Alternatives · Note-Taking
Zettel Notes alternatives
Zettel Notes compared with 5 alternatives: Obsidian, Markor, GitJournal, Joplin and Logseq.
Zettel Notes has a free plan. Paid plans start at $0.99 one-time for the cheapest paid plugin; most are $2.99 to $5.99. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zettel NotesThis tool | Free plan · from $0.99 one-time | Yes | Android |
| Obsidian | Free plan · from $4/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Markor | Free | Free | Android |
| GitJournal | Free plan · from $1.99/mo | Yes | iOS, Android |
| Joplin | Free plan · from €2.40/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Logseq | Free plan · from $5/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Zettel Notes
- Free plan · from $4/mo
Obsidian
Markdown note-taking app that keeps your files on your device
- Obsidian starts at $4 per user / month, billed annually (Sync Standard add-on). Zettel Notes starts at $0.99 one-time for the cheapest paid plugin; most are $2.99 to $5.99.
- Only Obsidian lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
- Only Obsidian lists a browser extension.
- Obsidian is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- Obsidian also covers whiteboard.
Suits: People who want their notes as plain Markdown files they control
- Free
Markor
Offline Android text editor for Markdown notes and todo.txt
- Markor is free. Zettel Notes starts at $0.99 one-time for the cheapest paid plugin; most are $2.99 to $5.99.
- Markor is open source, according to its own site.
- Markor also covers tasks.
- Zettel Notes also covers linked notes, web clipper and templates.
Suits: Android users who keep notes as Markdown or plain-text files
- Free plan · from $1.99/mo
GitJournal
Mobile Markdown notes app that syncs through any Git repository
- GitJournal starts at $1.99 per month in installments, or $31.99 one-time (US App Store minimums). Zettel Notes starts at $0.99 one-time for the cheapest paid plugin; most are $2.99 to $5.99.
- Only GitJournal lists an iOS app.
- GitJournal is open source, according to its own site.
- GitJournal can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- GitJournal also covers daily notes.
Suits: Developers who already keep notes in a Git repository
- Free plan · from €2.40/mo
Joplin
Open source Markdown notes with sync through a service you choose
- Joplin starts at 2.40€ per month, billed yearly at 28.69€ (Joplin Cloud Basic). Zettel Notes starts at $0.99 one-time for the cheapest paid plugin; most are $2.99 to $5.99.
- Only Joplin lists a web app.
- Only Joplin lists Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS apps.
- Only Joplin lists a browser extension.
- Joplin is open source, self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
Suits: People who want open source notes synced through their own storage
- Free plan · from $5/mo
Logseq
Open-source outliner for linked notes stored as local files
- Logseq starts at $5 per month for Open Collective backers, which unlocks Logseq Sync. Zettel Notes starts at $0.99 one-time for the cheapest paid plugin; most are $2.99 to $5.99.
- Only Logseq lists a web app.
- Only Logseq lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
- Logseq is open source, according to its own site.
- Logseq also covers whiteboard and daily notes.
Suits: People who think in outlines and want their notes as plain-text files
Limits worth knowing in Zettel Notes
- The documentation covers an Android app only; it lists no iOS, desktop or web version.
- OCR, document scanning, speech to text, translation and AI features are separate plugin apps, priced from $0.99 to $5.99 each on Google Play.
- Sync runs through Dropbox, Git, WebDAV or SFTP that the user sets up; the developer does not run a sync service.
- With password-based encryption, notes cannot be decrypted if the password is forgotten or the app is uninstalled, which clears the salt.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Zettel Notes?
The alternatives to Zettel Notes in this directory are Obsidian, Markor, GitJournal, Joplin and Logseq. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Zettel Notes.
Is there a free alternative to Zettel Notes?
Yes. Markor is free to use. Obsidian, GitJournal, Joplin and Logseq have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Zettel Notes alternatives work on Windows?
The Zettel Notes listing does not include a Windows app. Obsidian, Joplin and Logseq list one.
Which Zettel Notes alternatives work on macOS?
The Zettel Notes listing does not include a macOS app. Obsidian, Joplin and Logseq list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Zettel Notes?
Markor, GitJournal, Joplin and Logseq are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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