Joplin if
- You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking
- You specifically need Markdown and Open Source
- You care about open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development
choose Standard Notes if
- You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes
- You specifically need Editors and Self-Hosted
- You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
- The free tier works for you: free with basic editors
frequently asked
What is the difference between Joplin and Standard Notes?
Joplin is open-source note-taking with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and sync via any cloud, while Standard Notes is end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option. Joplin is built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking, whereas Standard Notes targets privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes.
Should I use Joplin or Standard Notes?
Joplin is built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking. Standard Notes is built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Joplin over Standard Notes?
Choose Joplin if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting open-source note-taking; You specifically need Markdown and Open Source; You care about open-source codebase gives you full transparency and community-driven development.
When should I choose Standard Notes over Joplin?
Choose Standard Notes if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes; You specifically need Editors and Self-Hosted; You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator; The free tier works for you: free with basic editors.
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