Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Bear

Joplin is a free and open source note-taking and to-do application designed for keeping your data private while staying available across devices. It is offline-first and can sync using end-to-end encryption via multiple backends, including WebDAV and Nextcloud.

Key Features

• Organize notes in notebooks with tags and powerful full-text search
• Markdown-based notes with optional rich-text editing
• End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for sync to protect note contents
• Sync with multiple providers and standards (including WebDAV-compatible services)
• Web Clipper extension to save web pages or screenshots as notes
• Import from Evernote (ENEX) and import/export Markdown
• Customization via plugins, themes, and an extension API
• Available on desktop and mobile, plus a terminal application

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management across devices with encrypted synchronization
• Migrating from Evernote and consolidating notes into an open format
• Capturing research and articles via web clipping for offline reading

Joplin fits individuals and teams that want flexible note organization, broad sync options, and strong privacy controls. Its open formats and extensibility make it a solid long-term notes and knowledge base solution.

Trilium Notes is a cross-platform note-taking application designed for building large, structured personal knowledge bases. It can be used locally as a desktop app or run as a server to access notes in a browser and synchronize across devices.

Key Features

• Deep hierarchical note tree with cloning (one note can appear in multiple places)
• Rich WYSIWYG editor with Markdown-like autoformat, tables, images, and math
• Code notes with syntax highlighting and dedicated editor
• Full-text search plus fast navigation, hoisting, and command palette-style search
• Note revisions/versioning for review and undo
• Per-note encryption with password-protected sessions
• Web clipper support for saving web content into notes
• Extensibility via attributes, scripting, custom widgets, and built-in REST API
• Multiple note types and visual tools (canvas, Mermaid diagrams, mind maps, relation/note maps)
• Collections for structured workflows (tables, kanban boards, calendar, geomap, presentations)

Use Cases

• Personal or team knowledge base with structured documentation and cross-linked notes
• Research and project organization using tables, kanban boards, diagrams, and saved searches
• Private journaling and sensitive information storage using per-note encryption

Limitations and Considerations

• Uses an SQLite database; sharing the database directly over a network drive is discouraged due to corruption risk
• Not intended as a large-file storage system; synchronization can be unreliable with very large uploads
• No official native mobile app; mobile access is primarily via the web/mobile frontend (PWA)

Trilium Notes combines a strong hierarchical model with powerful search, versioning, and automation features. It is well-suited for users who want an extensible knowledge base that scales to very large collections of notes while keeping control of their data.

Blinko is an open-source, privacy-focused note-taking app designed for quickly capturing short “card” notes and organizing them over time. It adds AI-assisted retrieval using RAG, enabling natural-language search across your personal knowledge base while keeping data under your control.

Key Features

• Card-style note capture optimized for quick, lightweight writing
• Markdown-based notes for simple formatting and portability
• AI-enhanced retrieval using RAG for natural language querying of notes
• Self-hosted data storage emphasizing data ownership and privacy
• Web app built with a modern UI stack
• Optional multi-platform desktop experience via Tauri

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management with fast capture of ideas and snippets
• Searching a private notes archive using natural-language queries
• Lightweight alternative to heavier note systems for daily journaling and memos

Limitations and Considerations

• AI/RAG features may require additional configuration and external model/provider choices depending on your setup

Blinko fits users who want a clean, fast note workflow with Markdown and the option to add AI-powered retrieval. It is especially suited to individuals prioritizing privacy and control while still benefiting from modern AI search.

Standard Notes is a privacy-focused note-taking application that uses end-to-end encryption to protect notes and files so only you can decrypt your data. It supports cross-device sync, offline access, and a flexible editing experience for different writing and organization styles.

