10 tools compared
Best Turtl Alternatives in 2026
Turtl (The secure, collaborative notebook) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 10 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our Turtl profile.
| # | Tool | Pricing | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simplenote | Open source | |
| 2 | OneNote | — | — |
| 3 | Evernote | — | |
| 4 | CherryTree | — | |
| 5 | Standard Notes | Open source | |
| 6 | Joplin | Open source, Free | |
| 7 | Boostnote | Open source | — |
| 8 | Zim Wiki | Open source | |
| 9 | Trilium Notes | Open source | |
| 10 | Google Keep | — | — |
1. Simplenote
Simplenote is a Project Management tool well-suited for users who need a very straightforward, minimalistic interface and want to get started immediately without cost. Key features include real-time sync across devices, version history to revert to previous note versions, and Markdown support for easy formatting.
Full Simplenote profile →2. OneNote
OneNote is built for users who need a Note Taking tool with Cross-Platform Accessibility across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web browsers. It stands out with Flexible Organization using notebooks, sections, and individual pages, alongside Rich Media Support for inserting images, audio recordings, video clips, and web links. Real-time collaboration allows multiple users to work on the same notebook simultaneously, while Handwriting and Drawing Support caters to touchscreen and stylus users. Integration with Microsoft Office Suite products like Word, Excel, and Outlook further enhances productivity.
Full OneNote profile →3. Evernote
Evernote is a digital workspace built for collecting inspirational ideas, writing meaningful words, and moving important projects forward in the Project Management category. It stands out with organizational tools like notebooks, tags, and a powerful search feature, alongside the Web Clipper for saving web pages, articles, and screenshots directly to your account.
Full Evernote profile →4. 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 →5. 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 →6. 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 →7. Boostnote
Boostnote is an open-source note-taking app that is specifically well-suited for developers and users who need strong coding notes. It stands out with features like code syntax highlighting, snippets, and full Markdown support for structured documents. Additionally, users can rely on offline access to edit notes without an internet connection, and the cross-platform application is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Full Boostnote profile →8. 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 →9. Trilium Notes
Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application designed for users who need complex organization of their information. It stands out with features like rich text editing supporting tables, images, and code snippets, dynamic note linking, and version control to track changes. Users can also utilize encryption for sensitive notes and extend functionalities through extensive scripting and automation using JavaScript-based scripts.
Full Trilium Notes profile →10. Google Keep
Google Keep is well-suited for users who need a straightforward task management tool within the Google Ecosystem, offering seamless integration with Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail. It provides practical features such as Cross-Platform Accessibility across Android, iOS, and web browsers, Real-Time Collaboration for shared lists and team projects, Voice Notes for capturing ideas quickly without typing, and Reminders and Labels for organization.
Full Google Keep profile →