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13 Best Open Source OneNote Alternatives

A curated collection of the 13 best open source and self-hosted alternatives to OneNote in 2026.

Looking for a free, privacy-friendly, or self-hosted replacement for OneNote in 2026? The top open-source alternative is AppFlowy — Open source collaborative workspace combining notes, databases, and AI with full data ownership, offline support, and self-hosting options..

Other highly rated open-source OneNote alternatives include Affine, Memos and Joplin.

75,997

Open source collaborative workspace combining notes, databases, and AI with full data ownership, offline support, and self-hosting options.

AppFlowy preview

Open source collaborative workspace combining notes, databases, and AI with full data ownership, offline support, and self-hosting options.

71,941

Open-source Notion & Miro alternative with docs, whiteboards, databases, and AI in one local-first workspace

Affine preview

AFFiNE is a next-generation workspace that merges docs, whiteboards, and databases into a single local-first platform. Built for creativity and productivity, it combines the best of Notion, Miro, and Obsidian with integrated AI capabilities. - All-in-one workspace: Unified interface for documents, whiteboards, and databases - Local-first architecture: Works offline with real-time sync across devices - AI integration: Built-in AI assistant for writing, drawing, and planning - Collaboration tools: Edgeless whiteboards for limitless team creativity - Team hub: Unified document space for teams of all sizes - Cross-platform: Available as desktop, web, and mobile apps - Extensible: Supports templates and custom workflows - Privacy-focused: Self-hosting and private cloud options available AFFiNE is open-source and can be self-hosted for complete data control. The platform supports private cloud deployments and offers enterprise solutions with dedicated support. The codebase is available on GitHub under the MIT license, making it suitable for both personal and commercial use.

62,583

Memos is a self-hosted, open-source note-taking app built around a private timeline. Write in Markdown, skip the folder setup, and keep your data on your own server.

Memos preview

Memos is a self-hosted, open-source note-taking app built around a private timeline. Write in Markdown, skip the folder setup, and keep your data on your own server.

56,125

Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.

Joplin preview

Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.

46,005

Personal knowledge management system with WYSIWYG block editing, bidirectional links, spaced repetition flashcards, a relational database, and end-to-end encrypted sync.

SiYuan preview

Personal knowledge management system with WYSIWYG block editing, bidirectional links, spaced repetition flashcards, a relational database, and end-to-end encrypted sync.

19,596

A free, open source note-taking app built on plain Markdown files, Git version control, and direct AI model integration. No account required.

Tolaria preview

A free, open source note-taking app built on plain Markdown files, Git version control, and direct AI model integration. No account required.

14,473

End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with zero-knowledge architecture, cross-device sync, web clipper, and a self-hostable sync server.

Notesnook preview

End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with zero-knowledge architecture, cross-device sync, web clipper, and a self-hostable sync server.

Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.

Standard Notes preview

Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.

1,334

A privacy-focused, offline-first note-taking app that stores everything on your device, with Markdown, note linking, file attachments, LaTeX math, and bring-your-own sync.

Beaver Notes preview

A privacy-focused, offline-first note-taking app that stores everything on your device, with Markdown, note linking, file attachments, LaTeX math, and bring-your-own sync.

1,166

Minimal note-taking app storing Markdown notes in local SQLite database. Features instant search, flexible tagging, keyboard shortcuts, and offline access.

Zen preview

Minimal note-taking app storing Markdown notes in local SQLite database. Features instant search, flexible tagging, keyboard shortcuts, and offline access.

311

A customizable, offline-first note editor that lets you format text, create lists, add images, and export to HTML - all while maintaining your privacy.

Darkwrite preview

A customizable, offline-first note editor that lets you format text, create lists, add images, and export to HTML - all while maintaining your privacy.

178

OpenNotas is a multi-platform, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that offers simplicity, synchronization, and offline functionality.

OpenNotas preview

OpenNotas is a multi-platform, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that offers simplicity, synchronization, and offline functionality.

67

Justnote is a secure note-taking app that lets you easily create and sync notes across devices while maintaining full control of your data.

Justnote preview

Justnote is a secure note-taking app that lets you easily create and sync notes across devices while maintaining full control of your data.

About OneNote

Organize notes, ideas, and info across devices. Collaborate, sync, and search easily. Ideal for work, study, and personal use.