Joplin vs Notion
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Joplin and Notion are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Joplin — Open-source note-taking and to-do app with end-to-end encryption.
Choose Notion if you'd rather have more native integrations. Connected workspace for notes, docs, and databases.
Joplin vs Notion: side by side
| Dimension | Joplin | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $2.99/user/mo | Free – $10/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Open source | Freemium |
| Best for | Privacy Conscious Users, Developers | Startups, Knowledge Workers, Solopreneurs |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android | Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android, Api |
| Integrations | — | 4+ integrationsWinner |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
Joplin key facts
- Vendor
- Joplin
- Pricing
- Open source — Free – $2.99/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Privacy Conscious Users, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- France
Notion key facts
- Vendor
- Notion Labs, Inc.
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $10/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Startups, Knowledge Workers, Solopreneurs
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Joplin better than Notion?
Neither is universally better — Notion edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Joplin or Notion cheaper?
Joplin is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $2.99/user/mo. Joplin starts at free – $2.99/user/mo; Notion starts at free – $10/user/mo.
Can Joplin replace Notion?
Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.