Joplin
Intermediate RecommendedJoplin is one of the best Google Keep alternatives. Markdown notes and to-dos. Open source, syncable with your own cloud.
Information verified on July 22, 2026
Description
Joplin is an open source Evernote replacement that stores your notes in markdown. You choose where to sync: Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or your own server. E2E encryption is available. The app also handles to-dos, attachments and a web clipper.
Key features
- Native markdown
- Nextcloud/WebDAV sync
- E2E encryption
- Web clipper
- Built-in to-dos
- Attachments
Strengths
- + Sync with your own server (Nextcloud, WebDAV)
- + Markdown format, notes remain readable without the app
- + Web clipper to save web pages
- + E2E encryption available
Weaknesses
- − Desktop UI a bit dated compared to Notion or Bear
- − Sync requires initial configuration
Recommended for
- Nextcloud users looking for integrated note-taking
- Migrating from Evernote
Joplin vs Google Keep: the comparison
| Criterion | Joplin | Google Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (app and self-hosting). Joplin Cloud from €2.99/month. | Free |
| Targeted ads on your data | No | Yes (Google ad profile) |
| Source code | Open (auditable) | Proprietary |
| Migration difficulty | Easy (2/5) | — |
Comparison
Joplin is the natural choice if you self-host (Nextcloud, WebDAV). Standard Notes is simpler and encrypted by default. Notesnook is nicer to use, without config.
Want the complete guide?
“Vivre sans Google” (in French) covers the full journey, service by service, with step-by-step migration guides.
Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles
Frequently asked questions
How much does Joplin cost?
Free (app and self-hosting). Joplin Cloud from €2.99/month.
How do you switch from Google Keep to Joplin?
Estimated difficulty: Easy (2/5). Direct Evernote import (ENEX). Manual sync setup if self-hosting. Easy with Joplin Cloud.
Who is Joplin for?
Technical users or self-hosters looking for markdown notes with controlled sync.
One spark a week
Every week in The Spark, I break down one tech story through the privacy lens. And what you can do about it, concretely.
Join 400+ readers. Unsubscribe in one click. Your data will never be shared.
Also read
Which European alternatives to Google are worth it?
Email, cloud, maps, office suite, VPN: for every Google service there is a serious European alternative. The full map, country by country, with verified prices.
Which French alternatives to Google are worth it?
Qwant, Vibe (Mistral), /e/OS, CryptPad, Joplin, PeerTube: what France really offers to replace Google, service by service, and what is still missing.
Standard Notes or Joplin: which note-taking app?
Two open source note-taking apps to replace Google Keep. Encryption, price, sync: Standard Notes and Joplin compared, with a verdict for your profile.