Joplin vs Evernote
Is switching from Evernote to Joplinworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Joplin and Evernote both serve note-taking and web clipping, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Evernote costs $20.83/month ($249.96/year), while Joplin is completely free. As an open-source tool, Joplin's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Joplin saves you $249.96/year — $749.88 over 3 years
Evernote costs
$249.96/yr
3-year cost
$749.88
Joplin costs
Free
Best for
- +Evernote refugees
- +Privacy-conscious users
- +Budget users
Not ideal for
- −Users needing document scanning
- −Users needing polished mobile app
Feature Comparison
| Feature | EvernoteSubscription | JoplinAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $20.83/mo $249.95999999999998/year | Open Source |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | ✓Full offline |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Mostly offline |
| Migration | — | Easy |
Pricing
Evernote
$20.83/mo
$249.95999999999998/year
Joplin
Open SourcePlatforms
Evernote
Web, Desktop (typical)Joplin
Offline Support
Evernote
Limited (typical)Joplin
✓Full offlineOpen Source
Evernote
NoJoplin
✓Open sourceOwnership
Evernote
RentingJoplin
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Evernote
High (typical)Joplin
Mostly offlineMigration
Evernote
—Joplin
EasySwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Joplin
- +Free and open source
- +End-to-end encryption
- +Evernote import
- +Multiple sync options
−What you lose
- −Document scanning
- −Some formatting options
- −Mobile app polish
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Joplin
- +Evernote refugees
- +Privacy-conscious users
- +Budget users
✗Should keep using Evernote
- −Users needing document scanning
- −Users needing polished mobile app
Migration Guide
Switching from Evernote to Joplin is rated as easy. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Evernote's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Joplin
Download Joplin from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Joplin. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Joplin meets your needs, cancel your Evernote subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joplin a good alternative to Evernote?
Yes, Joplin is a solid alternative to Evernote. It offers free access with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Joplin handles the core functionality that most Evernote users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Evernote to Joplin?
Switching from Evernote ($249.96/year) to Joplin (Free) can save you approximately $249.96 per year, or $749.88 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Evernote to Joplin?
The main trade-offs include: Document scanning, Some formatting options, Mobile app polish. However, Joplin still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Evernote to Joplin?
Yes. Most Evernote data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Joplin. The migration difficulty is rated as easy, so it should be straightforward.
Is Joplin really free?
Yes, Joplin is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does Joplin work on the same platforms as Evernote?
Joplin is available on windows, macos, linux, ios, android. This covers all major platforms, so you can use it on all your devices.
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Ready to stop renting Evernote?
Joplin is a one-time purchase alternative that lets you own your tools.