Joplin

Joplin is a note-taking app built around two principles: your data stays yours, and it works everywhere. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with a terminal app for those who prefer the command line. Notes are stored in an open format, so you're never locked in.

The headline feature is end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Unlike Evernote or OneNote, Joplin encrypts your notes before they leave your device, meaning no third party can read them, not even the sync provider. For anyone serious about keeping notes private, that's a meaningful distinction.

What you can do with it:

• Write in Markdown or Rich Text depending on your preference, with support for math expressions and diagrams built in
• Clip web pages directly into notes using browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox
• Attach anything: images, audio, PDFs, and videos all live inside notes
• Sync across devices via Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive
• Collaborate and share through Joplin Cloud, including publishing individual notes to a public URL
• Extend the app with plugins, custom themes, and a full Extension API for building your own tools

Joplin Cloud, the optional hosted sync service, is based in France and subject to EU privacy law. It's a paid add-on, but Joplin works fine with Dropbox or OneDrive if you'd rather not pay.

The plugin ecosystem is mature. There are community-built plugins for task management, kanban boards, note templates, and more, making it closer to a personal knowledge base than a simple notepad. If you've outgrown Google Keep or want something more private than Apple Notes, Joplin covers a lot of ground without requiring a subscription.