Best Linux Note-Taking Apps for OneNote & Notion Users
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Obsidian: The Power User's Choice
ObsidianFlatpakDetails → If you liked Notion's flexibility but hated the cloud dependency, Obsidian is the closest Linux alternative. It stores your notes as plain Markdown files in a local folder, which means you can open them with any text editor if the app ever fails. The plugin ecosystem allows you to build a database-like structure similar to Notion pages, complete with bidirectional links and graph views.
Obsidian is proprietary but free for personal use. With over 72,000 Flathub installs last month, it is the most popular choice in this category. The interface is clean and fast, though the steep learning curve for plugins may take a few days to master.
Joplin: The Direct Evernote Replacement
JoplinOpen sourceFreeFlatpakDetails → Joplin is the most straightforward swap for Evernote users. It is open-source (AGPL-3.0) and supports end-to-end encrypted syncing via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Nextcloud. Like Evernote, it features a hierarchical notebook structure, tags, and web clipping capabilities. The interface feels familiar if you have used Windows note-taking apps, with a sidebar for navigation and a main pane for editing.
Joplin stores data in Markdown but wraps it in a proprietary format for sync compatibility. If you need to export, you can convert back to standard Markdown. It has around 10,000 Flathub installs monthly, making it a stable and well-supported option for users who want a 'set and forget' experience.
Logseq: For Non-Linear Thinking
LogseqOpen sourceFreeFlatpakDetails → Logseq is a local-first, outliner-based knowledge base. Instead of long-form documents, you structure your notes as bullet points. This is ideal if you use Notion primarily for daily journals or task lists. It supports Markdown and Org-mode, and all data is stored locally as plain text files, ensuring you never lose access to your notes.
With over 17,000 Flathub installs last month, Logseq has a solid community. It is AGPL-3.0 licensed, so it is fully open-source. The app excels at connecting ideas through backlinks, making it a powerful tool for research and project planning, though it may feel restrictive if you prefer writing long-form essays.
BasKet Note Pads: The Lightweight KDE Option
BasKet Note PadsOpen sourceFreeDiscontinuedDetails → If you are on a KDE Plasma desktop and want something lightweight without the complexity of Obsidian or Logseq, BasKet Note Pads is worth considering. It is a free-form note-taking app that organizes notes into 'pads' (similar to OneNote sections). It supports rich text, to-dos, and clippings, making it a decent, if less powerful, alternative for casual note-taking.
BasKet is GPL-2.0 licensed and has been around for a long time. It is not as feature-rich as the modern web-tech-based apps, but it is stable and resource-efficient. If you just need to jot down notes and keep them organized without a steep learning curve, this is a solid choice.
Standard Notes: Security First
Standard NotesOpen sourceFreeFlatpakDetails → Standard Notes is a cross-platform, end-to-end encrypted notes app. If your main concern with OneNote or Notion was data privacy, this is the best option. It stores your notes in an encrypted format and syncs across devices using your own servers or their hosted service. The interface is minimal, focusing on plain text and Markdown.
With about 2,700 Flathub installs last month, it is less popular than Joplin or Obsidian, but it has a dedicated user base. The app is AGPL-3.0-only licensed. It is not as feature-rich as Obsidian, but if encryption and simplicity are your top priorities, it is a reliable tool.
Bottom line
For most users switching from Windows, Obsidian is the best all-around replacement for Notion due to its flexibility and local-first design. If you want a direct, familiar swap for Evernote with easy syncing, Joplin is the safer bet. Logseq is ideal for outliner-style thinking, while BasKet and Standard Notes serve more niche needs for lightweight or encrypted notes. Start with Obsidian or Joplin, as they have the largest communities and the most stable Linux builds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sync my notes between Linux and Windows?
Yes. Joplin, Obsidian (via plugins or git), and Standard Notes all support cross-platform syncing. You can use services like Nextcloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive to keep your notes in sync across operating systems.
Which app is best for replacing OneNote?
Joplin is the closest functional equivalent to OneNote, with a similar hierarchical structure and web clipping features. BasKet Note Pads is also a lightweight alternative if you prefer KDE tools.
Are these apps free?
Joplin, Logseq, BasKet, and Standard Notes are open-source and free. Obsidian is free for personal use but proprietary. All are available for download via Flathub or your distribution's package manager.
Do I need to use a cloud service?
No. Obsidian, Logseq, and BasKet are local-first and do not require cloud services. Joplin and Standard Notes offer cloud syncing but can also work locally if you prefer to manage your own data.