Joplin vs Notion
Is switching from Notion to Joplinworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Joplin and Notion both serve note-taking and project management, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Notion costs $10/month ($120/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 $120/year — $360 over 3 years
Notion costs
$120/yr
3-year cost
$360
Joplin costs
Free
Best for
- +Evernote refugees
- +Privacy-conscious users
- +Markdown fans
Not ideal for
- −Users needing database features
- −Teams needing real-time collaboration
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NotionSubscription | JoplinAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $10/mo $120/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
Notion
$10/mo
$120/year
Joplin
Open SourcePlatforms
Notion
Web, Desktop (typical)Joplin
Offline Support
Notion
Limited (typical)Joplin
✓Full offlineOpen Source
Notion
NoJoplin
✓Open sourceOwnership
Notion
RentingJoplin
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Notion
High (typical)Joplin
Mostly offlineMigration
Notion
—Joplin
EasySwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Joplin
- +Free and open source
- +End-to-end encryption
- +Markdown support
- +Multiple sync options
−What you lose
- −Database features
- −Real-time collaboration
- −Web clipper quality
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Joplin
- +Evernote refugees
- +Privacy-conscious users
- +Markdown fans
✗Should keep using Notion
- −Users needing database features
- −Teams needing real-time collaboration
Migration Guide
Switching from Notion to Joplin is rated as easy. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Notion'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 Notion subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joplin a good alternative to Notion?
Yes, Joplin is a solid alternative to Notion. 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 Notion users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Notion to Joplin?
Switching from Notion ($120/year) to Joplin (Free) can save you approximately $120 per year, or $360 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Notion to Joplin?
The main trade-offs include: Database features, Real-time collaboration, Web clipper quality. 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 Notion to Joplin?
Yes. Most Notion 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 Notion?
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 Notion?
Joplin is a one-time purchase alternative that lets you own your tools.