This guide explores popular self-hosted and desktop-powered apps, covering installation, security, costs, and technologies used.
Whether you value privacy, collaboration, or ease of use, discover the best tools like Trillium, HedgeDoc, Joplin, and others to boost your productivity and organization.
Self-Hosted Applications
These alternatives require setting up on a web host or Docker, ideal for users who prefer to manage their own data and hosting.
Trillium
Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note-taking application designed to build personal knowledge bases. It features rich WYSIWYG editing, support for code syntax highlighting, note versioning, and strong encryption.
Notes can be arranged in a deep tree structure and placed in multiple locations. It includes advanced scripting, synchronization with self-hosted servers, and a mobile-optimized frontend. Trilium also supports importing from Evernote and Markdown, as well as web clipping.
https://github.com/zadam/trilium
Installation & Cost
Trillium is designed for personal knowledge management and note-taking. It’s free and open-source, available on GitHub. The installation process involves setting it up on a server or local machine, with options for Docker deployment.
Security & Privacy
Trillium allows users to maintain control over their data, with the application running on their own server or computer. It doesn’t inherently include end-to-end encryption, but being self-hosted adds a layer of privacy.
Cost Implications
The application itself is free, but hosting it on a server or cloud service may incur costs. Additionally, the technical setup might require some expertise or resources.
Technologies Used
Trillium is built using Node.js for the server-side and a SQL database for data storage, supporting a variety of formats for note-taking including text, Markdown, and code. Its hierarchical structure is designed for organizing complex sets of notes efficiently.
HedgeDoc
HedgeDoc is an open-source, web-based, self-hosted collaborative markdown editor. It enables real-time collaboration on notes, graphs, and presentations directly in your browser. Key features include support for markdown slides via reveal.js, various graph and diagram integrations, an easy-to-use permission system, and note revisions. HedgeDoc is lightweight, requiring minimal system resources, and can be self-hosted to ensure data control.
Installation & Cost
Installing HedgeDoc requires technical knowledge for server setup. It’s free and open-source with detailed guides available.
Security & Privacy
Full control over data with configurable encryption and privacy features.
Cost Implications
Hosting costs depend on the service used; maintenance and upgrades may incur additional expenses.
Technologies Used
HedgeDoc is built primarily using Node.js and Express for the backend, with a database support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. It utilizes Markdown for document formatting and supports real-time collaboration through Etherpad technology.
Memos
Memos is an open-source, privacy-first, lightweight note-taking service that allows users to easily capture and share their thoughts. Built using Go, React.js, and SQLite, it provides a minimalistic yet powerful platform for note-taking. Key features include plain text storage with Markdown support, customizable settings, and complete open-source availability. Users can self-host Memos using Docker for flexibility and control over their data.
https://github.com/memos-app/memos
Installation & Cost
Designed for tech-savvy users for server setup. Free and open-source, with instructions on GitHub.
Security & Privacy
Complete control over data and privacy due to its self-hosted nature.
Cost Implications
No direct software cost, but hosting and maintenance on a server can lead to variable expenses.
Technologies Used
Memos is built using modern web technologies, including React for the frontend and Node.js for the backend. It employs a MongoDB database for data storage and can be deployed using Docker for ease of installation and scalability.
Benotes
Benotes is an open-source, self-hosted web app for managing notes and bookmarks. It supports Markdown, rich text editing, and can be installed as a PWA. Key features include automatic URL saving, public collection sharing, and easy deployment via Docker or Heroku.
https://github.com/fr0tt/benotes
Installation & Cost
Requires self-hosting on a server. Free and open-source, with installation guides on GitHub.
Security & Privacy
Maximizes data privacy and security on your own server.
Cost Implications
No licensing cost, but expenses for server hosting and maintenance apply.
Technologies Used
Benotes utilizes a combination of PHP for server-side processing and MySQL for database management. It’s designed for easy deployment on a standard LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack, making it accessible for those familiar with these technologies.
Desktop Powered Applications
These are installable on various desktop and mobile platforms, offering ease of access and use.
