rabbit.reviews
Best for Privacy

Joplin

A free, open-source app that stores notes locally by default — no cloud required. PCMag's top pick for privacy-conscious users who don't want their notes living on someone else's server.

Pros
  • Fully open-source and free with no subscription
  • Notes stored locally by default — complete data ownership
  • Supports Markdown with a clean editor
  • Optional sync via your own cloud (Nextcloud, Dropbox, etc.)
Cons
  • Interface is functional but not polished compared to commercial apps
  • No built-in collaboration features
  • Mobile apps are less refined than desktop
Why we recommend it

Joplin is the rare app that's both free and genuinely privacy-respecting. If you've ever felt uneasy about your notes sitting in a corporate cloud, this is your answer.

PCMag

The privacy-respecting Joplin gives you complete ownership of your notes by storing them locally on your device by default.