Everyone takes notes, and everyone has their own way of doing it. I used pen and paper for the longest time. Nothing beats the tactile experience; but, as you know, it has its drawbacks. Carrying a notebook everywhere is not always practical. A better choice would be a note-taking application such as Notion, Evernote, or a simpler alternative like Apple Notes or Google Keep. The issue is that notes are often private, which makes self-hosted note-taking apps an attractive option. These apps store data locally on your device or on a server you manage, ensuring privacy. Below are four self-hosted note-taking apps to consider.

4 Standard Notes

End-to-end encrypted notes

If you’re looking for a self-hosted note-taking app that puts privacy first, Standard Notes has your name written all over it. It is built around end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and offers a clean, minimalist interface. It also works on just about any device for cross-platform consistency. Whether you are using Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone, you can take notes wherever you need.

Notes sync automatically and all data is encrypted before leaving your device. The free version includes basic text formatting, but the paid tiers, which start at $63/year, unlock extras like themes, Markdown, spreadsheets, and advanced editors.

The app lets you deploy your own server via Docker, AWS, or DigitalOcean. The easiest way to get started is with the automated Docker setup. All you need is a Linux server and the latest version of Docker. There are other options, but the documentation for them is sparse.

3 TriliumNext Notes

Hierarchical knowledge base with scripting

TriliumNext is an open-source, hierarchical knowledge base built for organizing complex information. It lets you nest notes infinitely, create relationships between ideas, and visualize connections with automatic relationship maps. With support for scripting in JavaScript, templates, and version control, it is a great choice for developers and researchers.

You can host it locally or on a private server. All data stays offline unless you enable syncing through your own cloud. The interface is packed with features and highly customizable, but there is a learning curve. Power users will appreciate tools like split-pane editing, daily note templates, and reliable backup options.

TriliumNext is available as a desktop application for Linux and Windows, or as a web app that you can host on your own server. There is a macOS build, but it is unsupported. Mobile support is still experimental, and there is no real-time collaboration option.

2 SilverBullet

Plain-text Markdown notes

SilverBullet is a Markdown-focused, self-hosted platform that treats notes as plain text files. It runs in your browser or as a server, allowing you to store data locally or on a private instance. Its simplicity is its biggest strength. You can write in Markdown, link pages using wiki-style syntax, and extend functionality with community plugins like Kanban boards and calendars.

Collaboration is possible through shared server access, but there is no built-in encryption. Setting it up requires deploying a Docker container or a Node.js server, which might be a hurdle for less-technical users. With no mobile apps and minimal formatting options, SilverBullet is best suited for minimalists and developers who prioritize ownership and open-source transparency over a polished interface.

1 Joplin

Cross-platform encrypted notes

Joplin is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted alternative to Evernote that balances usability with privacy. It offers a flexible editing experience with two options. You can use a WYSIWYG editor with a familiar toolbar or switch to Markdown for a distraction-free writing environment that keeps the focus on content rather than menus and buttons.

Notes support attachments and notebooks, with syncing options through Nextcloud, WebDAV, or your own server using Docker. It is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. For those who write frequently, Joplin can be a huge productivity boost. Since notes are saved as plain text files, they remain portable and easy to open in any Markdown editor.

While the interface feels a bit dated compared to some competitors, the community offers plugins that add features like tables, PDF annotations, and enhanced editors. Self-hosting requires configuring sync endpoints, which takes some technical effort, but the active community provides plenty of guides. Also, the UI can feel cluttered at times; but if you're moving away from mainstream apps and prioritizing security and open-source transparency, Joplin is a strong choice.

Keep your notes secure

There are plenty of note-taking apps out there for every kind of user, whether you need a free option, an open-source one, or something that can be self-hosted — or even all of the above. If you are still exploring your options, our list of the best note-taking apps is a great place to start. While you are at it, check out tools to sync your notes across devices and key factors to consider when choosing a note-taking app.