🧠 notes & knowledge

Apple Notes costs $10/mo.
These cost $0.

12 free alternatives to Apple Notes, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.

⚡ Quick Verdict · 2027 Guide

The top-rated free, open-source replacement for Apple Notes is Memos (Open Source Open Source). Across this category, 5 self-hostable tools are available (including Memos and Joplin). Switching a 5-person team saves up to $600/year compared to Apple Notes's $10/mo subscription.

The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.

See the 12 picks ↓

Apple Notes vs Free Alternatives

Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $10/mo

Alternative	Type	License	Where It Runs	Stars	Head-to-Head
Memos	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 64.3k	Apple Notes vs Memos →
Joplin	open source	AGPL-3.0+	Self-host	★ 57.1k	Apple Notes vs Joplin →
Tolaria	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 20.5k	Apple Notes vs Tolaria →
Notesnook	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 14.9k	Apple Notes vs Notesnook →
AnyType	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 9.1k	Apple Notes vs AnyType →
Standard Notes	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 6.7k	Apple Notes vs Standard Notes →
Beaver Notes	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 1.4k	Apple Notes vs Beaver Notes →
Zen	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 1.2k	Apple Notes vs Zen →
Darkwrite	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 320	Apple Notes vs Darkwrite →
OpenNotas	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 179	Apple Notes vs OpenNotas →
Justnote	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 67	Apple Notes vs Justnote →
Koru	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 33	Apple Notes vs Koru →

The picks

12 open source · ranked by fit

01
Memos
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
64.3knov 2026
Memos is a self-hosted, open-source note-taking app built around a private timeline. Write in Markdown, skip the folder setup, and keep your data on your own server.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/usememos/memos or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit usememos.com ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 1 other app →
02
Joplin
open sourceAGPL-3.0+Self-host
57.1knov 2026
Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.
The catch vs Apple Notes
It is more portable and configurable, but its interface and editing experience feel less native and polished on Apple devices than Bear's.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopmobilecliextensionone-click install
install
Install the native desktop/mobile app; then optionally choose Joplin Cloud, a third-party sync target, or a self-hosted Joplin Server
setup
The app itself installs cleanly, but free multi-device use requires choosing and correctly configuring a sync target; enabling E2EE must start on one device and the master-key password cannot be recovered
engines
Optional desktop AI connects to Joplin Cloud AI, Anthropic, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint including OpenAI, Ollama, LM Studio, OpenRouter, and vLLM; semantic search uses a downloaded local embedding model
your data
Each device keeps a local `database.sqlite` with notes, notebooks, tags, metadata, sync state, and encryption keys plus a `resources/` attachment directory; configured sync targets receive Joplin item records/resources, optionally end-to-end encrypted
checked
2026-11-07
Visit joplinapp.org ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 4 other apps →
03
Tolaria
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
20.5knov 2026
A free, open source note-taking app built on plain Markdown files, Git version control, and direct AI model integration. No account required.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit tolaria.md ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 2 other apps →
04
Notesnook
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
14.9knov 2026
End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with zero-knowledge architecture, cross-device sync, web clipper, and a self-hostable sync server.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/streetwriters/notesnook or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit notesnook.com ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 3 other apps →
05
AnyType
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
9.1knov 2026
A local-first, encrypted workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and chats. Your data stays on your device, syncs peer-to-peer, and never passes through a central server.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit anytype.io ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 4 other apps →
06
Standard Notes
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
6.7knov 2026
Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/standardnotes/app or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit standardnotes.com ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 1 other app →
07
Beaver Notes
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
1.4knov 2026
A privacy-focused, offline-first note-taking app that stores everything on your device, with Markdown, note linking, file attachments, LaTeX math, and bring-your-own sync.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit beavernotes.com ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 3 other apps →
08
Zen
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
1.2knov 2026
Minimal note-taking app storing Markdown notes in local SQLite database. Features instant search, flexible tagging, keyboard shortcuts, and offline access.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/sheshbabu/zen or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit sheshbabu.com ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →
09
Darkwrite
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
320nov 2026
A customizable, offline-first note editor that lets you format text, create lists, add images, and export to HTML - all while maintaining your privacy.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/astudentinearth/darkwrite or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit darkwrite.app ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 2 other apps →
10
OpenNotas
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
179nov 2026
OpenNotas is a multi-platform, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that offers simplicity, synchronization, and offline functionality.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/tonghoai/opennotas or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit opennotas.io ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 2 other apps →
11
Justnote
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
67nov 2026
Justnote is a secure note-taking app that lets you easily create and sync notes across devices while maintaining full control of your data.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/stxapps/justnote-client or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit justnote.cc ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 2 other apps →
12
Koru
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
33nov 2026
Write, organize, and run AI agents in a private workspace that stores everything locally, syncs peer-to-peer, and works offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The catch vs Apple Notes
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/koruworks/mono or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit koru.do ↗Source Compare vs Apple Notes →also replaces 1 other app →

Apple Notes Head-to-Head Comparisons (2027)

Side-by-side trade-off breakdowns · 12 free alternatives

Apple Notes vs MemosOpen Source · Self-host →

Apple Notes vs JoplinAGPL-3.0+ · Self-host →

Apple Notes vs TolariaOpen Source · Local →

Apple Notes vs NotesnookOpen Source · Self-host →

Apple Notes vs AnyTypeOpen Source · Local →

Apple Notes vs Standard NotesOpen Source · Self-host →

Apple Notes vs Beaver NotesOpen Source · Local →

Apple Notes vs ZenOpen Source · Self-host →

Apple Notes vs DarkwriteOpen Source · Local →

Apple Notes vs OpenNotasOpen Source · Local →

Apple Notes vs JustnoteOpen Source · Local →

Apple Notes vs KoruOpen Source · Local →

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers · Apple Notes open-source replacements

What is the best free alternative to Apple Notes?+

The top free alternative to Apple Notes is Memos (open source, Open Source). Memos is a self-hosted, open-source note-taking app built around a private timeline. Write in Markdown, skip the folder setup, and keep your data on your own server. Other popular Apple Notes replacements include Joplin, Tolaria, Notesnook.

Can I self-host a free replacement for Apple Notes?+

Yes. Of the 12 free alternatives to Apple Notes, 5 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Memos (Open Source), Joplin (AGPL-3.0+), Notesnook (Open Source), Standard Notes (Open Source), Zen (Open Source).

How much does switching from Apple Notes to a free alternative save?+

Apple Notes starts at $10/month per seat ($120/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Memos saves $600 per year in software subscription fees.

Should I vibe-code or build my own Apple Notes clone from scratch?+

Our build verdict for Apple Notes is NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Apple Notes or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 12 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Memos.

What is the catch when switching from Apple Notes to Memos?+

Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.