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Zim alternatives · Note-Taking

End-to-end encrypted alternatives to Zim

The Zim listing does not describe it as end-to-end encrypted. 12 of the 146 other note-taking apps in this directory are end-to-end encrypted, according to their own sites.

Zim is free to use. 11 of them are free or have a free plan.

12 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from Zim

  1. 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). Zim is free.
    • Only Obsidian lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only Obsidian lists a browser extension.
    • Obsidian is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Obsidian vs ZimObsidian pricing and details

  2. SiYuan

    Open-source, local-first notes built on linked content blocks

    • SiYuan starts at $64 one-time payment (PRO Features). Zim is free.
    • Only SiYuan lists a web app.
    • Only SiYuan lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only SiYuan lists a browser extension.
    SiYuan pricing and details

  3. Notesnook

    Open source, end-to-end encrypted notes on every platform

    • Notesnook starts at $1.99 per month, or $19.99 per year (Essential). Zim is free.
    • Only Notesnook lists a web app.
    • Only Notesnook lists Android and iOS apps.
    • Only Notesnook lists a browser extension.
    Notesnook pricing and details

  4. Cryptee

    Encrypted documents, notes and photo storage from Estonia

    • Cryptee starts at €3 per month (10 GB). Zim is free.
    • Only Cryptee lists a web app.
    • Only Zim lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
    • Cryptee is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Cryptee pricing and details

  5. FUTO Notes

    Local-first Markdown notes with self-hosted encrypted sync

    • FUTO Notes is free. Zim is free.
    • Only FUTO Notes lists iOS and Android apps.
    • FUTO Notes is self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • FUTO Notes also covers Markdown.
    FUTO Notes pricing and details

  6. Anytype

    Local-first, end-to-end encrypted workspace for notes and data

    • Anytype starts at $4 per month, billed yearly ($5 billed monthly). Zim is free.
    • Only Anytype lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Anytype is self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Zim is open source, according to its own site.
    Anytype pricing and details

  7. 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). Zim is free.
    • Only Joplin lists a web app.
    • Only Joplin lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only Joplin lists a browser extension.
    Joplin pricing and details

  8. Standard Notes

    End-to-end encrypted notes app with open source clients

    • Standard Notes starts at $90 per year (Productivity). Zim is free.
    • Only Standard Notes lists a web app.
    • Only Standard Notes lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only Standard Notes lists a browser extension.
    Standard Notes pricing and details

  9. Lockbook

    Open-source encrypted notes app with Markdown and drawing

    • Lockbook starts at $2.99 per month. Zim is free.
    • Only Lockbook lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Lockbook is self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Lockbook also covers Markdown.
    Lockbook pricing and details

  10. Mimiri Notes

    End-to-end encrypted notes in a tree, with encrypted sharing

    • Mimiri Notes starts at $1.20 per month, or $12 per year (Tier 1). Zim is free.
    • Only Mimiri Notes lists a web app.
    • Only Mimiri Notes lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Mimiri Notes is self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Mimiri Notes pricing and details

  11. DeepNotes

    End-to-end encrypted infinite canvas for nested notes

    • DeepNotes starts at $3.99 per month, billed yearly ($47.88). Zim is free.
    • Only DeepNotes lists a web app.
    • DeepNotes is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • DeepNotes also covers whiteboard and mind mapping.
    DeepNotes pricing and details

  12. Inkdrop

    Markdown note app for developers with encrypted sync

    • Inkdrop starts at $8.31 per month, billed annually ($99.80 per year). Zim is free.
    • Zim has a free plan. Inkdrop does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Inkdrop lists iOS and Android apps.
    • Only Inkdrop lists a browser extension.
    Inkdrop pricing and details

Common questions

Is there an end-to-end encrypted alternative to Zim?

Yes. Obsidian, SiYuan, Notesnook, Cryptee, FUTO Notes, Anytype, Joplin, Standard Notes and 4 more are end-to-end encrypted, according to their own sites.

Is Zim end-to-end encrypted?

The Zim listing does not describe it as end-to-end encrypted. The listing was checked on Oct 9, 2026 against the pages it cites.

Which of these note-taking apps are free?

Obsidian, SiYuan, Notesnook, Cryptee, FUTO Notes, Anytype, Joplin, Standard Notes and 3 more are free or have a free plan.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Zim: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.