Overview

Turtl is a notebook for keeping notes, bookmarks, passwords, images and documents together, with options to share collections or host the service yourself. It is best suited to people who want a flexible, private reference library rather than a tool built around broad integrations. Its range of note types and offline access are appealing, but sharing invitations and the small Basic storage allowance call for care.

Key features

Capture, organize and find

Turtl handles both original writing and saved material, from text and bookmarks to passwords, images and files. Full-text search and tag filtering help keep a collection usable as it grows. Markdown and TeX rendering add value for users who want formatted notes or mathematical notation; they are less important if the notebook is mainly a place to stash links and documents.

Spaces and sharing

Spaces group notes for collaboration, with control over who joins and permissions ranging from read-only to full ownership. Turtl creates a separate random key for each shared object, allowing recipients to unlock the item shared with them. But the invitation method matters: Turtl warns that an email invitation sent without a separately communicated shared secret could expose a Space if intercepted. That is a meaningful caveat for sensitive material, not a detail to overlook.

Encryption and hosting

Turtl says it encrypts data in the app before it leaves the device, using keys derived from the user’s email and password. Its open-source server can be installed by users who want to keep data on infrastructure they host themselves. That option will suit people comfortable managing their own server; it adds responsibility rather than removing the need to think about secure operation. Turtl’s FAQ says it likely is not HIPAA compliant, citing missing access logs, fine-grained access controls and physical access safeguards, so it is not a fit for regulated health information.

Attachments and portability

Users can attach photos, files and documents, and import or export a full profile for backup or moving between servers. Offline access is also supported, which makes the notebook more useful when connectivity is unavailable. Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions and Android sharing provide ways to save material; users needing a wider integration ecosystem should look elsewhere.

Pricing

Turtl uses a freemium model, with a free plan, paid plans from 3.00 USD per month, and a 30-day trial. Basic has no published price and allows 3 collaborators per Space and 50MB of storage. That is a modest starting allowance for a small collection, but attachments can make the cap restrictive.

Premium costs 3.00 USD per month, billed $3/mo, and includes 10GB of note data, 10 collaborators per space and community support. It is the practical upgrade for individuals or small groups who outgrow Basic. Business costs 8.00 USD per month, billed $8/mo, and raises the allowance to 50GB and 50 collaborators per space, with dedicated support; it suits larger teams that need more room and a direct support channel. Custom plans use custom pricing, with details arranged by contacting Turtl. Basic and Premium include community support, and Turtl directs users to its community for questions and help.

Platforms

Turtl supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, as well as Chrome extensions, and offers a self-hosted option. Offline access is supported. The extension and Android sharing functions help bring material into the notebook, while the desktop and mobile platform range gives users flexibility across devices.

Who it's for

Turtl is a sensible choice for individuals and teams who want one place for mixed reference material, selective Space sharing and the option to host their own data. It is less suitable for organizations that need HIPAA compliance, extensive integrations, or an uncomplicated invitation flow for highly sensitive shared content.

Pros and cons

Pros

Broad note formats: Text, bookmarks, passwords, images and documents can live in the same notebook.
Granular Space sharing: Owners can select collaborators and assign permissions from read-only to full ownership.
Data control: Client-side encryption, profile import and export, and an open-source self-hosted server give privacy-conscious users meaningful options.
Offline access: The notebook remains useful without a network connection.

Cons

Basic is tightly capped: Its 50MB allowance can become limiting once users save files and images.
Invitation security needs care: An intercepted email invitation without a separately shared secret could expose a Space.
Not suited to regulated health data: Turtl says it likely lacks HIPAA compliance safeguards.
Limited stated integrations: The described connection options are Chrome and Firefox bookmarking extensions and Android sharing.

Alternatives

For broader options in the category, compare Secure Notes Apps and Note-taking apps. Turtl is a more specific fit when self-hosting, offline use and sharing across varied note types are priorities. The Account-Based Marketing Software directory covers a different category.

Abmatic AI, Hushly, AdRoll, Ploy, Warmly, FlashGTM, Propensity and Factors.ai are listed as alternatives, but the available descriptions do not establish how they compare as notebook choices.

Verdict

Choose Turtl if you want a flexible notebook with offline access, selective sharing and the option to run your own server. Its combination of varied note types and user-controlled hosting is the main reason to pick it. Look elsewhere for HIPAA-regulated use, richer integrations, or a larger free storage allowance.

	Turtl	Xournal++
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	—	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, extension, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Offline access	Yes	—
Supported platforms	windows, macos, linux, android, chrome_extension	windows, macos, linux
Note sharing	Yes	—

Turtl vs Xournal++

Turtl

Xournal++