10 tools compared
Best Trilium Notes Alternatives in 2026
Trilium Notes (Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 10 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our Trilium Notes profile — Cryptee starts at EUR3/mo if budget is the main driver.
| # | Tool | Pricing | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CherryTree | — | |
| 2 | Standard Notes | Open source | |
| 3 | TiddlyWiki | Open source | |
| 4 | Joplin | Open source, Free | |
| 5 | Zim Wiki | Open source | |
| 6 | Cryptee | EUR3/mo | |
| 7 | Zettlr | Open source | |
| 8 | Obsidian | — | |
| 9 | Logseq | Open source, Free | |
| 10 | Notesnook | $4.49/mo |
1. CherryTree
CherryTree is a note taking application suited for users who need a hierarchical note structure combined with rich text formatting, syntax highlighting for various programming languages, and password protection. It stores data in a single xml or sqlite file and offers multiple export options including PDF, HTML, and plain text. These capabilities make it a strong option for developers and anyone managing complex sets of information who wants to keep their data organized in a local file format.
Full CherryTree profile →2. Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a strong choice for users prioritizing privacy in the Security & Privacy category, featuring End-to-End Encryption where data is encrypted before leaving your device. It offers Cross-Platform Support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, alongside an Open Source codebase that allows public security audits.
Full Standard Notes profile →3. TiddlyWiki
TiddlyWiki is a non-linear personal web notebook designed for users who want a flexible and customizable note-taking tool. It stands out by being entirely self-contained within a single HTML file, which makes backup, version control, and sharing straightforward. Because it runs entirely in the browser, there is no server needed for setup and maintenance, and the open-source codebase allows users to inspect, modify, and extend it as needed.
Full TiddlyWiki profile →4. Joplin
Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking and to-do application that suits users who want to handle a large number of notes organized into notebooks. It stands out with features like End-to-End Encryption, Markdown-based Rich Text Support, and Resource Management for attaching files and images. Users can modify notes directly from the applications or their own text editor, and keep data in sync using cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Nextcloud.
Full Joplin profile →5. Zim Wiki
Zim Wiki is a graphical text editor designed for maintaining collections of wiki pages. It is well-suited for users who want a desktop application that stores all data locally, allowing for offline access and editing without an internet connection. Key features include backlinking to build a personal knowledge base, a simple interface with keyboard shortcuts, and rich formatting options that support images, links, and media.
Full Zim Wiki profile →6. Cryptee
Cryptee is built for users looking for a safety and privacy-focused, encrypted, and cross-platform personal data storage service. Headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, it provides a clean UI that is easy to set up and use. Users can write personal documents, notes, and journals, as well as store photos and all sorts of other files.
Full Cryptee profile →7. Zettlr
Zettlr is a strong option for users in the Note Taking category who need an open-source tool tailored for the Zettelkasten methodology, academic writing, and research. It features built-in citation management, Markdown support, and the ability to export documents to PDF, Word, and LaTeX formats. Users can also utilize tagging and metadata to categorize notes, as well as leverage workflow and time management tools within a comprehensive GUI.
Full Zettlr profile →8. Obsidian
Obsidian is built for users who want a local-first knowledge base operating on a folder of plain text Markdown files. It stands out for privacy and data control since notes are stored directly on your device with full offline access. Key capabilities include bidirectional linking to build a knowledge graph, a visual graph view for discovering insights, and extensive customizability through community plugins and themes.
Full Obsidian profile →9. Logseq
Logseq is a local-first, non-linear outliner notebook built for organizing and sharing personal knowledge bases. It is a strong fit for users who want full control over their data through local storage, open-source transparency, and Markdown support. Key features include bidirectional linking, a graph view to visualize interconnected notes, customizable workflows using plugins and templates, and built-in task management features like to-do lists and scheduling.
Full Logseq profile →10. Notesnook
Notesnook is a note taking app for users who want to keep their notes organized and synced across Android, iOS, Desktop, and Web. It stands out with features like a Secure Private Vault, Notebooks & Tags, Tables & Lists, a Rich Text Editor, Timely Backup, and the ability to Prioritise by Colors. The pricing model includes a freemium tag with a monthly option at $4.49 for UI Themes & accents, plus a free trial and an open source designation.
Full Notesnook profile →