Turtl
Self-HostedSecure, end-to-end encrypted note-taking and knowledge management
Overview
Turtl is a privacy-focused note-taking tool that encrypts all data end-to-end, ensuring only you access your content. It supports notes, bookmarks, file attachments, notebooks, and tagging for organization. Self-hostable via Docker or manual setup (PostgreSQL/Redis), it lets you control your data fully. Sync across devices works with self-hosted instances or the official service. Ideal for users prioritizing security over mainstream integration features.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption for all content
- Supports notes, bookmarks, files, and notebooks
- Self-hostable via Docker or manual deployment
- Cross-device sync (self-hosted or official service)
- Tagging and full-text search
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Turtl hard to self-host?
Turtl offers Docker images that simplify self-hosting for most users. Manual setup requires PostgreSQL, Redis, and backend configuration—challenging for beginners but well-documented in official guides.
? Is Turtl a good alternative to Notion?
Yes for privacy-focused users: Turtl’s end-to-end encryption beats Notion’s limited security. It lacks Notion’s collaboration and database features but excels at secure personal knowledge management.
? Is Turtl completely free?
Yes—Turtl is open-source (MIT license) and free to self-host. The official hosted service has free and paid tiers, but self-hosting has no costs beyond your server resources.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-first design (no third-party data access)
- ⊕ Full data control with self-hosting
- ⊕ Multi-content support (notes, files, bookmarks)
- ⊕ Open-source with active community
- ⊕ Cross-platform compatibility (web, desktop, mobile)
Cons
- ⊖ Steeper setup for manual self-hosting
- ⊖ Limited third-party integrations
- ⊖ UI feels less polished than commercial tools
- ⊖ Smaller user base for support