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Turtl

turtlapp.com

From $3/mo Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 9.3 #8 of 216 in Note-taking apps

What it is

Turtl is a collaborative notebook for organizing bookmarks, passwords, files, shopping lists, and other notes. It supports text, bookmark, password, image, and document notes, with full-text search, tag filtering, Markdown, and TeX math rendering. Users can create Spaces, choose collaborators, and set permissions from read-only access through full ownership. Turtl says data is encrypted in the app before leaving the device, using keys derived from the user's email and password. Shared items get separate random keys, so recipients can unlock only the item shared with them. The service warns that an intercepted email invitation could expose a shared Space if its secret is not communicated separately. Users can import or export their full profile for backup or migration, and can install the open-source server to host their own data. Listed platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, with Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions; offline access is supported. Premium costs $3/mo and includes 10GB note data and 10 collaborators per Space; Business costs $8/mo and includes 50GB and dedicated support.

Spec sheet

What it does
Turtl is a private collaborative notebook for organizing notes, bookmarks, passwords, files, images and documents.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Purpose
Turtl describes itself as a secure, collaborative notebook for organizing bookmarks, passwords, files, and shopping lists.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Platforms
The download page lists Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions, and says iOS is coming soon.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Integrations
The official feature and download pages describe Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions and Android sharing, but do not list other integrations.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Security
Turtl says it encrypts data in the app before it leaves the device, using keys derived from the user's email and password.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Compliance
Turtl's FAQ says it likely is not HIPAA compliant because it lacks access logs, fine-grained access controls, and physical access safeguards.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Support
Basic and Premium include community support, while Business includes dedicated support; the contact page directs users to the Turtl Community for questions and help.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
License
The desktop, core and browser-extension repositories identify the GNU GPL version 3 license, while the server repository uses AGPL-3.0.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Headquarters
The Google Play listing identifies the developer as LYON BROS LLC at 5332 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419, United States.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Company
The official site identifies Lyon Bros LLC as the project owner and operator.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Maker
Turtl states that the project is owned and operated by Lyon Bros LLC.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Android sharing
The Android client can receive shared pages and files for bookmarking or uploading into Turtl.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
API status
The original public API repository is explicitly marked deprecated, although it documents the server handling client requests.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Attachments
Photos, files and documents can be attached to notes and are stored with the same protection as other data.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Attachments and backup
Users can attach photos, files, and documents, and import or export their full profile for backup or moving between servers.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Audit finding
The published audit identified missing libsodium initialization checking and a configuration that could accept invalid TLS certificates.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Browser extensions
Chrome and Firefox extensions bookmark the current webpage through the desktop application.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Cryptographic algorithms
The documentation says key derivation uses scryptsalsa208sha256, symmetric encryption uses ChaCha20-Poly1305, and asymmetric encryption uses libsodium sealed boxes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Documentation depth
Official documentation covers encryption, app architecture, syncing, sharing, server operation and security caveats.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Download platforms
The official download page lists Windows x64, macOS x64, Linux x64, Linux x32 and Android packages; iOS is marked coming soon.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Download verification
Turtl publishes GPG verification instructions and SHA-256 signatures for desktop and Android downloads.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Embeddable core
Turtl provides a Rust core library described as embeddable and responsible for cryptography, peer-to-peer syncing and data models.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Encryption
Turtl encrypts data on the client before transmission, so stored server data remains unreadable without users' keys.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Import and export
The application can export and import an entire profile for backup or migration between servers.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Independent extension limitation
ReviewsApp says the browser extensions are bookmarking helpers rather than standalone applications and require the desktop client.Read 14 Oct 2026 · reviewsapp.org
Independent interface review
ReviewsApp describes a clear card-based interface with drag-and-drop boards, keyboard shortcuts, tag-based organization and no hierarchical folders.Read 14 Oct 2026 · reviewsapp.org
Limit: Google Play reliability
Google Play reviewers reported account or note loss, login failures, crashes when calls interrupt editing, lack of offline access and incomplete Markdown rendering.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Limit: maintenance
AlternativeTo comments criticize infrequent updates, an apparently discontinued project, mobile bugs, login problems and limited support.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alternativeto.net
Limit: sharing controls
An AlternativeTo review reports that previously shared content could not be unshared.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alternativeto.net
Markdown
Turtl supports Markdown formatting and TeX mathematical expressions in notes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Note sharing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Note types
The feature list includes text, bookmark, password, image and file/document note types.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Offline access
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Offline behavior
Turtl offers semi-offline use, but an internet connection is required when logging in.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Praise: privacy and encryption
AlternativeTo reviewers repeatedly praise Turtl's open-source design, strong encryption, privacy focus and cross-device synchronization.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alternativeto.net
Rating on AlternativeTo
AlternativeTo shows an average rating of 4.3 from 11 ratings.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alternativeto.net
Rating on Google Play
Turtl has 3.9 out of 5 from 635 reviews on Google Play, with 50K+ downloads shown.Read 14 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Release news
The October 9, 2018 version 0.7 announcement described a rewritten JavaScript server, Rust core, Spaces and a required account migration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Search
Users can search note text, filter by tags or untagged items, and sort by creation or edit date.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Search and writing
Turtl supports full-text search, tag filtering, Markdown notes, and TeX math rendering.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Security audit
Turtl reported an independent core-library security audit on July 8, 2021 and said issues would be addressed in later releases.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Security caveat
Turtl warns that email invitations without a separately communicated shared secret can expose a shared Space if the invitation is intercepted.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Self-hosting
Turtl publishes an open-source server that can be run on a user's own infrastructure.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Server requirements
The published server setup requires Node.js 8 or newer and PostgreSQL 9.6 or newer, with Docker Compose also documented.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sharing security
For shared content, Turtl generates a separate random key for each object so recipients can unlock only the item shared with them.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Spaces
Spaces organize Turtl content and provide sharing with selectable collaborator permissions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Spaces and sharing
Users can organize and share Spaces, choose collaborators, and assign permissions from read-only to full ownership.Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com
Stay logged in risk
On desktop, the stay-logged-in token key is kept in plaintext localStorage, so another process with home-directory access could obtain the token.Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com

