Best Microsoft OneNote Alternatives in 2025
Looking for alternatives to Microsoft OneNote? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Microsoft OneNote alongside similar software solutions including Microsoft OneNote, Joplin, Evernote, Obsidian and Vov Sticky Notes.
Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Microsoft OneNote, Joplin, Evernote, Obsidian and Vov Sticky Notes stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.
Platform Compatibility
 Microsoft OneNote
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Available on Windows, Mac, web, and mobile devices with internet access. |
 Joplin
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Cross-platform application available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. |
 Evernote
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Cross-platform application available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. |
 Obsidian
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Available on Windows, Mac, Linux with mobile app support for iOS and Android. |
 Vov Sticky Notes
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Windows only (Windows XP, 7, 8). |
Note Formatting and Organization
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Microsoft OneNote
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Supports multimedia files, individual sections in notebooks, tagging, powerful search functionality. |
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Joplin
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Markdown support with customizable CSS styles, notebooks and tags for organization. |
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Evernote
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Supports many different formats including PDFs, tags for categorization, lists, rich text editing. |
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Obsidian
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Markdown syntax with bidirectional linking, highly customizable interface with community themes. |
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Vov Sticky Notes
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Rich text formatting with customizable note colors and fonts; supports various alarm options. |
Security and Privacy Features
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Microsoft OneNote
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Accessible via Microsoft account; no explicit encryption mentioned. |
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Joplin
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Supports additional security features including two-factor authentication and encryption to protect data. |
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Evernote
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No specific encryption; supports account-based access control. |
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Obsidian
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Built-in encryption available; stores data locally; supports integration with third-party file services. |
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Vov Sticky Notes
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Option to encrypt and password protect sensitive notes; requires only one password per note or all notes. |
Pricing and Licensing
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Microsoft OneNote
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Free with Microsoft Office suite; some features may require paid versions. |
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Joplin
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Completely free and open source. |
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Evernote
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Free basic version available; paid plans starting at $14.99/user/month for advanced features. |
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Obsidian
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Free version with optional paid subscription for additional features. |
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Vov Sticky Notes
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Free version available; paid version unlocks additional functionalities. |
Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.
This quick comparison shows how Microsoft OneNote stacks up against Microsoft OneNote, Joplin, Evernote, Obsidian and Vov Sticky Notes in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.
Size
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Microsoft OneNote
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Joplin
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233.8MB |
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Evernote
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323.9MB |
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Obsidian
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Vov Sticky Notes
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1.4MB |
License
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Microsoft OneNote
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Commercial |
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Joplin
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Open Source |
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Evernote
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Freeware |
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Obsidian
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Freeware |
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Vov Sticky Notes
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Commercial |
Popularity
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Microsoft OneNote
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|
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Joplin
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Evernote
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Obsidian
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Vov Sticky Notes
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