Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Evernote AI in 2025

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1. Joplin

Description: Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking and to-do application. It is capable of handling a large number of notes organized into notebooks and can synchronize across various cloud services.
Key Features:
Markdown support
Multimedia notes (images, videos, PDFs, audio)
Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)
End-to-end encryption
Import from Evernote
Data Points:
Privacy: Strong emphasis on user privacy with end-to-end encryption.
Customization: Offers various plugins and themes.
Syncing: Supports multiple cloud services (Nextcloud, OneDrive, Dropbox, WebDAV).
Offline Access: Notes are accessible offline.
Collaboration: Allows seamless sharing and collaboration. Learn more about Joplin

2. Obsidian

Description: Obsidian is a powerful note-taking application focusing on creating interlinked notes, ideal for building a personal knowledge base.
Key Features:
Local-first approach (data stored on your device)
Markdown support
Knowledge graph visualization
Extensive customization through plugins and themes
Backlinking and note interlinking capabilities
Data Points:
Customization: Highly customizable with numerous plugins and themes.
Linking: Emphasizes note linking and creating a network of thoughts.
Privacy: Local storage gives users full control over their data.
Functionality: Suitable for advanced note-taking and knowledge management.
Collaboration: Collaboration is complex and not built for ease of use. Explore Obsidian

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3. AppFlowy

Description: AppFlowy is an open-source alternative to Notion, aiming for a flexible and collaborative workspace.
Key Features:
Supports macOS, Windows, & Linux
Block-based editor
Real-time collaboration
Customizable workspaces
Growing plugin ecosystem
Data Points:
Flexibility: It is designed to be a highly flexible all-in-one workspace.
Cross-Platform: Compatible with multiple operating systems.
Open Source: Focuses on community contributions and transparency.
Collaboration: Supports team collaboration.
Customization: Allows users to customize their workspace according to their needs. Learn more about AppFlowy

4. TiddlyWiki

Description: TiddlyWiki is a unique, open-source, non-linear notebook for personal knowledge management.
Key Features:
Self-contained HTML file (no server required)
Highly customizable
Non-linear organization
Suitable for complex information management
Plugin architecture for extensibility
Data Points:
Self-Contained: Functions as a single HTML file.
Flexibility: Highly customizable for a personalized experience.
Non-linear: Ideal for complex and interconnected information.
Offline Access: Can be used completely offline.
Open Source: Free to use and modify. Explore TiddlyWiki

5. Logseq

Description: Logseq is an open-source knowledge management and note-taking app that uses a graph database to connect notes.
Key Features:
Outlining and hierarchical organization
Markdown support
Backlinks and graph view visualization
Task management
Privacy-focused local-first approach
Data Points:
Privacy: Designed with a strong emphasis on privacy.
Graph View: Visualizes connections between notes.
Outlining: Provides a hierarchical way to organize information.
Local-First: Data is primarily stored locally.
Open Source: Free and open source. Learn more about Logseq

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6. QOwnNotes

Description: QOwnNotes is an open-source, plain-text file markdown note-taking application with Nextcloud/ownCloud integration.
Key Features:
Plain text notes in Markdown
Nextcloud/ownCloud sync
Scripting support
Multiple note folders
Cross-platform compatibility
Data Points:
Plain Text: Uses plain-text Markdown files for notes.
Cloud Sync: Integrates with Nextcloud and ownCloud.
Extensible: Supports scripting for advanced use.
Cross-Platform: Runs on multiple operating systems.
Organization: Allows management of notes in multiple folders. Learn more about QOwnNotes

7. CherryTree

Description: CherryTree is a hierarchical note-taking application with rich text and syntax highlighting.
Key Features:
Hierarchical note organization
Rich text formatting
Syntax highlighting for code snippets
Import/export options
Cross-platform compatibility
Data Points:
Hierarchical: Uses a tree-like structure for organization.
Rich Text: Supports rich text formatting.
Code Support: Syntax highlighting for code.
Cross-Platform: Operates on multiple operating systems.
Import/Export: Offers options for data import/export. Explore CherryTree

8. Zim Desktop Wiki

Description: Zim is an open-source, multi-platform, native desktop GUI for managing a collection of local wiki pages.
Key Features:
Local wiki management
Link between pages
Rich text formatting
Plugin support
Cross-platform compatibility
Data Points:
Local Wiki: Designed to function as a personal wiki.
Page Linking: Allows linking between pages.
Rich Text: Supports rich text formatting.
Extensible: Provides plugin support.
Cross-Platform: Operates on various platforms. Learn more about Zim Desktop Wiki

9. Notable

Description: Notable is a Markdown-based note-taking app focusing on a clean interface and tag-driven organization.
Key Features:
Markdown support
Tag-based organization
Attachment support
Clean and minimalistic interface
Completely free and open-source
Data Points:
Markdown Support: Designed for Markdown editing.
Tag Organization: Uses tags for efficient organization.
Clean UI: Minimalist design for a distraction-free experience.
Attachments: Supports adding attachments to notes.
Open Source: Completely free and open source. Explore Notable

10. GitJournal

Description: GitJournal is an open-source markdown notes editor with integrated syncing with Git.
Key Features:
Markdown support
Git syncing
Supports iOS, Android, Linux, and macOS
Offline-first approach
Version history
Data Points:
Git Integration: Synchronizes notes using Git repositories.
Markdown Support: Uses Markdown for note formatting.
Cross-Platform: Runs on multiple operating systems.
Offline Access: Works offline.
Version Control: Allows tracking of note versions. Learn more about GitJournal

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FAQ

1. What are the key features of Joplin as an alternative to Evernote AI?

Joplin offers markdown support, multimedia notes, cross-platform availability, end-to-end encryption, and the ability to import from Evernote. Learn more about Joplin

2. How does Obsidian differ from other note-taking apps?

Obsidian emphasizes interlinked notes, uses a local-first approach for data storage, and offers advanced features through extensive customization. Discover Obsidian

3. What makes AppFlowy a notable open-source option?

AppFlowy provides a flexible, block-based editor, real-time collaboration, and customizable workspaces. Explore AppFlowy

4. Can TiddlyWiki be used offline?

Yes, TiddlyWiki functions as a self-contained HTML file, which allows it to be used entirely offline. Learn more about TiddlyWiki

5. Why is Logseq suitable for knowledge management?

Logseq uses a graph database to connect notes, supports outlining and task management, and stores data locally for privacy. Discover Logseq

6. Does QOwnNotes support synchronization with cloud services?

Yes, QOwnNotes integrates with Nextcloud and ownCloud for note synchronization. Learn more about QOwnNotes

7. What organizational structure does CherryTree use for notes?

CherryTree employs a hierarchical tree-like structure for organizing notes, along with rich text formatting and syntax highlighting. Explore CherryTree

8. How does Zim Desktop Wiki handle note linking?

Zim allows linking between pages, creating a local wiki for personal knowledge management. Learn more about Zim

9. What is the primary organizational feature of Notable?

Notable uses a tag-based system for organizing notes, along with Markdown support and a minimalist interface. Explore Notable

10. How does GitJournal synchronize notes?

GitJournal syncs notes using Git repositories, ensuring version control and offline access. Learn more about GitJournal

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.