10 tools compared
Best Zettlr Alternatives in 2026
Zettlr (Write Markdown documents with a comprehensive GUI and many workflow/time management tools) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 10 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our Zettlr profile — iA Writer starts at $29.99/mo if budget is the main driver.
| # | Tool | Pricing | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Typora | Open source | |
| 2 | Joplin | Open source, Free | |
| 3 | iA Writer | $29.99/mo | |
| 4 | Boostnote | Open source | — |
| 5 | Zim Wiki | Open source | |
| 6 | Notion | — | |
| 7 | Trilium Notes | Open source | |
| 8 | Supernotes | Freemium, Free trial | |
| 9 | Obsidian | — | |
| 10 | Logseq | Open source, Free |
1. Typora
Typora is a minimal Markdown reading and writing app that offers a real-time Live Preview of Markdown syntax, allowing users to see formatted output as they type. It is well-suited for academic and technical users who need Math Support through LaTeX and MathJax, alongside automatic Table of Contents generation and an Integrated File Tree for project navigation. The app features a clean, distraction-free Minimalistic Interface and Customizable Themes, with Cross-Platform Compatibility spanning Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Full Typora profile →2. 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 →3. iA Writer
iA Writer is a Writing Tools application designed for users who want a minimalistic interface and a clutter-free environment for content creation. It stands out with features like Focus Mode to dim everything except the current sentence or paragraph, Markdown support, and syntax highlighting to differentiate parts of speech. The software is available for $29.99 with a one-off payment, and it includes a free trial and open source tags.
Full iA Writer profile →4. 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 →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. Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace built for teams and individuals looking to combine note-taking, task management, databases, calendars, and collaboration features into a single platform. It stands out for its high level of customizability, allowing users to tailor pages, databases, and templates to fit their specific workflows.
Full Notion profile →7. 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 →8. Supernotes
Supernotes is designed for users looking to take notes and collaborate with friends using features like Markdown, LaTeX, images, and emojis. It offers a clean UI, responsive design, categories, and importing capabilities, making it a strong option in the Productivity category.
Full Supernotes profile →9. 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 →10. 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 →