Outline vs Joplin: Which to Self-Host?
Quick Verdict
Outline is a team knowledge base — use it for shared documentation with real-time collaboration. Joplin Server is a personal note sync backend — use it for encrypted note synchronization across your devices. They’re different categories of software that happen to both involve “notes.”
Overview
Outline is a web-based team wiki with a Notion-like editor, real-time collaboration, and permission controls. All editing happens in the browser. It requires PostgreSQL, Redis, and an external OIDC authentication provider.
Joplin Server is the sync backend for the Joplin note-taking app. It doesn’t have a usable web editor — all note creation and editing happens in the Joplin desktop or mobile clients. The server synchronizes encrypted note data between devices. It requires PostgreSQL.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Outline | Joplin Server |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Web browser | Desktop + mobile apps |
| Real-time collab | Yes | No |
| E2E encryption | No | Yes (client-side) |
| Offline access | No | Yes (full offline) |
| Authentication | External OIDC required | Built-in (email/password) |
| Multi-user | Yes (teams) | Yes (per-user sync) |
| Permissions | Per-collection/document | Per-user (no sharing granularity) |
| Editor | Slash commands, Markdown | Markdown (in desktop app) |
| Plugins | No | 300+ (desktop app) |
| API | REST (full CRUD) | REST (sync protocol) |
| Docker services | 3 (app + PostgreSQL + Redis) | 2 (server + PostgreSQL) |
| RAM usage | 400–800 MB | 150–300 MB |
Installation Complexity
Outline is complex: three services, OIDC configuration, 64-char hex secrets, exact URL matching. A full setup takes 30–60 minutes including the authentication provider.
Joplin Server is simpler: two services, set APP_BASE_URL and database URL. Default admin credentials work out of the box. Running in 10 minutes. Then configure clients to point at the server.
Use Cases
Choose Outline If…
- You need a shared team knowledge base
- Real-time collaboration is required
- You want Notion-like web editing
- You have existing OIDC infrastructure
Choose Joplin Server If…
- You need encrypted personal note sync
- Offline access on desktop and mobile is required
- You want Markdown with 300+ plugins
- You prefer client-side editing over web editing
Final Verdict
This is not a meaningful comparison — use whichever matches your actual need. Team wiki? Outline. Personal encrypted notes? Joplin.
If you want something that works for both personal and team use, look at BookStack (team-friendly with simple personal use) or Docmost (team wiki with simpler auth than Outline).
Related
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