Joplin vs QOwnNotes: two open-source note apps compared
Joplin and QOwnNotes are both free, open-source and Markdown-based, and both are popular with people who run Nextcloud. The difference lies in where your notes live and how they reach your other devices.
The two contenders
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Free
Notebooks and to-dos in one app, with its own sync engine, end-to-end encryption, a web clipper and mobile apps.
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Free
A fast desktop notepad that keeps every note as a plain Markdown file in a folder and integrates closely with Nextcloud and ownCloud.
At a glance
| Joplin | QOwnNotes | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Internal database; Markdown export | Plain Markdown files in a folder |
| Sync | Built in: Joplin Cloud, Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV and others | Via your file sync (for example the Nextcloud desktop client) |
| Encryption | End-to-end encryption of synced data | Optional encryption of individual notes |
| Mobile | Official Android and iOS apps | Desktop app; on mobile, use a Nextcloud Notes-compatible app on the same folder |
| Customisation | Plugins and themes | Scripting engine with community scripts |
How the two approaches differ
QOwnNotes treats your notes as files first: each note is a Markdown document in a folder, so any editor, backup tool or sync client can work with them. The app is a native desktop program that starts quickly and stays responsive with large note collections. Joplin wraps notes in its own database and gives you a complete experience across desktop and mobile, with sync and encryption handled in the app.
Nextcloud users
Both can use a Nextcloud server. Joplin syncs to it through WebDAV with its own data format. QOwnNotes stores notes in a folder that the Nextcloud client syncs, which means the same files can be read by the Nextcloud Notes web app and compatible phone apps, and it can also show the version history and trash from your server.
Our verdict
Choose Joplin for an all-in-one app that works the same on your phone and desktop with encrypted sync. Choose QOwnNotes if you want plain files, a fast desktop editor and tight Nextcloud integration. More options are in our note-taking apps guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is QOwnNotes available on Android or iPhone?
QOwnNotes itself is a desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux. Because notes are plain files, you can read and edit them on a phone with any app that works with the same synced folder, such as a Nextcloud Notes client.
Are Joplin and QOwnNotes both free?
Yes, both are free and open source. Joplin also offers an optional paid hosting service, Joplin Cloud, but you can sync to your own storage instead.
Can I use both on the same notes?
Not directly, because Joplin keeps notes in its own database. You can export from Joplin to Markdown and open that folder in QOwnNotes.
Which is better for privacy?
Both let you keep data on your own storage. Joplin encrypts everything it syncs when you enable end-to-end encryption; QOwnNotes can encrypt selected notes and relies on your sync setup for the rest.
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