CherryTree vs Joplin
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted notes & knowledge base options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Joplin
Open-source note-taking and to-do app with sync
| Feature | CherryTree | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 89 · Excellent | 100 · Excellent |
| Category | Notes & Knowledge Base | Notes & Knowledge Base |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | C++ | TypeScript |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | binary, source | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,951 | ★ 56,477 |
| First released | 2009 | 2017 |
| Replaces | OneNote, Evernote | Evernote, OneNote |
What are CherryTree and Joplin?
CherryTree
Cherrytree is an open-source hierarchical note-taking application featuring rich text and syntax highlighting. It stores everything in a single XML or SQLite file, making it easy to back up and move.
- Hierarchical note tree
- Rich text and code highlighting
- Single-file XML or SQLite storage
- Password protection
Joplin
Joplin is an open-source note-taking and to-do application with Markdown editing, web clipper, and end-to-end encrypted sync. It targets individuals who want private, portable notes across devices. It can sync via a self-hosted Joplin Server, Nextcloud, or WebDAV.
- Markdown notes and to-dos
- End-to-end encrypted sync
- Web clipper extension
- Apps on every platform
CherryTree vs Joplin: key differences
CherryTree is written in C++, while Joplin is built with TypeScript. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for CherryTree versus AGPL-3.0 for Joplin. CherryTree is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Joplin. CherryTree is the more established project (first released 2009), while Joplin arrived in 2017. Joplin has the considerably larger community, at 56,477 GitHub stars versus 3,951. Joplin lists first-class Docker deployment; CherryTree does not.
Why pick each one
Choose CherryTree if…
- Highly portable single-file notes
- Good for structured notes
Watch out for
- Desktop only
- No built-in sync
Choose Joplin if…
- Strong privacy with E2EE
- Flexible sync options
- Active development
Watch out for
- Sync server setup optional but extra
- Editor less polished than rivals
Frequently asked questions
Is CherryTree or Joplin better?
Neither is universally better. Joplin has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are CherryTree and Joplin free and open-source?
Yes. CherryTree is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Joplin under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run CherryTree and Joplin with Docker?
CherryTree: check the project docs for container support. Joplin: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, CherryTree or Joplin?
CherryTree has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Joplin. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.