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Open source Standard Notes alternatives

Top Note-taking & Knowledge Bases like Standard Notes

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

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

Standard Notes alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All Standard Notes alternatives

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Simplenote is a free note app from Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, that sticks to plain text with optional Markdown, tags and quick search. Notes sync instantly across web, desktop and mobile apps, every change is kept in version history, and notes can be shared with collaborators or published as a web page. The apps are open source.

    8 Simplenote alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, ad-free and fast plain-text notes
    • Instant sync across web, desktop and mobile
    • Version history keeps every change to a note

    Cons

    • No images, attachments or rich formatting
    • Organization is limited to tags and search
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source

Standard Notes vs its alternatives at a glance

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

Standard Notes vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsCross-device syncEnd-to-end encryptionMarkdown supportOffline mode
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
SimplenoteFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

Standard Notes alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Standard Notes?

The most popular alternative to Standard Notes is Notesnook: Open source, end-to-end encrypted alternative to Evernote. Other great alternatives are Joplin and Simplenote.

Is there a free alternative to Standard Notes?

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

Is there an open source alternative to Standard Notes?

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

Is Standard Notes free?

Standard Notes has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Standard Notes with its alternatives

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