Trilium Notes vs Evernote

Self-host swap-in for Evernote. · Self-host Evernote · Trilium Notes on os-alt

Trilium Notes is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Evernote — license AGPL-3.0, 15min docker run + desktop client install to stand up, and $5 vps for the sync server; desktop apps are free. Compare against Evernote's Personal $14.99/mo; Professional $17.99/mo with offline access + multi-device below.

	Trilium Notesopen-source	Evernotepaid SaaS
Category	Personal notes / web clipper / archive	Personal notes / web clipper / archive
License / pricing	`AGPL-3.0`	Personal $14.99/mo; Professional $17.99/mo with offline access + multi-device
Starting price	$0 self-host	$14.99/user/mo
GitHub	TriliumNext/Notes ★ 2.92k · last commit 11mo agodead · archived	closed source
Setup time	15min docker run + desktop client install	SaaS — sign up + bill
Monthly cost	$5 VPS for the sync server; desktop apps are free.	from $14.99/user/mo (Personal $14.99/mo; Professional $17.99/mo with offline access + multi-device)

Switching from Evernote to Trilium Notes

Run `docker run -p 8080:8080 -v ~/trilium-data:/home/node/trilium-data triliumnext/notes:latest`. Evernote ENEX import works directly: Settings → Import → Evernote ENEX. Trilium's tree+attribute model is more powerful than Evernote (unlimited nesting, computed attributes, scripts), but you'll spend a couple of hours re-learning the model.

Good fit for: Power users who outgrew Evernote's flat notebook model and want a hierarchical knowledge base with scripting.
Weak at: Mobile experience — there's no first-party mobile app, just a responsive web view; awkward on phones.
License note: Original `zadam/trilium` is archived; TriliumNext is the active community fork.

Other open-source self-host alternatives to Evernote

Joplin
AGPL-3.010min — desktop/mobile app + Joplin Server (or any WebDAV) for sync$5 VPS for Joplin Server (or $0 with Nextcloud / Dropbox / S3 sync); the apps are free desktop/mobile.
Logseq
AGPL-3.05min installer (desktop) + Logseq Sync or self-hosted CouchDB$0 with local-only or git-backed sync; ~$5 VPS if you self-host the CouchDB sync backend.

In a terminal? npx os-alt evernote prints Evernote's self-host options — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Is Trilium Notes a free alternative to Evernote?

Yes — Trilium Notes is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $5 VPS for the sync server; desktop apps are free.. Evernote starts at $14.99/user/mo (Personal $14.99/mo; Professional $17.99/mo with offline access + multi-device).

How long does Trilium Notes take to set up vs Evernote?

Self-hosting Trilium Notes: 15min docker run + desktop client install. Evernote is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.

What is Trilium Notes good at, and what is it weak at?

Good fit for: Power users who outgrew Evernote's flat notebook model and want a hierarchical knowledge base with scripting.. Weak at: Mobile experience — there's no first-party mobile app, just a responsive web view; awkward on phones..