# Hjarni vs Joplin

Joplin is open-source, encrypted, and now has an official MCP server. Hjarni's MCP server is hosted, so assistants reach it without your laptop.

**Quick answer**

Joplin and Hjarni both have official MCP servers. Joplin documents a local HTTP server with individually enabled tools, including keyword and semantic search. Hjarni hosts a remote endpoint and uses full-text search. Joplin also offers end-to-end encrypted sync and shared notebooks through Joplin Cloud. Choose based on storage, assistant reach, and collaboration needs.

| Feature | Hjarni | Joplin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Official MCP server<br>Joplin's documented HTTP server runs on the desktop Web Clipper service at 127.0.0.1. | Official, hosted | Official, local |
| Remote-only MCP clients<br>The shipped local endpoint is not directly reachable by a remote-only client. | Hosted HTTPS endpoint | Needs an additional bridge |
| Authentication | OAuth; manual scoped tokens | Web Clipper authorization token |
| Tool permissions<br>Joplin's MCP and all tools are off by default. Hjarni scoped tokens are manual; normal OAuth remains account-wide. | Scoped tokens with read/write access | Individual tool toggles |
| Search through MCP<br>Joplin can use its local embeddings index. Hjarni search is full-text, not semantic. | Full-text search | Keyword and semantic search |
| Note format | Markdown | Markdown |
| End-to-end encryption<br>Joplin can encrypt sync data. A cloud AI client can still send retrieved note content to its model provider. | ✕ | Optional |
| Open source | ✕ | ✓ |
| Sync backend<br>Joplin supports its own cloud, self-hosting, and external sync services. | Hosted by Hjarni | Choice of sync targets |
| Team collaboration<br>Joplin offers real notebook collaboration. Its Teams plan adds read/write sharing permissions. | Shared teams and folders | Joplin Cloud notebook sharing |
| Email capture | Hjarni Pro | Joplin Cloud Pro or Teams |
| Free access<br>Joplin Cloud is a separate paid service. | 25 personal notes | Free local app |

**Hjarni has its own native apps.** Free on every plan for [iPhone, iPad and Apple Silicon Mac](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6761733903) and [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hjarni.app). Same account, same notes as the web. An internet connection is required.

Checked October 20, 2026 against [Joplin MCP documentation](https://joplinapp.org/help/apps/ai_mcp/), [AI primitives](https://joplinapp.org/help/dev/spec/ai_primitives/), [notebook sharing](https://joplinapp.org/help/apps/share_notebook/), [email capture plans](https://joplinapp.org/help/apps/email_to_note/), [export formats](https://joplinapp.org/help/apps/import_export/). Assistant availability and approvals depend on the client.

## Both offer official read and write tools

Joplin's MCP server runs through the desktop Web Clipper. Enable the server, choose the tools, and authenticate with the Web Clipper token. The official Claude Desktop example uses an mcp-remote bridge. Its default listener is local, so that setup does not directly serve remote-only clients.

Hjarni's official MCP endpoint is hosted. Compatible assistants can connect without your desktop staying awake. This simplifies remote access; it does not guarantee tool use or uninterrupted service.

## Permissions and privacy are separate choices

Joplin starts with its MCP tools disabled, including the write tools. Once enabled, the AI client controls its own approval flow. Hjarni offers manual folder/space-scoped agent tokens with read/write permissions, while its ordinary OAuth connection is account-wide.

Joplin's end-to-end encryption protects synced data. It does not make a cloud AI conversation local: Joplin explicitly warns that the connected app may send retrieved content to its model provider. Use a local model if keeping processing on the machine is your requirement.

## Joplin supports actual collaboration

Joplin Cloud users can share notebooks and edit shared notes, including with encryption enabled. The Teams plan adds sharing permissions. Hjarni offers shared team knowledge with folder roles and instructions.

Joplin's local app is free and open-source, with a choice of sync backends. Cloud storage and email-to-note are paid services. Compare those needs separately from MCP hosting.

## Migration is a format change

Joplin supports Markdown exports and its own JEX backup format. Hjarni's [Markdown ZIP importer](https://hjarni.com/docs/import) accepts Markdown, not a JEX backup. Check note links, attachments, and notebook structure with a sample first; neither the Joplin database nor its complete history is recreated by importing text files.

## When to use Joplin

- You require open-source software or encrypted sync
- You want to choose your sync backend
- Local MCP tools and semantic search suit your workflow

## When to use Hjarni

- You want a hosted MCP connection for remote assistants
- You prefer hosted notes without a local server
- You want shared folder instructions and team roles

Both connect notes to AI. Joplin offers local control; Hjarni runs the MCP endpoint for you.

Common questions

## Common questions

**Does Joplin have an MCP server?**

Yes. Joplin documents an official local server through Web Clipper on 127.0.0.1. The app and service must be running; authorization and tool actions follow its settings. See [official documentation](https://joplinapp.org/help/apps/ai_mcp/).

**Can ChatGPT connect to Joplin?**

The standard server is local. A remote assistant needs a separately configured reachable bridge; it cannot directly connect to your laptop’s loopback address. Compatible local clients can use the documented setup.

**Does Joplin support collaboration?**

Yes. Joplin Cloud supports notebook sharing, and Teams supports permissions. Email-to-note is also available on eligible Cloud plans.

**Is Joplin more private than Hjarni?**

Joplin supports local storage and optional end-to-end encrypted sync. An authorized AI connection can still send readable note content to a model provider. Local storage or encrypted sync does not itself make every AI request local.

**Can I import my Joplin notes into Hjarni?**

Use a compatible Markdown export. Hjarni’s importer supports Markdown ZIPs. Test links, formatting and attachments before moving the whole library.