Joplin
Joplin is an open-source note-taking app that supports multimedia notes, web clipping, and end-to-end encryption. It allows for note synchronization across devices via services like Dropbox and OneDrive. Users can customize the app with plugins and themes, and it is available on various platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Installation & Cost
Installable on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Free to use, donations welcomed.
Security & Privacy
Prioritizes privacy with end-to-end encryption for synchronization.
Cost Implications
Joplin is completely free, but optional donations support its development. There may be data synchronization costs depending on the chosen cloud service for backups.
Technologies Used
Joplin is built using Electron for desktop applications, allowing cross-platform compatibility. It uses React Native for mobile apps, and the data is stored in a SQLite database, ensuring portability and ease of backup.
Turtl
Turtl is a secure, collaborative notebook designed to organize and protect your data, including bookmarks, passwords, and files. It uses high-end cryptography to ensure privacy and allows you to sync across devices. You can share data securely with selected individuals and organize notes using Markdown, tags, and spaces. Turtl is open-source, and users can host their own servers.
https://turtlapp.com/
Installation & Cost
Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Free, with a paid plan for more features.
Security & Privacy
High-level encryption to protect your notes.
Cost Implications
The basic version of Turtl is free, but there are costs associated with the premium version, which offers additional features and storage capacities.
Technologies Used
Turtl uses the Lisp programming language for its server-side operations, providing robust data processing capabilities. The client application is built with Common Lisp and some parts in JavaScript, ensuring strong data security and encryption.
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking app that allows users to capture, organize, and share notes across devices. It supports handwriting, text, and multimedia notes, and integrates with other Microsoft 365 services. OneNote offers collaborative features, letting multiple users work on the same notebook simultaneously.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/digital-note-taking-app
Installation & Cost
Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Free with a Microsoft account, advanced features with Microsoft 365 subscription.
Security & Privacy
Password protection available, dependent on overall Microsoft account security.
Cost Implications
Free for personal use, but a Microsoft 365 subscription is required for advanced features and larger storage, which involves recurring costs.
Technologies Used
OneNote is part of the Microsoft Office Suite and is built on Microsoft technologies, integrating seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications and services. It uses cloud synchronization through OneDrive for data storage and accessibility across devices.
Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, databases, and calendars. It supports real-time collaboration, integrates with various tools, and offers customization with templates and drag-and-drop functionality. Notion is used for project management, documentation, and personal organization, catering to teams and individuals alike.
Installation & Cost
Web-based and app versions available. Free basic version, paid plans for additional features.
Security & Privacy
SSL encryption for data in transit.
Cost Implications
Notion offers a free tier, but businesses and users needing advanced features will incur monthly or yearly subscription fees based on their plan.
Technologies Used
Notion is built primarily using React and Redux for its web and desktop applications, offering a responsive and dynamic user interface. For data storage and synchronization, it relies on a cloud-based infrastructure, providing flexibility and collaboration capabilities.
Google Keep
Google Keep is a note-taking app that lets users create, organize, and share notes, lists, and reminders. It supports text, voice, and image notes, and offers real-time syncing across devices. Users can collaborate on notes and integrate Keep with other Google services.
Installation & Cost
Accessible via web and mobile apps. Completely free.
Security & Privacy
Protected by Google’s security protocols.
Cost Implications
Google Keep is free, but users should be aware of potential data costs associated with syncing notes across multiple devices, especially on mobile data plans.
Technologies Used
Google Keep is integrated into the Google ecosystem, built using Google’s web technologies. It leverages Google’s cloud infrastructure for synchronization and storage, providing reliability and accessibility across devices.
Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a secure note-taking app that offers end-to-end encryption. It features cross-platform support, seamless syncing, and customization through themes and extensions. Standard Notes focuses on privacy and security, ensuring that your notes are accessible only to you.
Installation & Cost
Available on multiple platforms. Free basic version, paid plans for extended features.
Security & Privacy
End-to-end encryption, designed for maximum security and privacy.
Cost Implications
While the basic version is free, advanced features require a subscription to their paid plans. These costs are for additional security features and extended functionality.
Technologies Used
Standard Notes emphasizes security and simplicity, built using a combination of web technologies for cross-platform compatibility. It uses end-to-end encryption for data security, ensuring that notes remain private and secure.
Discusion
/r/GBTI_Network
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