Plans and prices

Premium $3 a month monthly 10GB note storage · up to 10 collaborators per Space · community support · 30-day trial Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Business $8 a month monthly 50GB note storage · up to 50 collaborators per Space · dedicated support · 30-day trial Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Basic Free 50MB note storage · up to 3 collaborators per Space · community support Read 14 Oct 2026 · turtlapp.com
Custom plans Priced on request Get in touch for a custom plan Custom plan details not stated Read 29 Sep 2026 · turtlapp.com

Every Turtl plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports multiple note types, including passwords and files.
  • Spaces have configurable collaborator permissions.
  • Supports offline access.
  • Users can import or export a full profile.
  • Open-source server can be self-hosted.

Limits

  • An intercepted email invitation can expose a Space without a separately shared secret.
  • Basic lists 50MB storage and three collaborators per Space.
  • Turtl says it likely is not HIPAA compliant.

Who it suits

Turtl suits people who want to organize mixed notes and share selected Spaces with collaborators. Its self-hosted server option may suit users who want to host their own data.

Turtl in depth

Read the full write-up

Turtl is a notebook for organizing notes, bookmarks, passwords, images and files, with Spaces for sharing selected material. It suits people who want a flexible reference collection with offline access or the option to self-host. It is less compelling for teams that need HIPAA compliance or integrations beyond its bookmarking extensions and Android sharing.

Overview

Turtl combines personal note-taking with selective collaboration: users can group material into Spaces, invite chosen collaborators and set their permissions from read-only to full ownership. That makes it useful for shared reference collections as well as individual notes, without requiring every collaborator to have the same access.

Its open-source server can be installed by users who want to host their own data. The project is owned and operated by Lyon Bros LLC. Offline access is supported, which helps when a notebook needs to remain usable without a connection.

