Dev tools · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to Quilly – A simple, open-source personal knowledge management app
I wanted a simple note-taking/personal knowledge management app. Existing tools like Notion, Obsidian etc. felt too complicated for me. So, I created Quilly - a straightforward, fast, and private note-taking app. Here's what it offers: - It's open source. - It uses Markdown, so you're not locked in with a specific platform. - Your notes are saved locally. - You can tag your notes. - It supports code highlighting.
Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Quilly – A simple, open-source personal knowledge management app launched in 2023; newer entries below may have overtaken it.
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Hi HN – we first launched Supernotes[1] to HN in April 2020, and since then Tobias and I (it's just the two of us) have put in the work to make what we hope is an amazing note-taking app. Although the note-taking / personal knowledge management landscape is incredibly competitive at the moment (with lots of great apps adding great new features every day), we think that with the newly released Supernotes 2 we're keeping pace and delivering a unique and satisfying knowledge management experience. Here's the combination of features that make us stand out: - a powerful markdown-based…
2022 · supernotes.app · its alternatives →
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This project began when I realized that despite trying many fantastic note-taking apps, I often defaulted to dumping notes into chat apps like Slack or iMessage. I wanted to bring that effortless “text yourself” note-taking experience to a dedicated note-taking app. Originally developed as a macOS app, Strflow is now also available for iOS. Strflow is designed to make note-taking as quick and intuitive as possible, centered around a chronological timeline UI. Here are some of its features: * Tag system * Rich editor with text formatting, images, and note linking * Global shortcuts for quick…
2024 · strflow.app · its alternatives →
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OpenNotas▲379The best personal note-taking app, fast, secure & free
2024 · opennotas.io · its alternatives →
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Better Notes▲357Simple notes app that ties notes together with #hashtags
2016 · betternotesapp.com · its alternatives →
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Notea▲288Free self-hosted open source note taking app, like Notion
2021 · cinwell.com · its alternatives →
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QuickNote.io▲145📝 Minimalist, 🙈 anonymous and 🆓 free note taking app
2018 · quicknote.io · its alternatives →
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A fast journal app for those spontaneous thoughts and ideas
2017 · jot.webflow.io · its alternatives →
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On iOS, I've flip-flopped back and forth between a bunch of note-taking and journaling apps. None would stick. My initial attempts at building such an app faded just the same, until I realized I wanted the same level of low-friction posting and browsing offered by social media apps, but for my quick notes. Not social, just easy posting, search, and a familiar feed. This is how Journelly came to be. I like to describe it as: tweeting, but for your eyes only (fully offline and in plain text). If you’re an Org markup user, you’ll be delighted to know it’s powered by unicorns under the hood. If…
2025 · xenodium.com · its alternatives →
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Dumbnote▲141Offline-first Markdown note app. No lock-in. Just write.
2025 · dumbnote.app · its alternatives →
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MinkNote▲157Private macOS notes app built on plain Markdown files. No databases, no lock-in. Native, keyboard-first, and designed for knowledge organization.
Jul 2026 · muse23.com · its alternatives →
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Thank you for your comments, just some context: - The app is available for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, and the Web. - The Web version is implemented as a Progressive Web Application that is very responsive, local first, offline first, can be installed, and is entirely free to use. - Native (hybrid) versions do not require subscription fees and have small one-time payment. - You can store your notes in Git using any Git provider such as GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. However, it has the best built-in integration with GitHub. Self-hosted scenarios like Gitea are also…
2024 · about.noteshub.app · its alternatives →
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2023 · site.ducknote.app · its alternatives →
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Hey hacker news, I've worked on a note/wiki app nights and weekends for almost two years. While still missing some essentials and polish, I'm happy with the progress and some of my use cases: personal CRM, work notes, and a place to write/record funny things my kid says. I bought into the hype a few years ago with linking apps but quickly grew tired of spinners and steep learning curves, so I started over with a text box and my HTML skills from twenty years ago. Then Chatgpt came out, giving me the tools to add a bit of magic and dig into my stance on simplicity even more. I'd love…
2024 · grugnotes.com · its alternatives →
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Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →