SOFTWARE/PRODUCTIVITY/NOTE-TAKING APPS/SELF-HOSTED NOTE-TAKING APPS

Best Self-hosted note-taking apps in 2026

10 ranked, with a plain verdict on every entry.

VERIFIEDLISTER SCORE · UPDATED REGULARLY

Outline ranks first among the top 10 Self-hosted note-taking apps in 2026, with a Lister Score of 98.0.

Outline takes the top spot on this list for Teams seeking an open-source knowledge base, and enables real-time collaboration on documents. Memos is built for Personal journaling, and sends zero telemetry and keeps new memos private by default. Affine serves Teams building connected internal knowledge bases, and offers local-first workflows for full data control.

RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM

OutlineFeatures a built-in MCP server for AI integration98.0NEW–

MemosThe product is open source and supports Markdown with LaTeX math96.0NEW–

AffineCombines structured docs, visual whiteboards, and databases in one place92.0NEW–

DocmostEnables easy migration from Confluence and Notion92.0NEW–

NotesnookOffers unlimited notes on unlimited devices for free92.0NEW–

Basic MemoryBuilt for Teams using multiple AI agents90.0NEW–

ObsidianOffers thousands of plugins and themes for customisation86.0NEWFree (with optional paid add-ons)

SilverBulletEnsures private by default access to notes across devices84.0NEW–

Trilium NextAutomatically updates versions every day82.0NEW–

JoplinUses end-to-end encryption to secure notes78.0NEW–

CURATED · UPDATED REGULARLY

The ranking, in detail

Outline

A fast, collaborative team knowledge base with AI search

Outline is a team knowledge base and wiki designed to organise information. It helps teams stop losing documents and reduces repetitive queries.

Best for Teams seeking an open-source knowledge base

98.0

Memos

Seconds to write. Yours to keep.

Memos is a timeline for quick thoughts and daily notes. It requires no title or folder before writing.

Best for Personal journaling

96.0

Affine

Write, draw, plan, all at once with AI.

AFFiNE is an open-source knowledge base software combining docs, whiteboards, databases, and AI. It operates as a local-first workspace that consolidates these elements into one platform.

Best for Teams building connected internal knowledge bases

92.0

Docmost

Enterprise-ready on-premises wiki for secure team collaboration

Docmost is an on-premises wiki designed for enterprise teams. It allows organisations to securely manage company knowledge while maintaining full control over their data.

Best for Enterprise teams requiring strict data sovereignty and compliance

92.0

Notesnook

Open source private note taking for everyone

Notesnook is an open source note taking application that prioritises user privacy. It ensures that only the user can read their notes through end-to-end encryption.

92.0

Basic Memory

Knowledge tools built to last

Basic Memory is an open-source knowledge base that stores data as plain Markdown files within a structured graph. It allows users to retain full ownership of their information while enabling AI tools to traverse and utilise the connected context.

Best for Teams using multiple AI agents

90.0

Obsidian

Local-first note system with optional AI features

Obsidian is a product. It says it is built for individual knowledge workers.

Best for Advanced students and researchers building interconnected knowledge bases

86.0

SilverBullet

The knowledge management system that grows with you

SilverBullet is an open source markdown knowledge management system that adapts to personal, team, or family needs.

Best for individuals and teams seeking flexible, self-hosted knowledge bases

84.0

Trilium Next

Cheap and dead-simple hosting for Trilium Notes

Trilium Next offers cheap and dead-simple hosting for Trilium Notes. It is an open source personal knowledge base application.

Best for users seeking a hosted personal knowledge base

82.0

Joplin

Free your notes with secure open source software

Joplin is an open source note-taking app that allows users to capture thoughts and securely access them from any device.

Best for users seeking a user-friendly open-source solution

78.0

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best Self-hosted note-taking apps?

Outline ranks first on Lister. Outline is a team knowledge base and wiki designed to organise information. It helps teams stop losing documents and reduces repetitive queries.

What are the top 10 Self-hosted note-taking apps?

1. Outline; 2. Memos; 3. Affine; 4. Docmost; 5. Notesnook; 6. Basic Memory; 7. Obsidian; 8. SilverBullet; 9. Trilium Next; 10. Joplin.

Are there free options for Self-hosted note-taking apps?

Obsidian lists a free option in the recorded pricing. Check the provider's current terms and limits.

What do the top four say they are built for?

Outline says it is built for Teams seeking an open-source knowledge base, and Memos for Personal journaling. Affine says it is built for Teams building connected internal knowledge bases, and Docmost for Enterprise teams requiring strict data sovereignty and compliance.

What should a buyer check before signing up?

Outline states that AI question answering is not included in the free Community Edition plan. Memos states that Memos does not support importing data from other note applications. Trilium Next states that there is no hard storage limit but large media may reduce performance. Those are the limits each product publishes itself, not a full account of any plan.

Related rankings

SOFTWAREVERIFIED

Best Self-hosted note-taking apps in 2026

The ranking, in detail

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Self-hosted note-taking apps?

What are the top 10 Self-hosted note-taking apps?

Are there free options for Self-hosted note-taking apps?

What do the top four say they are built for?

What should a buyer check before signing up?

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