Self-Hosted Alternatives to Google Keep
Why Replace Google Keep?
Google Keep is free — until you consider the cost. Your notes live on Google’s servers, searchable by Google’s algorithms, and subject to Google’s data policies. Google has shut down more than 290 products, and while Keep isn’t likely next, your notes are locked into Google’s ecosystem with no practical export path beyond a basic data takeaway.
| Concern | Google Keep | Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Google reads note content for search indexing | Your server, your data |
| Data ownership | Google’s servers, Google’s terms | Your hardware, your rules |
| Export | Limited (Google Takeout gives HTML) | Full database access |
| Offline access | Limited | Full offline with sync |
| Formatting | Basic | Markdown, rich text, or wiki |
| Attachments | Images only | Any file type |
| Collaboration | Google account required | Self-managed users |
Best Alternatives
Joplin Server — Best Overall Replacement
Joplin is the closest match to Google Keep’s use case — quick notes with sync across devices. But it goes further: Markdown support, end-to-end encryption, file attachments, notebooks, tags, and a full desktop and mobile app.
Why it wins: Joplin has native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The mobile app is polished — quick note capture, checklists, photos. This is the Google Keep replacement for people who actually use their phone for notes.
The trade-off: Joplin Server requires its own instance for sync. You can alternatively sync via Nextcloud or WebDAV, but the dedicated server provides the best experience.
Read our full guide: How to Self-Host Joplin Server
Trilium — Best for Power Users
Trilium is a hierarchical note-taking app with features that make Keep look like a sticky note. Relation maps, scripting, cloning notes, code notes, book-reading tracker, day notes — it’s closer to a personal wiki than a note app.
Why to choose it: If your note-taking has outgrown Keep and you want something you can build a personal knowledge system in. Trilium’s tree structure and note relations let you organize information in ways flat note apps can’t.
The trade-off: No official mobile app. The web UI works on mobile browsers but isn’t optimized for quick capture. If mobile note-taking is critical, use Joplin instead.
Read our full guide: How to Self-Host Trilium
BookStack — Best for Organized Knowledge
BookStack organizes content into Books → Chapters → Pages. It’s less a note-taking app and more a structured knowledge base. If your Google Keep usage has evolved into organized reference material (recipes, procedures, research), BookStack provides the structure Keep lacks.
Why to choose it: WYSIWYG editor, drawings, attachments, search, user permissions. Clean interface that non-technical family members can use.
The trade-off: Not designed for quick capture. No mobile app. Better suited to reference content than fleeting notes.
Read our full guide: How to Self-Host BookStack
Memos — Best Keep Lookalike
Memos is an open-source, self-hosted memo hub with a timeline interface that feels similar to Keep’s card layout. Markdown, tags, and a mobile-friendly web UI make it a genuine drop-in replacement for simple note-taking.
Why to choose it: Closest visual match to Google Keep’s simplicity. Quick capture, tagging, search. Minimal setup — single container with SQLite.
The trade-off: Smaller community than Joplin or Trilium. No native mobile app (responsive web UI only).
Migration Guide
Export from Google Keep
- Go to Google Takeout
- Deselect all products, then select only Keep
- Choose export format and download
- You’ll get HTML files for each note
Import to Joplin
Joplin doesn’t natively import Google Keep exports. Use the community tool google-keep-to-joplin:
pip install google-keep-to-joplin
google-keep-to-joplin --input ./Takeout/Keep --output ./joplin-importThen import the generated Markdown files into Joplin via File → Import → Markdown.
Import to BookStack
BookStack doesn’t have direct import. Convert Keep HTML exports to Markdown, then paste into BookStack pages. For large collections, use the BookStack API to create pages programmatically.
Cost Comparison
| Google Keep | Self-Hosted (Joplin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $0 | $0 (own hardware) or ~$5/month (VPS) |
| Storage | 15 GB shared with Gmail/Drive | Unlimited (your disk) |
| Privacy cost | Your data = Google’s product | Zero data sharing |
| Lock-in risk | High (Google ecosystem) | None (standard Markdown files) |
What You Give Up
- Google ecosystem integration — Keep syncs with Google Docs, Calendar, and Assistant. Self-hosted notes don’t integrate with Google services.
- Voice notes — Keep transcribes voice memos. Joplin supports audio attachments but doesn’t transcribe.
- Collaborative editing — Keep’s real-time collaboration with Google account users is seamless. Self-hosted alternatives require user management.
- Zero setup — Keep works immediately. Self-hosted options require server setup and maintenance.
For most users, Joplin replaces Google Keep with better features. The mobile apps are mature, sync is reliable, and your notes stay private.
Related
Get self-hosting tips in your inbox
New guides, comparisons, and setup tutorials — delivered weekly. No spam.