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption with a zero-knowledge design for notes and attached files
• Cross-platform apps and web app with sync across unlimited devices
• Offline access so you can read and edit notes without an internet connection
• Multiple editor types, including Markdown and rich text, plus support for code snippets and lists
• Self-hosting support by pointing clients to a custom sync server via configuration
• Built with a public codebase and designed for long-term, durable personal knowledge storage

Use Cases

• Private personal knowledge management for journals, records, and sensitive documents
• Secure storage of credentials, keys, and confidential notes alongside attachments
• Team members or individuals who need a consistent notes workflow across desktop and mobile

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced editor and productivity features are provided via extensions and may require additional configuration or a paid plan depending on the feature

Standard Notes is a strong fit for users who want straightforward note-taking with rigorous privacy guarantees and reliable multi-device access. It is especially well-suited for storing long-lived personal or professional information where confidentiality and portability matter.

Basic Memory is a local-first “memory layer” that lets AI assistants build and reuse long-term context across chats. It stores knowledge as human-editable Markdown files and exposes that knowledge to compatible LLM clients via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Key Features

• Bi-directional read/write memory: AI can create and update notes, and you can edit them with standard tools
• Local Markdown storage with semantic patterns (frontmatter, observations, relations) to form a traversable knowledge graph
• Local indexing and search backed by SQLite for fast retrieval
• MCP server integration to connect with compatible AI clients (for example desktop assistants and editors)
• Multi-project organization for separate knowledge bases
• Optional sync workflows, including real-time syncing and cloud-oriented commands

Use Cases

• Build a personal knowledge base that persists across AI conversations without repeated re-explaining
• Maintain project “working memory” for coding, research, or writing using Markdown and wiki-style linking
• Share consistent prompts, instructions, and structured notes across different AI tools while keeping content editable

Limitations and Considerations

• Effectiveness depends on maintaining consistent note structure (observations/relations) for higher-quality retrieval
• Some cross-device features may depend on optional syncing workflows rather than the core local-only setup

Basic Memory is a practical way to turn conversations into durable, structured notes that both humans and AI can navigate. By keeping the source of truth in plain text Markdown, it aims to stay interoperable with existing editors and workflows while enabling richer, reusable AI context.

Haptic is a minimal, local-first markdown note-taking application designed around privacy and speed. It provides a lightweight, distraction-free editor for personal notes with both a web-hosted interface and a native desktop wrapper.

Key Features

• Local-first storage model using an embedded/local database for private note storage
• Minimal, fast markdown editor focused on keyboard and touch workflows
• Cross-target approach: web interface plus a Tauri-based desktop application
• Modern frontend stack with Svelte and a Tailwind-based design system for theming and layout
• Component-driven UI using a shadcn-inspired component library approach
• Deployment options include a prebuilt Docker image and one-click Vercel deployments

(haptic.md)

Use Cases

• Personal note-taking and personal knowledge management with local-only storage
• Lightweight markdown editing for writers and developers who prefer a distraction-free interface
• Running a private, self-hosted web instance for personal access or small-team usage

Limitations and Considerations

• Syncing across devices, note sharing, and full mobile app support are on the project roadmap but not yet available; current functionality focuses on local storage and single-device workflows
• The desktop app uses Tauri (native wrapper) and some platform targets (Windows/Linux mobile clients) are listed as planned rather than fully supported

(github.com)

Haptic is a pragmatic, privacy-minded markdown editor that prioritizes local-first storage and a minimal UI. It is suited for users who want a lightweight, self-hosted notes app with a modern Svelte/Tailwind frontend and simple deployment options.

Jotty (branded jotty·page) is a lightweight, self-hosted web application for managing personal checklists and rich-text Markdown notes. It stores content in plain Markdown and JSON files, provides optional PGP encryption, and is designed for simple Docker-based deployment.

Key Features

• Checklists with drag-and-drop reordering, progress bars, categories, Kanban-style project boards and time-tracking options.
• Rich-text WYSIWYG notes editor (TipTap) with full Markdown support and syntax highlighting.
• File-based storage: notes and metadata are kept as Markdown and JSON files in a single data directory (no external database required).
• PGP-based encryption and decryption support for user data.
• REST API with authenticated access for programmatic integration and automation.
• User management and admin panel with session tracking, SSO/OIDC support and MFA options.
• Customisable UI: built-in themes, custom themes, and custom emojis/icons.
• Docker-ready packaging and a published container image for straightforward deployment.

