Joplin is a free, open source note-taking and to-do application that can handle a large number of notes organized into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor. The notes are in Markdown format. Joplin is also available for mobile devices as a progressive web app.
nb is a free, open-source, note-taking app that allows users to create and manage notes in a simple and intuitive way. It's designed to be minimalistic and distraction-free, making it ideal for users who want to focus on their writing.
- Free and open source
- Highly customizable
- Supports end-to-end encryption
- Available on multiple platforms
- Minimalistic and distraction-free interface
- Highly customizable
- Supports Markdown syntax
- Available on multiple platforms
- Limited collaboration features
- No built-in audio or video recording
- Limited integration with other apps
- Limited features compared to other note-taking apps
- No built-in collaboration features
- No mobile app
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Joplin
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Alternatives to nb
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataJoplin is the safer default for most users because it offers cross‑platform mobile sync and end‑to‑end encryption, while nb is more minimal but lacks mobile and collaboration.
Key differences
- •Joplin provides mobile apps and cross‑platform syncing; nb is desktop‑only.
- •Joplin includes built‑in end‑to‑end encryption; nb has no security features mentioned.
- •Joplin has a larger community (55k GitHub stars) versus nb (8k stars).
- •Nb offers appearance customization and keyboard shortcuts; Joplin focuses on notebook hierarchy and tagging.
- •Both lack APIs and integrations, but Joplin supports more note formats (Markdown, plain text).
Pricing & value
Both are free and open source, offering comparable monetary value.
Ease of use / learning curve
Nb’s minimalistic, distraction‑free UI and keyboard shortcuts make it quicker for simple note taking.
Features & depth
Joplin supports notebooks, sub‑notebooks, tagging, encryption, and multiple export formats.
Integrations & ecosystem
Joplin has no listed integrations but larger community and more GitHub stars suggest broader ecosystem potential.
Collaboration
Both have limited collaboration, but Joplin’s encryption and syncing are more suited for shared private notes.
Scalability
Joplin’s notebook hierarchy and tagging scale better for large note collections.
Support
Both provide email and GitHub Issues as support channels.
Security & privacy
Joplin offers end‑to‑end encryption; nb provides no security features.
Migration / lock‑in
Both allow import/export of notes; no lock‑in mechanisms specified.
Choose Joplin if…
Students/researchers needing mobile sync, encryption, and robust organization.
Choose nb if…
Writers wanting a simple, distraction‑free desktop note app.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either app?
Both Joplin and nb are free and open source.
Can I access my notes on a phone?
Joplin offers mobile apps; nb has no mobile app.
Do either apps provide encryption for my notes?
Joplin includes end‑to‑end encryption; nb does not specify encryption.