CherryTree vs QOwnNotes
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted notes & knowledge base options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | CherryTree | QOwnNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 89 · Excellent | 90 · Excellent |
| Category | Notes & Knowledge Base | Notes & Knowledge Base |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Language | C++ | C++ |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | binary, source | binary, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 3,951 | ★ 5,886 |
| First released | 2009 | 2014 |
| Replaces | OneNote, Evernote | Evernote, OneNote |
What are CherryTree and QOwnNotes?
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
QOwnNotes
QOwnNotes is an open-source plain-text note-taking and to-do application with Markdown support. It integrates tightly with Nextcloud and ownCloud for syncing notes across devices.
- Plain-text Markdown notes
- Nextcloud and ownCloud sync
- Scripting support
- Note versioning via Nextcloud
CherryTree vs QOwnNotes: key differences
Both projects are written in C++. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for CherryTree versus GPL-2.0 for QOwnNotes. CherryTree is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 256 MB for QOwnNotes. CherryTree is the more established project (first released 2009), while QOwnNotes arrived in 2014.
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 QOwnNotes if…
- Pairs well with Nextcloud
- Notes remain plain files
Watch out for
- Desktop only
- Interface feels utilitarian
Frequently asked questions
Is CherryTree or QOwnNotes better?
Neither is universally better. QOwnNotes has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are CherryTree and QOwnNotes free and open-source?
Yes. CherryTree is licensed under GPL-3.0 and QOwnNotes under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run CherryTree and QOwnNotes with Docker?
CherryTree: check the project docs for container support. QOwnNotes: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, CherryTree or QOwnNotes?
CherryTree has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for QOwnNotes. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.