Apache OpenOffice vs Joplin

Apache OpenOffice: what it's good at

Apache OpenOffice is the long-running open-source office suite from which LibreOffice was forked. It remains a familiar, stable option, though most users now find LibreOffice the more actively developed of the two.

• Full word processor, spreadsheet and presentation apps
• Opens legacy OpenOffice and Microsoft formats
• Apache Software Foundation project
• Free for commercial use

Joplin: what it's good at

Joplin is an open-source note and to-do application with end-to-end encryption and the freedom to sync through whichever backend you prefer, including Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud or WebDAV. A strong option for anyone leaving a proprietary notes app.

• End-to-end encrypted synchronisation
• Sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud or WebDAV
• Markdown notes with attachments
• Web clipper browser extension

Which should you choose?

Both are free, so the honest answer is that you can install either and decide for yourself — that is the advantage of free software over a paid trial.

Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux. Only Joplin supports Android, iOS. Both are open source, so neither locks you in.

We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either. We have no way to verify a rating that would be honest at scale, and an invented one would be worse than none — so we give you the facts and let you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Apache OpenOffice better than Joplin?

Neither is universally better. Apache OpenOffice the original open-source office suite, while Joplin open-source encrypted notebook with flexible sync. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.

Are both really free?

Apache OpenOffice is open source and Joplin is open source. Both can be downloaded without paying.

Can I install both?

Yes. Since neither costs anything, installing both and comparing them on your own files is usually the fastest way to decide.