Side by side
Joplin vs OpenVLT
Both stand on secure notes apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+5
Joplin combines offline notes, multiple sync options, and end-to-end encryption. Its paid plans set storage and file-size limits, so check those against the material you plan to keep.
Visit Joplin Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
OpenVLT combines Markdown-based notes with canvas tools and flexible organization views. Its asynchronous sync can leave conflict files after simultaneous edits, so users should be prepared to review them.
Visit OpenVLTThe facts
| Joplin | OpenVLT | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Basic: €2.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | joplinapp.org | openvlt.com |
| On secure notes apps | #7 of 30 | #11 of 30 |
Joplin: what it does well
- Notes support images, videos, PDFs, and audio.
- Offline access is supported.
- Shared notebooks can be editable or read-only.
- Plans include a 14-day free trial.
What to know first
- Basic storage is limited to 2 GB.
- Basic notes and attachments are limited to 10 MB each.
- Teams has a two-user minimum.
OpenVLT: what it does well
- Note content remains in plain Markdown files
- Canvas supports handwriting and shape recognition
- Custom properties appear in table or kanban views
- Peer-to-peer sync and Google Drive backups
- Optional WebAuthn login and recovery key
What to know first
- Simultaneous edits can create conflict files
- Sync is asynchronous and document-level
- Quick install guide covers macOS and Linux
Alternatives to Joplin Alternatives to OpenVLT The whole list