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge and task management: local-first notes and checklist management for individuals who prefer file-based storage.
• Small teams or private instances: shared checklists and notes behind an organization-controlled deployment with SSO integration.
• Migration / backup scenarios: users who want readable Markdown files on disk for portability, versioning and backups.

Limitations and Considerations

• File-based storage may be less suitable for very large datasets or high-concurrency multi-tenant deployments compared to a dedicated database-backed system.
• PGP encryption is powerful but requires users to manage keys correctly; losing keys can render data inaccessible.
• No official native mobile apps documented; mobile access relies on the web UI and responsive design.

Jotty is a pragmatic, privacy-conscious option for people and small teams who want readable, file-backed notes and checklists with encryption and easy Docker deployment. It emphasizes simplicity, portability and self-hosting while trading off scalability features found in database-backed platforms.

Alexandrie is a fast, modern web application for taking and organizing notes using an extended Markdown format. It combines a distraction-free editor with structured organization to support personal knowledge bases and technical documentation.

Key Features

• Enhanced Markdown editor with extended syntax for structured notes
• Workspaces, categories, nested documents, and tags for organization
• Instant search across notes
• Sharing via links and a permissions system
• Export and print options including PDF and Markdown
• Offline access via PWA support

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management for students, creators, and knowledge workers
• Team-shared documentation with controlled access and share links
• Building a structured Markdown-based knowledge base with exportable content

Limitations and Considerations

• Some functionality (such as file assets/attachments) depends on configuring S3-compatible object storage

Alexandrie is a strong choice for users who want a Markdown-first notes app with modern UX, flexible organization, and sharing controls. It fits well for both personal note-taking and lightweight knowledge base workflows.

Zen is a simple, lightweight self-hosted notes application designed for fast writing and long-term portability. Notes are stored as standard Markdown files with a local SQLite database for indexing and search.

Key Features

• Single Go binary deployment (or Docker Compose) with very low resource usage
• Notes stored as Markdown with a local SQLite database
• Full-text search with BM25 ranking across titles and content
• Flexible tagging and custom views (“Focus Modes”) instead of rigid folder structures
• Rich Markdown support (tables, code blocks, task lists, highlights, and more)
• Templates and pinned notes for faster capture and organization
• Archive and soft delete with restore capability
• Import/export for portability (Markdown, JSON, and referenced images)
• Responsive, mobile-friendly UI with PWA support, dark mode, and offline reading
• Experimental features: canvas view (JSON Canvas) and MCP server for searching/reading notes

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management with portable Markdown-based storage
• Fast searchable note-taking for developers, students, and researchers
• Lightweight notes service for homelabs or low-resource servers

Limitations and Considerations

• Some capabilities (canvas, MCP server, semantic/similar-image features) are experimental and may change
• Automated backups are handled via a separate companion tool rather than built in

Zen focuses on a clean interface, minimal dependencies, and future-proof storage so your notes remain accessible and easy to migrate. It’s a good fit for users who want a self-contained, low-ops notes app without proprietary formats.

Notesnook is a privacy-focused note-taking application that encrypts notes on the client before sync and storage. It offers desktop, mobile and web clients alongside an open-source sync server and supporting tooling.

Key Features

• End-to-end client-side encryption for notes, with encryption-at-rest and in-transit protections and an open verification tool demonstrating the encryption model.
• Cross-platform clients (desktop, web, mobile) and a browser web clipper for saving pages and articles privately.
• Self-hostable sync server and supporting services (identity, SSE messaging, attachments storage) published under an open-source license.
• Note editor features: Markdown support, tables, code blocks, maths/formulas, lists, task lists, embeds, images and file attachments.
• Bidirectional note linking for personal knowledge management and internal linking between notes.
• Notes vault and password-protected shares for additional access control on sensitive notes.
• Reminders and basic task scheduling integrated in the app.
• Deployment tooling: official repository includes Docker Compose manifests to run services with MongoDB and MinIO for storage.

