nvALT 2 is a fork of the original Notational Velocity with some additional features and interface modifications, including MultiMarkdown functionality. Developed by Brett Terpstra
License: Open Source
Joplin is a robust, open-source note-taking application with cross-platform support and advanced features like encryption and web clipping, making it suitable for users needing extensive functionalities. In contrast, nvALT is a lightweight, macOS-only application focusing on simplicity and speed, ideal for users looking for a straightforward note-taking experience without complex features.