# 12 Best Open Source Alternatives for Apple Notes Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/apple-notes Last updated: 2026-11-07 Looking for the best open source alternative for Apple Notes? Compare 12 verified free and open source alternatives to Apple Notes (Memos, Joplin, Tolaria) with license details, self-hosting requirements, and practical trade-offs. ## Apple Notes Overview & Subscription Cost - **Product**: Apple Notes - **Category**: [notes & knowledge](https://caniforkit.com/category/notes-knowledge) - **Paid Subscription Price**: $10/month per seat - **1-Seat Annualized Cost**: $120/year - **5-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $600/year - **10-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $1,200/year - **Can I Vibe-Code / Rebuild It Myself?**: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens) - **Rebuild Verdict**: 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. ## Verified Free & Open Source Alternatives | Alternative | Type | License | Runs On | GitHub Stars | Head-to-Head | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Memos](https://caniforkit.com/fork/memos) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 64.3k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-memos) | | [Joplin](https://caniforkit.com/fork/joplin) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0+ | Self-host | ★ 57.1k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-joplin) | | [Tolaria](https://caniforkit.com/fork/tolaria) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 20.5k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-tolaria) | | [Notesnook](https://caniforkit.com/fork/notesnook) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 14.9k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-notesnook) | | [AnyType](https://caniforkit.com/fork/anytype) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 9.1k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-anytype) | | [Standard Notes](https://caniforkit.com/fork/standard-notes) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 6.7k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-standard-notes) | | [Beaver Notes](https://caniforkit.com/fork/beaver-notes) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 1.4k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-beaver-notes) | | [Zen](https://caniforkit.com/fork/zen) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 1.2k | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-zen) | | [Darkwrite](https://caniforkit.com/fork/darkwrite) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 320 | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-darkwrite) | | [OpenNotas](https://caniforkit.com/fork/opennotas) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 179 | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-opennotas) | | [Justnote](https://caniforkit.com/fork/justnote) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 67 | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-justnote) | | [Koru](https://caniforkit.com/fork/koru) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 33 | [Compare vs Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-koru) | ## In-Depth Alternative Profiles ### Memos - **Fork Page**: [Memos Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/memos) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Memos](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-memos) - **Official Website**: https://usememos.com/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/usememos/memos - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 64.3k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/usememos/memos or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### Joplin - **Fork Page**: [Joplin Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/joplin) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Joplin](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-joplin) - **Official Website**: https://joplinapp.org/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/ - **License**: AGPL-3.0+ - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 57.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, mobile, cli, extension, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: 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 - **Data Storage**: 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 ### Tolaria - **Fork Page**: [Tolaria Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/tolaria) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Tolaria](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-tolaria) - **Official Website**: https://tolaria.md/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 20.5k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Notesnook - **Fork Page**: [Notesnook Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/notesnook) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Notesnook](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-notesnook) - **Official Website**: https://notesnook.com/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/streetwriters/notesnook - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 14.9k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/streetwriters/notesnook or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### AnyType - **Fork Page**: [AnyType Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/anytype) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs AnyType](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-anytype) - **Official Website**: https://anytype.io/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 9.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Standard Notes - **Fork Page**: [Standard Notes Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/standard-notes) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Standard Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-standard-notes) - **Official Website**: https://standardnotes.com - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/standardnotes/app - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 6.7k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/standardnotes/app or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### Beaver Notes - **Fork Page**: [Beaver Notes Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/beaver-notes) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Beaver Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-beaver-notes) - **Official Website**: http://beavernotes.com/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 1.4k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Zen - **Fork Page**: [Zen Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/zen) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Zen](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-zen) - **Official Website**: https://www.sheshbabu.com/zen/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/sheshbabu/zen - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 1.2k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/sheshbabu/zen or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### Darkwrite - **Fork Page**: [Darkwrite Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/darkwrite) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Darkwrite](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-darkwrite) - **Official Website**: https://darkwrite.app - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/astudentinearth/darkwrite - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 320 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/astudentinearth/darkwrite or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### OpenNotas - **Fork Page**: [OpenNotas Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/opennotas) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs OpenNotas](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-opennotas) - **Official Website**: https://opennotas.io/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/tonghoai/opennotas - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 179 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/tonghoai/opennotas or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Justnote - **Fork Page**: [Justnote Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/justnote) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Justnote](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-justnote) - **Official Website**: https://justnote.cc - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/stxapps/justnote-client - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 67 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/stxapps/justnote-client or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Koru - **Fork Page**: [Koru Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/koru) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Apple Notes vs Koru](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-koru) - **Official Website**: https://www.koru.do/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/koruworks/mono - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 33 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: 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. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/koruworks/mono or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 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. ### 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. ### What is the catch when switching away from Apple Notes? While Memos replaces core Apple Notes features without subscription fees, the real-world trade-off is: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes. ## Related - [notes & knowledge Software Category Hub](https://caniforkit.com/category/notes-knowledge) - [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives) - [Self-Hosted Software Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted) - [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)