Top Open Source Note-Taking Tools in 2026
A curated collection of the 16 best free and open-source Note-Taking tools in 2026. Compare features, GitHub stars, tech stacks, and self-hosted software.
Memos
Open-source self-hosted note-taking tool
Stars62,583Last commit11d agoLicenseMIT
Tolaria
A second brain for the AI era
Stars19,596Last commit10d agoLicenseAGPL-3.0
Standard Notes
End-to-end encrypted notes app with unmatched privacy
Stars6,604Last commit12d agoLicenseAGPL-3.0
OpenNotas
Open-source, lightweight note-taking app with E2E encryption
Stars178Last commit1mo agoLicenseOpen SourceNotesnook
Open source zero-knowledge private note taking app
Stars14,473Last commit10d agoLicenseGPL-3.0Justnote
Justnote is a secure note-taking app that lets you easily create and sync notes across devices while maintaining full control of your data.
Stars67Last commit7mo agoLicenseGPL-2.0Joplin
Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.
Stars56,125Last commit10d agoLicenseOpen Source
itsnotes
Self-hosted Google Keep alternative
Stars30Last commit13d agoLicenseMIT
Zen
Minimal Markdown note-taking app with local storage
Stars1,166Last commit13d agoLicenseAGPL-3.0
Darkwrite
Distraction-free open-source notebook for focused writing
Stars311Last commit15d agoLicenseAGPL-3.0Blinko
Open-source AI-powered note-taking app
Stars10,958Last commit10d agoLicenseGPL-3.0
SiYuan
Privacy-first personal knowledge management
Stars46,005Last commit19d agoLicenseAGPL-3.0
AnyType
Privacy-first all-in-one workspace for notes and collaboration
Stars8,706Last commit11d agoLicenseOpen SourceAnarlog
Open-source AI notepad for private meetings
Stars9,184Last commit10d agoLicenseMITBeaver Notes
Local-first open-source notes app with no cloud or AI
Stars1,334Last commit24d agoLicenseMIT
