Sustainable Substitutes for Big Tech Note-Taking Apps

Privacy-friendly and open-source alternatives to Notion and Evernote.

  • Feasibility: How easily can the average user switch to this substitute? Higher feasibility results in a higher ranking.
  • Editor's Rating: How sustainable is the substitute? The more sustainability attributes it fulfils, the higher it is ranked.
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HedgeDoc

A free and open-source collaborative markdown editor ideal for self-hosting.

HedgeDoc is completely free of advertisements.
HedgeDoc is fully open-source, allowing anyone to contribute to or modify the codebase.
HedgeDoc does not track users, and data control rests with the instance administrator, making it privacy-friendly.
HedgeDoc can be used without creating an account, especially on public instances.
HedgeDoc is free to use, though hosting costs may apply if self-hosting.
HedgeDoc is designed to be self-hosted, giving users full control over their instance and data.
Website

Nextcloud Notes

Nextcloud is a German self-hostable, open-source cloud storage and collaboration platform.

Nextcloud is ad free and does not monetise user-data.
Nextcloud does not track users or sell personal data, ensuring a private and secure experience with optional end-to-end encryption.
Nextcloud’s core software is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits and community-driven development.
Nextcloud is based in Germany, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
Nextcloud is designed to be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Nextcloud became the first cloud software platform to earn the Blauer Engel ecolabel, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Some third party providers offer free plans with up to 5GB of storage. The self-hostable community edition is free and without licensing costs.
Nextcloud allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
Nextcloud syncs files to your device. You can edit files offline and changes will sync automatically once you reconnect to the internet.
Nextcloud is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and OpenDocument formats.
Website

Standard Notes

An open-source note-taking app with a focus on privacy and security via end-to-end encryption.

Standard Notes is ad-free, providing a clean and distraction-free note-taking experience.
Standard Notes is fully open-source, allowing for community review and contributions, ensuring transparency and trust.
Since its acquisition by Proton, Standard Notes is based in Switzerland, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
Standard Notes is designed with privacy as a core principle, using end-to-end encryption for all user data.
Standard Notes works offline, allowing users to access and edit notes without an internet connection.
Standard Notes can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Standard Notes offers a free tier, with optional paid plans for additional features and to support the project.
Website

Joplin

Joplin is an extensible, open-source note-taking app, working offline and anonymously.

Joplin is free of advertisements.
Joplin is fully open-source, allowing users to audit, modify, or contribute to the code.
Joplin offers end-to-end encryption for syncing, ensuring that user data remains private.
Joplin does not require an account for local use, making it accessible without registration.
Joplin is free to use, with optional paid cloud sync services.
Joplin supports plugins, allowing users to add custom functionality.
Joplin is fully functional offline, syncing changes when an internet connection is available.
Joplin supports self-hosting, giving users the option to host their own sync server.
Website

Cryptpad Code

CryptPad is a French secure, collaborative Google Docs alternative.

CryptPad is ad-free, providing a clean and distraction-free collaborative experience.
Cryptpad is fully open-source, allowing for community review and contributions, ensuring transparency and trust.
Cryptpad is based in France, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong European privacy laws.
Cryptpad is designed with privacy as a core principle, using end-to-end encryption for all user data.
Cryptpad can be self-hosted, giving users full control over their data and infrastructure.
Cryptpad offers a free tier, with optional paid plans for additional features and to support the project.
CryptPad allows for real-time same-document collaboration.
Cryptpad supports open data standards and is fully compatible with Microsoft Office and open document formats.
Website
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Obsidian

A flexible and open app for storing and publishing notes on any device.

Obsidian does not display any advertisements.
Obsidian prioritises local-first storage, and any syncing is opt-in and encrypted, ensuring user privacy.
Obsidian is free for local use, with optional paid features for syncing and publishing.
Obsidian does not require an account for local use, allowing users to work entirely offline if desired.
Obsidian supports a robust plugin ecosystem, enabling users to extend its functionality.
Obsidian works fully offline, as it relies on local files that sync when a connection is available.
Website

How to move away from Big Tech Note-Taking Apps

Here's a guide on how to easily get away from Notion.

Begin by exporting your existing notes — most services allow downloads in universal formats such as Markdown, HTML or plain text.

The migration process is usually straightforward: import your exported data into the new platform, verify that encryption and access controls are enabled and test functionality before fully switching. Many alternatives offer direct import options and guides:

Suggestions and Feedback

If you have suggestions for more alternatives or general feedback, please contact me via email or create an issue over on Codeberg. Suggest Substitute on Codeberg Write an Email