Joplin vs Note Cargo: Which is better? (2026)

Joplin is a free, open-source Markdown note app with E2E encryption that supports S3 and WebDAV sync.

TL;DRJoplin is an open-source Markdown app with E2E encryption and S3/WebDAV sync support. It runs as a desktop and mobile app.

Note Cargo is web-based, lighter (~30 MB RAM), and simpler to set up - just point it at your S3/R2 bucket and go.

Joplin wins on offline support and E2E encryption. Note Cargo wins on simplicity and a web-first experience.

Note Cargo wins

Tied

Joplin wins

Feature

Joplin

Note Cargo

Pricing

Starting price

Free

Pricing model

Free

One-Time

Demo/Trial

Data & Privacy

You own your storage

Doesn't train on your notes

Open source

Sync All Devices

Device Theft Resistant

Unlimited Storage

Platform

Web app

Mobile app

Desktop app

Offline access

Bloated Features

MCP Support

Markdown & Portability

Markdown support

Export Data

Notes Linking

Codeblock

Collaboration

Real-time collaboration

Note sharing

Self-Hosting

Self-hostable

Low RAM usage

Modifiable code

No Database

Zero Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Joplin and Note Cargo?

Both support Markdown and self-hosting. The main differences: Note Cargo is web-based (no desktop app to install), lighter on RAM (~30 MB vs Joplin's Electron), and has a cleaner modern UI. Joplin has stronger offline support and E2E encryption.

Can I use the same S3 bucket for Joplin and Note Cargo?

Technically yes - both read from S3-compatible storage. However they use different file structures, so switching between them requires re-uploading your notes in the correct format.

Does Note Cargo have end-to-end encryption like Joplin?

Not currently. Note Cargo relies on your S3/R2 bucket's access controls and HTTPS for security. Joplin offers client-side E2E encryption before upload. If E2E encryption is a requirement, Joplin has the edge.

Is Note Cargo easier to set up than Joplin?

Yes. Note Cargo runs as a single Docker container pointed at your S3/R2 bucket. Joplin requires installing a desktop or mobile app, configuring a sync backend, and managing Electron dependencies.