Key features

Notes, search and writing

Turtl handles text, bookmarks, passwords, images and files or documents. Full-text search and tag filtering help keep a mixed collection navigable; Markdown and TeX rendering make it more suitable than a plain clipping tool for formatted writing and mathematical notation. Users can attach photos and documents, then import or export a full profile for backup or moving between servers.

Spaces and sharing

Spaces let users share selected collections with specific collaborators and set permissions to match. For shared material, Turtl generates a separate random key for each object, so a recipient can unlock the item shared with them rather than gaining access to unrelated content. There is an important qualification: Turtl warns that an email invitation sent without a separately communicated shared secret could expose a Space if intercepted. Teams should account for that risk when choosing how to invite collaborators.

Security and compliance

Turtl says encryption happens in the app before data leaves the device, using keys derived from the user's email and password. Self-hosting gives technically capable users control over where their data is stored, while the per-object sharing keys narrow access to shared items. These measures do not make Turtl a fit for every regulated workflow: its FAQ says it likely is not HIPAA compliant, citing missing access logs, fine-grained access controls and physical access safeguards. Organizations handling protected health information should look elsewhere.

Extensions and support

Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions and Android sharing provide ways to collect material from those environments. Basic and Premium include community support, with the Turtl Community serving as the place for questions and help; Business adds dedicated support. The product's described integrations are focused on capture rather than a broad application ecosystem.

Pricing

Turtl is freemium, with a free plan, paid plans from $3/mo, and a 30-day trial. The Basic plan has custom pricing and allows 3 collaborators per Space with 50MB of storage. That cap makes it best for a small, light-use notebook, not a substantial shared archive.

Premium costs $3 a month (billed $3/mo) and raises capacity to 10GB of note data and 10 collaborators per space, with community support. It suits individuals or small groups who need more room and sharing capacity without dedicated support. Business costs $8 a month (billed $8/mo), with 50GB of note data, 50 collaborators per space and dedicated support; it is the better fit for larger collaborative Spaces that need a direct support channel. Custom plans have custom pricing; their terms and inclusions are not detailed.

The listed plan terms do not state trial conditions, renewal terms or a separate free-plan cap beyond Basic's 50MB and 3 collaborators per Space. Buyers should choose based on the stated storage and collaborator limits rather than assuming broader allowances.

Platforms

Turtl supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, a Chrome extension and self-hosting. Offline access is supported. The Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions and Android sharing address capture and sharing, while the available platform list does not include a dedicated iOS app.

Who it's for

Turtl is a strong candidate for people who keep varied personal reference material and want search, tags, attachments and a choice between private use and controlled sharing. It also suits privacy-conscious users prepared to self-host, and small teams that can work within the relevant collaborator and storage limits. It is not the right choice for HIPAA-sensitive work, or for a team that needs a wider set of integrations or stronger documented access controls.

Pros and cons

Pros: Supports several useful note types, including bookmarks, passwords, images and documents, so a single notebook can hold more than prose.

Pros: Per-object sharing keys, selectable Space permissions and self-hosting give users meaningful control over access and hosting.

Pros: Offline access, full-text search, tags and profile export support practical use and portability.

Cons: The email invitation caveat means shared Spaces require care if the secret is not communicated separately.

Cons: The 50MB Basic allowance is restrictive for a notebook that accumulates files and photos.

Cons: The stated HIPAA limitations rule it out for many healthcare workflows.

Alternatives

For a broader shortlist, see Secure Notes Apps and Note-taking apps. Abmatic AI, Hushly, AdRoll, Ploy, Warmly, Factors.ai, FlashGTM and Propensity are also listed as alternatives, but the available descriptions do not establish a basis for comparing their fit with Turtl.

Verdict

Choose Turtl if you want a searchable, offline-capable notebook for mixed personal material, with selective sharing and the option to run your own server. Its combination of note types and control over hosting is the main reason to choose it; the invitation caveat, limited Basic storage and likely lack of HIPAA compliance are sound reasons to look elsewhere.

Verdict

Turtl combines note organization, collaboration, and self-hosting, with encryption and item-specific sharing keys. Readers should account for the invitation-sharing caveat and the stated HIPAA limitations.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to TurtlAll alternatives →