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Open source Simplenote alternatives

Top Note-taking & Knowledge Bases like Simplenote

The most popular alternative to Simplenote is Standard Notes, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Simplenote are Notesnook and Joplin.

Most alternatives to Simplenote are in the Note-taking & Knowledge Bases category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Simplenote alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All Simplenote alternatives

  1. Standard Notes is an open source note-taking app focused on privacy, with end-to-end encryption for every note and file and apps on all major platforms. Notes work offline and sync across devices, and paid plans add rich editors, file storage and longer revision history. The company became part of Proton in 2024, and the sync server can be self-hosted.

    9 Standard Notes alternatives

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption for every note and file
    • Open source apps on all major platforms
    • The sync server can be self-hosted

    Cons

    • Rich editors, file storage and longer history need a paid plan
    • Collaboration features are minimal compared with mainstream apps
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  2. Notesnook is an open source note-taking app that encrypts every note end to end on your device before syncing it. It offers notebooks, tags, rich text with Markdown shortcuts, an app lock, a private vault and a web clipper, on the web, desktop and mobile. A free plan is available, and the sync server can also be self-hosted.

    9 Notesnook alternatives

    Pros

    • Every note is end-to-end encrypted on your device before syncing
    • Open source apps on web, desktop and mobile
    • The sync server can be self-hosted

    Cons

    • Fewer integrations and plugins than mainstream note apps
    • Some features are limited on the free plan
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  3. Joplin is an open source note-taking app with Markdown notes, notebooks, end-to-end encrypted sync and a web clipper.

    11 Joplin alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source, with Markdown notes stored in an open format
    • End-to-end encrypted sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV or Joplin Cloud
    • Web clipper and plugins extend the core app

    Cons

    • Interface feels dated next to newer note apps
    • Sync setup takes more effort than turnkey services
    • No web app for reaching your notes from a browser
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source

Simplenote vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Simplenote, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Simplenote vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAd-freeCross-device syncMarkdown supportOffline mode
SimplenoteFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
Standard NotesFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
NotesnookFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Self-hosted
JoplinFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

Simplenote alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Simplenote?

The most popular alternative to Simplenote is Standard Notes: Open source notes app with end-to-end encryption. Other great alternatives are Notesnook and Joplin.

Is there a free alternative to Simplenote?

Yes, 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Standard Notes, Notesnook, and Joplin.

Is there an open source alternative to Simplenote?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Standard Notes, Notesnook, and Joplin.

Is Simplenote free?

Yes, Simplenote is free to use.

Compare Simplenote with its alternatives

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