Compare software

TriliumNext NotesTheBrain
Free

Free and open source under the AGPL 3.0.

 Free

The desktop app is free according to the developer's site.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, Self-hosted Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Cloning puts one note in several places without copying it
  • Rich text, code notes, canvases, Mermaid diagrams and relation maps
  • Ideas can link to many contexts without duplication
  • Long-developed product with a large user base
  • Notes live in a database, not plain files, so lock-in is real
  • The interface is dense and takes a while to get comfortable with
  • Network-style interface takes time to learn
  • Not open source
Downloadable app, Self-hosted Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License: AGPL-3.0 License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 21, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.