Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Dynalist

Memos is an open-source, privacy-first note-taking service designed for capturing short notes and building a lightweight knowledge base. It is built for fast, local-first writing, with your data stored on your own infrastructure and no built-in tracking.

Key Features

• Markdown-first editor with plain-text oriented storage
• Fast, minimal UI optimized for quick capture and retrieval
• Organize notes with tags and basic structuring for knowledge management
• Share and publish selected notes for others to view
• REST and gRPC APIs for integrating with developer workflows
• Multiple database options, including SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL
• Simple deployment options including Docker, prebuilt binaries, and Kubernetes

Use Cases

• Personal “memo hub” for daily notes, journaling, and quick idea capture
• Team wiki or lightweight internal knowledge base
• Developer logbook for snippets, debugging notes, and infrastructure runbooks

Memos is a good fit when you want a fast, distraction-free notes app that is easy to run and maintain, while keeping full control over your data. Its API access and simple deployment make it practical for both individuals and small teams.

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.

SiYuan is a privacy-focused, open-source personal knowledge management application that organizes content as editable blocks and supports Markdown WYSIWYG. It emphasizes local-first storage with optional end-to-end encrypted synchronization and offers desktop, mobile and Docker deployments. (b3log.org)

Key Features

• Block-based editor with block-level references and two-way links for fine-grained connections.
• Markdown WYSIWYG editing plus large-document (million-word) editing with dynamic loading.
• Built-in database/table view, SQL query embeds and template/snippet support.
• Spaced-repetition flashcards and AI-assisted writing/Q&A via external model APIs.
• OCR support (Tesseract), PDF annotation linking and rich embeds (charts, flowcharts, math).
• Multiple sync options including end-to-end encrypted sync, S3 and WebDAV backends, and Docker deployment. (readmex.com)

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management and research notes with block-level linking for networked thought.
• Publishing and documentation workflows where notes are exported to standard Markdown, HTML or platform-targeted formats.
• Shared team knowledge bases or a self-hosted notes server accessible via Docker and mobile/desktop clients.

Limitations and Considerations

• Some member-only features require payment; the project notes that some capabilities are gated for paid members. (github.com)
• Community discussions and repository issues have raised concerns about telemetry defaults and the need for careful plugin vetting; administrators should review telemetry and plugin settings for privacy-sensitive deployments. (github.com)

SiYuan combines a block-first editor model with server-backed features (Docker, APIs, sync) and desktop/mobile clients, making it suitable for users who want a privacy-oriented, extensible PKM system. Its active open-source repository and plugin ecosystem support customization, but administrators should review paid-feature gating and telemetry settings before production use. (b3log.org)

Logseq is a privacy-first platform for personal knowledge management built around linked, block-based notes organized as a graph. It supports local-first workflows using Markdown or Org-mode files, with additional options for database-backed graphs and real-time collaboration.

Key Features

• Block-based outlining with bidirectional linking and graph-based navigation
• Local file-based graphs using Markdown and Org-mode for longevity and portability
• Task management features integrated into notes (e.g., TODO workflows and queries)
• Whiteboards for spatial thinking with shapes, connectors, drawings, and embeds
• PDF reading and annotation integrated into the knowledge base
• Plugin and theme ecosystem via a dedicated plugin API
• Optional database-backed graphs with sync and real-time collaboration capabilities

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base for research notes, study, and writing workflows
• Daily journaling and task tracking with linked context across projects
• Team knowledge sharing and collaborative note-taking (where collaboration is enabled)

Limitations and Considerations

• Database-backed graphs and real-time collaboration features may be in beta/alpha and can carry higher risk of data issues; backups are recommended

Logseq is well-suited for users who want a durable, local-first note system with strong linking and outlining. Its whiteboards, PDF annotation, and extensibility make it flexible for both personal productivity and collaborative knowledge work.

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.

TiddlyWiki is a self-contained personal wiki and non-linear web notebook implemented in JavaScript. It can run directly in a web browser as a single HTML file, or be deployed using Node.js for more advanced multi-user and automation scenarios.

