Simple Memo vs Joplin
Which Should You Choose?
Joplin is a powerful open-source note-taking app with Markdown support, self-hosted sync, and a plugin ecosystem. Simple Memo is purpose-built for one thing: capturing a thought and emailing it to yourself, with the keyboard ready 0.4 seconds after the tap (warm launch). Two apps with fundamentally different missions — here is a fair comparison.
We have not measured Joplin's launch time. In the developer's measurement (iPhone 16e, warm launch), Simple Memo was ready to type 0.4 seconds after the tap — note management and instant capture ask for different response times.
What is Joplin?
Joplin is a free and open-source note-taking application released under the AGPL-3.0 license. It runs on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, offering Markdown editing, notebook and tag organization, full-text search, and a web clipper extension. Sync options include Joplin Cloud (paid), Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, WebDAV and S3, with end-to-end encryption available for all options. It supports Evernote import, making it a popular migration target. Development is community-driven with a rich plugin ecosystem. We have not measured Joplin's launch or input speed. Joplin Cloud starts at EUR 2.99/month, while the app itself is completely free.
The Pros and Cons of Open-Source Note Apps
Joplin's identity as open-source (AGPL-3.0 license) is a defining feature. Public source code provides security transparency, and the community actively develops plugins. Anyone can audit the encryption implementation, giving privacy-focused users a solid foundation of trust. But being open-source isn't a silver bullet. Community-driven development can sacrifice UX consistency. Quality differences between desktop and mobile versions, plugin compatibility issues, and varying design standards are common. We have not measured the mobile app's launch or search speed. Another challenge is sync configuration. Joplin offers Nextcloud, WebDAV, OneDrive, and Joplin Cloud as sync targets, but setting up Nextcloud or WebDAV requires entering server URLs, credentials, and folder paths. Straightforward for technical users, but a significant initial barrier for everyone else. Simple Memo - for Obsidian eliminates all this complexity. Enter your email address and setup is complete. No sync configuration, no plugin management, no server concerns. As a native iOS app, it is ready to type 0.4 seconds after the tap (warm launch) and sends the memo by email with one tap (the Outbox and history are AES-GCM encrypted on the device; the email itself is not end-to-end encrypted). You don't get open-source transparency, but for capture that needs only a confirmed recipient address, Simple Memo - for Obsidian is simpler. The choice comes down to values: if auditability and customization matter most, Joplin's open-source ecosystem is unmatched. If fast, low-friction capture is the priority, Simple Memo - for Obsidian's purpose-built simplicity wins.
Comparison Table: Simple Memo vs Joplin
| Feature | Simple Memo | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Speed (warm launch, iPhone 16e) | 0.4s (type immediately) | Not measured |
| One-Tap Send | Yes (direct email) | No (no native email send) |
| Email Send | one-tap direct send | Not supported (OS share only) |
| Markdown | No (plain text only) | Full support (editor & preview) |
| Offline Support | Outbox auto-resend | Local-first architecture |
| Encryption | AES-GCM (on-device) | E2E encryption (all sync targets) |
| Open Source | Proprietary | AGPL-3.0 (apps) |
| Cross-Platform | iOS only | iOS/Android/Win/Mac/Linux |
| Sync Method | Email (to your own inbox) | Joplin Cloud/Dropbox/OneDrive/Nextcloud/WebDAV/S3, etc. |
| Plugins | None | Rich ecosystem |
| Web Clipper | None | Browser extension |
| Free Plan | 3 sends/day (no time limit) | App completely free |
4 Differences from Open-Source Note Apps
-
1
Self-Hosted vs Pass-Through Sending
Joplin syncs data through self-hosted options (Nextcloud, WebDAV) or Joplin Cloud. Simple Memo does not persistently store memo content on its servers — it sends it as email. Joplin offers full data ownership; Simple Memo keeps no persistent copy of memo text on its servers. Different philosophies for different priorities. -
2
Markdown vs Plain Text
Joplin is built around a Markdown editor with headings, lists, code blocks, and rich formatting. Simple Memo uses plain text only, eliminating all formatting overhead to maximize speed from input to send. -
3
Sync Setup Complexity
Choosing Nextcloud or WebDAV for Joplin sync means entering server URLs and credentials (Joplin Cloud, Dropbox and OneDrive are also available, and E2EE is optional). Simple Memo needs only one email address to start working. Joplin's flexibility suits technical users; Simple Memo's simplicity suits everyone else. -
4
Mobile UX Refinement
Joplin's mobile app centers on the note list; new notes start from its new-note button. Simple Memo is mobile-first by design — 0.4s launch (warm, iPhone 16e), type, one-tap send. A short path from thought to inbox.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Want to email memos to yourself instantly
- Need quick capture during meetings or commutes
- Prefer managing memos in your email inbox
- Don't need Markdown or note organization
- Only use iPhone for quick capture
- Value minimal UI for maximum focus
- Write structured notes in Markdown
- Need notebooks and tags for systematic organization
- Want to self-host your data via Nextcloud or WebDAV
- Sync across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android
- Are migrating from Evernote
- Want plugin customization
- Support open-source software
FAQ
Is Joplin's self-hosting safer than Simple Memo's send-without-storing approach?
They take different approaches (Joplin offers optional E2EE; Simple Memo's email is not E2EE, but memo bodies aren't stored persistently on its servers). Joplin's self-hosting gives you full data control with E2E encryption. Simple Memo does not persistently store memo bodies on its servers — it sends them as email. If you have the technical skills for server management, Joplin's flexibility is powerful. For zero-maintenance privacy, Simple Memo's approach is simpler.
Does Simple Memo support Markdown like Joplin?
No. Simple Memo is plain text only — no Markdown, no formatting. For structured notes, use Joplin. For instant capture of fleeting thoughts, Simple Memo's plain-text focus removes all friction between idea and record.
Joplin's sync setup is complicated — is Simple Memo easier?
Yes. Simple Memo needs just one email address, verified with a code. No Nextcloud, WebDAV, or encryption key configuration needed. You can start writing right away; the app asks for the address the first time you send a memo, and memos are emailed once it is verified.
Why would a Joplin user add Simple Memo?
Joplin excels at long-form notes and knowledge management but requires multiple steps for mobile capture. Adding Simple Memo gives you quick capture on the go, with memos sent to email that you can later organize in Joplin. They pair naturally.