Use Cases

• Secure personal note-taking and journaling where client-side encryption and privacy are required.
• Personal knowledge management and research workflows using bidirectional links, markdown, and cross-device sync.
• Sharing documents or notes securely with password-protected shared links while keeping primary data encrypted.

Limitations and Considerations

• Self-hosting of the sync server is marked alpha: documentation and official support are limited and self-hosting is provided without support. The repository and Docker Compose make self-hosting possible but administrators should be prepared to manage components (MongoDB, MinIO, identity and messaging services) themselves.
• Some on-premise/self-host settings and full documentation were stated as in progress; production hardening, scaling guidance, and enterprise support may be limited.

Notesnook combines a consumer-facing encrypted note service with open-source clients and a sync server repository. It is geared toward users who prioritize privacy and want the option to run their own sync infrastructure or review the server code.

Nextcloud Notes is a simple, distraction-free note-taking application for Nextcloud. It stores notes as regular files in your Nextcloud, making them accessible and syncable across Nextcloud clients and devices.

Key Features

• Notes stored as files in your Nextcloud (compatible with Nextcloud sync clients)
• Markdown formatting support for writing and previewing
• Categories for organizing notes
• Favorites for quick access to important notes
• JSON-based REST API for integrations and mobile/third-party clients
• Admin defaults configurable via Nextcloud occ commands (mode, file extension, default folder)

Use Cases

• Personal note-taking synced across desktop and mobile via Nextcloud
• Team or shared note folders managed through Nextcloud file sharing
• Integrating notes into custom apps via the Notes REST API

Nextcloud Notes is a good fit if you want lightweight notes that remain plain files inside your Nextcloud storage, while still providing a focused editor, Markdown support, and an integration-friendly API.

Owlistic is an open-source real-time note-taking and task management application that combines a WYSIWYG editor with structured notebooks and inline todos. It provides synchronized collaboration and role-based access control for teams and individuals.

Key Features

• Real-time sync for notes and tasks, enabling instantaneous updates across clients
• Notebook/notes tree for hierarchical organization
• Rich WYSIWYG editor with inline todo items and Markdown import
• JWT-based authentication and role-based access control for multi-user environments
• Trash (soft-delete) support and dark/light UI themes
• Cross-platform client implemented with Dart/Flutter and a backend in Go
• Container-friendly deployment with Docker artifacts

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base and note organization with hierarchical notebooks
• Team note-taking and collaborative task lists with access controls and real-time updates
• Managing project todos and meeting notes with inline tasks and import/export of Markdown content

Limitations and Considerations

• The project is under active development and may contain bugs or breaking changes; APIs and storage schemas can evolve
• Production readiness depends on deployment choices and configuration; additional hardening and backup strategies may be needed for critical use

Owlistic is suited for users who want a self-hostable, real-time notes and todo solution with collaborative features. It pairs a Flutter client with a Go backend and is oriented toward teams that require access controls and instant sync.

Plainpad is a self-hosted note taking application focused on simplicity, privacy, and ease of deployment. It provides a web-based interface with offline support and encrypts notes before storing them in the database to protect user data.

Key Features

• Per-user note storage with encryption applied before persistence
• Web Progressive Web App (PWA) frontend with offline access and sync
• Multi-user support with user isolation so users cannot read each other's notes
• Built with a PHP backend (Laravel) and a JavaScript frontend; frontend build uses Node.js tooling
• Easy deployment via Docker Compose for simple local or server installs
• Uses a relational database (MySQL) for storing encrypted notes and metadata

Use Cases

• Personal, privacy-focused note taking where users retain full control of their data
• Small teams or organizations needing isolated user notes hosted on internal infrastructure
• Offline-capable note access for mobile or intermittent connectivity scenarios

Plainpad is a minimal, privacy-oriented notes platform suitable for users who want a self-hosted, encrypted notes solution with straightforward deployment and offline support. It emphasizes simple UX and data ownership while relying on common web and container tooling for installation.