Key Features

• Single-file wiki that can be opened and used directly in the browser
• “Tiddlers” (small pages/notes) with powerful linking and transclusion for non-linear writing
• Highly customizable UI and behavior via built-in WikiText, macros, and plugins
• Tagging, search, filtering, and flexible navigation for personal knowledge management
• Node.js-based server mode for hosting, building, and automated publishing workflows

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management (notes, journals, research, Zettelkasten-style linking)
• Team or personal documentation and lightweight wikis
• Offline-first portable notebooks stored and shared as a single file

TiddlyWiki is well-suited for users who want a durable, hackable wiki that can live as a file or be hosted as a Node.js application. Its plugin ecosystem and deep customizability make it adaptable to many note-taking and documentation workflows.

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.

TagSpaces is an offline-first, cross-platform application for organizing and managing local files using a flexible tagging system. It works without accounts or a central cloud backend by storing metadata alongside your files, keeping your data portable and private.

Key Features

• Tag files and folders using filename tags or sidecar metadata files
• Fast filtering and search, including a local index service for content search
• Built-in viewers and editors for common formats (text, Markdown, HTML, media)
• Note-taking and simple task lists stored as plain files
• Web Clipper browser extension to save web pages, screenshots, and bookmarks as local files
• Extensible architecture via custom viewers/editors (plugins)
• Optional local AI/LLM integrations (via Ollama) for summarization, tagging, and annotation

Use Cases

• Organize a personal document archive (PDFs, receipts, manuals) with consistent tags
• Build an offline personal knowledge base with notes, web clippings, and media
• Create a portable file-based workspace that can be synced with third-party tools

Limitations and Considerations

• Not optimized for working locations containing more than about 100,000 files

TagSpaces is well-suited for users who want a file-based, vendor-neutral way to manage documents, notes, and media. Its offline design and optional local AI features make it a strong choice for privacy-focused personal and small-team workflows.

SilverBullet is a programmable personal knowledge management platform that runs in the browser and stores content as Markdown pages in a “space.” It combines a clean editor with wiki-style navigation and a scripting system that can generate pages, automate workflows, and build custom functionality.

Key Features

• Markdown-first editor with live preview and outlining tools
• Wiki-style pages with links and bi-directional linked mentions
• Task management across pages
• Querying and “objects” for structured data and database-like workflows
• Lua-based scripting (Space Lua) to create commands, templates, widgets, and dynamically generated content
• Local-first Progressive Web App behavior with offline access and sync to browser storage
• Distributed as a single server binary or as a container image

Use Cases

• Personal notes and wiki-style knowledge base for research, projects, and documentation
• Task tracking embedded in notes with rollups across a workspace
• Building lightweight, custom productivity systems with scripts, templates, and queries

SilverBullet is well-suited for users who want Markdown ownership and the ability to extend their notes environment with scripting and automation. It can function as both a straightforward editor and a highly customizable knowledge platform as your needs grow.

flatnotes is a distraction-free note-taking web app designed around a simple folder of Markdown files instead of a database. It focuses on fast capture and retrieval of notes while keeping your data portable and editable outside the app.

Key Features

• Stores notes as plain Markdown files in a flat directory (no database)
• Mobile-responsive web interface
• Raw Markdown and WYSIWYG editor modes
• Full-text search with an incrementally synced search index
• Tagging for organizing and filtering notes
• Wiki-style links between notes using double-bracket syntax
• Customizable home page and light/dark themes
• Multiple authentication modes including optional read-only mode and 2FA
• RESTful API for programmatic access

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base where notes remain accessible as files
• Lightweight team or household notes/wiki with quick search and tagging
• Homelab note service integrated with scripts via the API

Limitations and Considerations

• Uses a flat folder model (no hierarchical notebooks/folders within the UI)
• Search relies on an index cache, which may need storage and occasional rebuilds for very large libraries

flatnotes is a good fit if you want a simple web UI for Markdown notes without lock-in, while retaining powerful search, tagging, and linking for day-to-day use.

Zim is a graphical desktop wiki editor for maintaining a notebook of interlinked pages. Notes are stored locally as plain text files using wiki-style markup, making them easy to edit, back up, and version.

