Best Butterfly alternatives (2026)
Looking to replace Butterfly? These 8 alternatives come from our verified catalog. Each one links only to its publisher’s official source, and we show its current version, user rating and virus scan so you can compare them honestly.
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Official download
Joplin
Laurent Cozic
Joplin is a privacy-focused note taking app with sync capabilities for cross-platform use.
- Windows
- v3.7.16 · September 6, 2026
- ✓ 0/52
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Official download
Notesnook
Streetwriters
A fully open source and end-to-end encrypted note-taking application, serving as an alternative to Evernote.
- Windows
- v3.4.7 · August 31, 2026
- ✓ 0/67
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Official download
note-gen
Codexu
A cross-platform Markdown AI note-taking software.
- Windows
- v0.36.0 · August 26, 2026
- ✓ 0/69
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Official download
AFFiNE
ToEverything
AFFiNE is an open-source knowledge base combining planning, sorting, and creating with privacy-first design.
- Windows
- v0.27.4 · August 18, 2026
- ✓ 0/68
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Official download
MarkText
Mark Text
A simple and elegant markdown editor, available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Windows
- v0.19.1 · June 6, 2026
- ✓ 0/57
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Official download
Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher
Quick file search and application launcher for Windows with community-made plugins.
- Windows
- v2.1.3 · June 8, 2026
- ✓ 0/66
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Official download
Zettlr
Zettlr
A markdown editor for academic writing, note-taking, and publishing with Zettelkasten support.
- Windows
- v4.7.0 · July 26, 2026
- ✓ 1/52
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Official download
Freeplane
Freeplane Team
Freeplane is an application for mind mapping, knowledge management, and project management, enabling effective organization and communication of ideas.
- Windows
- v1.13.3 · July 14, 2026
- ✓ 0/56
Butterfly vs the alternatives
A side-by-side view, built only from verified data.
| App | Developer | Platforms | Version | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly this one | Linwood Cloud | Windows | 2.5.5 | — |
| Joplin | Laurent Cozic | Windows | 3.7.16 | — |
| Notesnook | Streetwriters | Windows | 3.4.7 | — |
| note-gen | Codexu | Windows | 0.36.0 | — |
| AFFiNE | ToEverything | Windows | 0.27.4 | — |
| MarkText | Mark Text | Windows | 0.19.1 | — |
| Flow Launcher | Flow Launcher | Windows | 2.1.3 | — |
| Zettlr | Zettlr | Windows | 4.7.0 | — |
| Freeplane | Freeplane Team | Windows | 1.13.3 | — |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Butterfly?
Based on our verified catalog, Joplin is the strongest alternative to Butterfly. Other solid options are Joplin, Notesnook, note-gen and AFFiNE. Every one links to its official source.
Are there free alternatives to Butterfly?
Yes. All 8 alternatives listed here are free to download from their official source, and many are open source.
Are these Butterfly alternatives safe to download?
Each download links only to the publisher’s official source — never a third-party mirror or bundled installer. Where the publisher provides a checksum we show it, and installers are checked against multiple antivirus engines.