Browse / Alternatives / Evernote
Evernote alternatives for AI agents
3 alternatives to Evernote. 3 have an interface an agent can drive. 2 are open source.
| Listing | License | Agent interface | Reach | Effort | Last activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trilium Notes | AGPL-3.0 | API and MCP server, from the builder | 8 of 10 jobs | Config only | Sep 3, 2026 |
| Anytype | Any Source Available License 1.0 | MCP server, from the builder | 5 of 9 jobs | Not adaptable | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Joplin | AGPL-3.0-or-later | MCP server, from the builder | 5 of 9 jobs | Not adaptable | Sep 3, 2026 |
Trilium Notes
Hierarchical note tree with attributes and scripting, driven by the ETAPI REST API and an in-repo MCP route.
Free
- you want a deeply nested personal or team knowledge tree that an agent can populate through a stable REST API
- you outgrew flat markdown folders and want attributes, relations, and saved searches
- Scripting and widgets
- Sync and protected (encrypted) notes
- AGPL-3.0
- The desktop app and server versions must match for sync; disable auto-updates on the server when using TriliumDroid
- ETAPI needs a token created in the UI (Options > ETAPI) or from POST /etapi/auth/login with the instance password
- MCP route tool names were not read; they come from the core LLM tool registry (packages/core llm/tools)
Anytype
Local-first encrypted knowledge OS with an official MCP server (@anyproto/anytype-mcp) over its local API.
Free: Free · Paid memberships
- you want a Notion-like object database that stays encrypted on your devices and an agent that can file objects into it
- you need offline-first notes that sync peer-to-peer without a server you run
- Sync, encryption, and key management
- Publish pages to the web
2 more jobs are undetermined.
- Any Source Available License 1.0: modification and redistribution only for non-commercial use or within allowed networks; not open source
- The desktop app (or anytype-cli) must be running; the MCP talks to 127.0.0.1:31009 and needs an API key from App Settings
- API calls carry a version header (Anytype-Version 2025-11-08); bump it when the API changes
- Membership prices could not be read from anytype.io (client-rendered page)
Joplin
Open-source notes app with an in-app MCP server, a local Data API, and paid Joplin Cloud sync.
Free apps · Joplin Cloud Basic: €3 per month · Joplin Cloud Pro: €6 per month · Joplin Cloud Teams: €8 per month · Joplin Server Business: €3 per month
- you already keep years of notes in Joplin and want Claude to search and write them without leaving the app
- you want encrypted cross-device notes and are happy to pay a few euros a month for sync
- Upload attachments and resources
- Sync, encryption, sharing, and publishing
- Plugins and web clipper
1 more job is undetermined.
- The MCP server runs inside the desktop app; the app must be open and the service enabled
- packages/server (Joplin Server) is under a Personal Use License, not AGPL; business self-hosting requires the paid Joplin Server Business
- Notebook delete and resource upload are not in the MCP tool set; fall back to the Data API on port 41184
Questions
Is there an open source alternative to Evernote?
Yes. 2 of the 3 listings here are open source: Trilium Notes (AGPL-3.0), Joplin (AGPL-3.0-or-later).
Which Evernote alternatives have an MCP server?
Trilium Notes, Anytype and Joplin have MCP servers from their builders.
Which Evernote alternative can an agent do the most with?
Trilium Notes: 8 of 10 recorded jobs reachable. Jobs differ by listing, so read each list before you choose.
Listings come from reading each repo and its docs. Reach counts the jobs an agent can do through the stated interface, and each listing page shows the evidence. Order follows fit. For agents: Markdown · JSON