Key Features

• Wiki-style page linking with quick creation of new pages by linking to non-existent pages
• Notebook stored as a folder structure with support for page attachments (e.g., images and files)
• Lightweight markup for headings, lists, and basic text formatting
• Autosave-focused workflow for fast navigation and editing across pages
• Plugin system for extending functionality (e.g., task lists, equation editing, tray icon, version control integration)

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base and long-term note archive
• Daily or weekly journaling and meeting/lecture notes
• Managing simple task lists alongside project notes

Zim is a solid choice for users who want a local-first, file-based wiki that remains usable without a server and integrates well with typical desktop workflows.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PiGa (Task Keeper) is a keyboard-centric list editor and lightweight task manager designed for power users. It provides a web-based, self-hosted server backend with a focus on fast editing, nested lists, and productivity shortcuts.

Key Features

• Keyboard-first editor with numerous productivity shortcuts for editing, navigation, formatting and task manipulation
• Nested/collapsible tasks allowing hierarchical lists and the ability to collapse children under a parent task
• Per-task tagging and simple metadata to organize items
• Multiple documents with quick switching between lists
• Copying/exporting of tasks (including as Markdown) and clipboard-oriented power-user actions
• Server backend implemented in Scala/Play with a relational database (configured for MariaDB/MySQL via Slick)
• Docker and docker-compose support plus command-line helpers for DB initialization and admin user creation

Use Cases

• Maintain fast, hierarchical TODO lists and project checklists for power users who prefer keyboard workflows
• Capture structured meeting notes or action items with tags and collapsible sections
• Manage recurring lists such as meal plans, shopping lists, or inventories with quick navigation and edits

Limitations and Considerations

• Requires a Java 11 runtime and a relational database (MariaDB/MySQL); initial setup requires DB configuration and table creation
• No official mobile app or built-in multi-device sync beyond the hosted server; experience is primarily web/keyboard-focused
• Defaults include a created admin account at setup that should have its password changed immediately

PiGa is suitable for users who want a fast, keyboard-driven list editor with server-backed storage and control over deployment. It favors power-user workflows over mobile-first interfaces and integrates into standard self-hosted stacks via Docker and a SQL database.

Listaway is a self-hostable web application for teams or individuals to create, manage, and publish lists of items. It supports private team workflows and opt-in public read-only sharing via randomized URLs.

Key Features

• Email/password authentication plus optional OIDC/OAuth2 single sign-on
• Password reset flow with time-limited single-use tokens (SMTP can be configured for delivery)
• Group and instance administration for multi-user/team management
• CRUD for lists, items (name, optional URL, priority, notes), and collections (groups of lists)
• Share lists or collections with randomized public read-only URLs for easy sharing
• Table views sortable by name and priority; configurable sharing permissions among group members
• Built to run with a PostgreSQL database and distributed via Docker / docker-compose; frontend built with Node/Yarn toolchain

Use Cases

• Maintain and publish public wishlists, reading lists, or curated resource lists for teams or communities
• Internal team tracking of components, tasks, or items grouped into collections
• Lightweight shared lists where quick public access via an unlisted URL is useful (e.g., event wishlists, shared shopping/gear lists)

Limitations and Considerations

• Public sharing relies on unguessable randomized URLs and is not a substitute for strict access control; anyone with the URL can view the list
• Requires a PostgreSQL database and basic infrastructure (Docker recommended); no built-in hosted email unless SMTP is configured

In summary, Listaway provides a focused, Postgres-backed solution for creating and sharing lists and collections with team-oriented access control and optional simple public sharing via randomized links.

memEx is a structured personal knowledge base designed around interconnected notes, topic contexts, and step-based pipelines. It focuses on linking information together for long-term learning and documentation, while supporting collaboration and granular privacy.

Key Features

• Notes for documenting individual items or concepts
• Contexts to capture a topic overview and hotlink related notes
• Pipelines to document processes and attach contexts to each step
• Backlinks to view items that reference the current item
• Multi-user design with sharing and collaboration in mind
• Per-note, per-context, and per-pipeline privacy controls
• Email support via SMTP for account and system emails

Use Cases

• Personal Zettelkasten-style knowledge management with strong linking
• Team documentation space for shared concepts, references, and workflows
• Process/runbook documentation using pipelines for repeatable procedures

Limitations and Considerations

• Requires a PostgreSQL database and a configured SECRET_KEY_BASE to start
• Intended to run behind a reverse proxy when exposed externally

memEx is a practical option for users who want a web-accessible, structured PKM system with explicit support for both collaboration and privacy. Its note/context/pipeline model is well suited to turning scattered information into connected knowledge and repeatable processes.