Silicon Notes is a lightweight, low-friction personal knowledge base and wiki-style note app. It provides plaintext Markdown editing with HTML rendering, a simple no-frills UI, and tools for organizing and searching pages.

Key Features

• Markdown-based editing with rendered HTML and syntax highlighting for code blocks
• Bi-directional page relationships (backlinks) and an in-page table of contents sidebar
• Full-text and title search for fast retrieval of notes
• Page history and revision tracking for auditing and rollback
• Export and import of pages and revisions as JSON for portability
• Optional CodeMirror editor for enhanced editing experience; configurable editor via environment
• Simple deployment options: SQLite-backed instance, container images and docker-compose samples

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base for developers, researchers, or hobbyists who prefer Markdown
• Lightweight wiki for a small team on a private LAN or VPN-protected server
• Archival and searchable notes with revision history and portable JSON exports

Limitations and Considerations

• No built-in authentication or authorization; intended for trusted/private networks or behind reverse proxies with access control
• Default SQLite storage may limit scalability for larger teams or high-concurrency environments
• Optional CodeMirror assets add frontend weight and must be installed separately if enabled

Silicon Notes is suited for users seeking a simple, self-contained note/wiki app focused on Markdown, searchability, and minimal operational complexity. It emphasizes portability and ease of deployment over enterprise features and multi-tenant access control.

Nanote is a lightweight, self-hosted note-taking application that stores notes as plain markdown files and folders on the filesystem, providing full portability. It is built with Nuxt, Vue and TypeScript and focuses on simplicity, fast search, and direct file access.

Key Features

• Notebook-based organization using folders as notebooks and .md files as notes
• Filesystem storage with no database dependency for full portability and easy backups
• Native Markdown support with Milkdown editor and proper MIME handling
• Universal, OS-optimized search for fast content discovery across all notes
• Type-safe REST API with validation for programmatic access
• Docker-ready with sample compose file for quick deployment
• File upload support and custom inline remark directives (e.g., inline file pickers, date shortcuts)
• Mobile-friendly responsive layout for viewing and editing notes

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management where notes must remain portable and editable with any text editor
• Lightweight team/documentation server backed by a filesystem or shared volume
• Replace simple note apps with markdown-first workflow and fast search across local files

Limitations and Considerations

• Encryption at rest is not implemented (listed as pending in project roadmap)
• Feature set is early-stage: some planned features (archive, rollup checklists, desktop/mobile apps) are incomplete
• Local development requires Node.js, PNPM, and optional ugrep for optimized search; deployments may need environment variables configured for note and upload paths

Nanote is suited for users who prefer file-based markdown workflows and want a minimal, performant web UI over their existing notes. It prioritizes portability and simple operation while remaining extensible via its API.

Turtl is a privacy-focused note-taking app designed to store personal knowledge (notes, bookmarks, and files) with end-to-end encryption. It provides cross-platform clients and a sync server you can run yourself so data remains encrypted both at rest and in transit.

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption for notes, bookmarks, and attached files (client-side encryption)
• Organize content with boards/spaces and tags for personal knowledge management
• Full-text search across your content (client-side)
• Rich note content including markdown-style formatting support (client UX dependent)
• Cross-device sync using the Turtl Server backend
• Sharing/collaboration features (shared spaces/boards) supported by the platform
• Multi-platform clients (desktop and mobile) designed to work with the same account/server

Use Cases

• Keep a private encrypted personal knowledge base (research notes, journal, snippets)
• Save and tag bookmarks/read-later items with encrypted metadata and content
• Share an encrypted workspace with a small team for sensitive project notes

Limitations and Considerations

• The project’s ecosystem has historically had periods of lower maintenance activity; verify current client/server compatibility and last release before adopting for critical use.
• Some features and UX vary by client platform (desktop vs mobile) depending on current client state.

Turtl fits users who want a note and bookmark manager that prioritizes confidentiality through client-side encryption while still supporting syncing and collaboration. It is best evaluated by matching your preferred client platforms with the currently maintained server and client versions.