Standard Notes Alternatives

Standard Notes is described as 'simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser' and is a leading Note-taking tool in the security & privacy category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Standard Notes for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iPhone. The best alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or NoteLedge. Other great apps like Standard Notes are Google Keep, Simplenote, Microsoft OneNote and Evernote.

Standard Notes alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Standard Notes.

This page was last updated

Standard Notes

568

Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool

Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid

Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS,...

Learn more about Standard Notes

Obsidian
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
158 alternatives to Obsidian
Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. PortableObsidian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
9. Support for LaTeXObsidian supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Knowledge Base structuring
Note organization
Backlinks
Joplin
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
591 alternatives to Joplin
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Tagging
Write files in markdown
Synchronization
Multiplatform
Plugin system
Sync with Dropbox
Joplin vs Standard Notes
Most users think Joplin is a great alternative to Standard Notes.
3li0
Just as secure (even more so) if you enable encryption within the application, can also be synchronized to a secure vault via WebDav or your file system (i.e. cryptomator). joplin is completely free, has many configurable options. Standard notes is a competent application, but it is far too expensive for what it does. Go with Joplin you will not regret it.
Positive comment• ago

2

Poncharelo
Standard Notes are secure. Joplin has no local security whatsoever. Anyone with access to your computer can access everything in done in Joplin
Negative comment• ago

1

Medi22
Joplin does not paywall basic features like Markdown, Folders, and Themes.
Positive comment• ago

1

m00t316
Joplin is open source and has end to end encryption when syncing notes, just like Standard Notes. Joplin has a web clipper too so you can import things from web pages into your note books.
Positive comment• ago

1
NoteLedge
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Android
iPhone
iPad
358 alternatives to NoteLedge
Capture inspiration from Pinterest, YouTube or web pages, organize ideas in one place and add your notes. Make mood boards or quick sketches to visualize and present ideas!.
Suggest and vote on features
NoteLedge Features
1. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with NoteLedge.
2. Handwritten NotesNoteLedge supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
3. PortableNoteLedge can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
4. Video ImportYou can import external video material into NoteLedge.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Drag and Drop
Sync on many devices
Multi-choice brushes
Tag based
Better formatting
Stickers
Apple Pencil support
Note organization
Live Screen Recording
Export to PDF
NoteLedge vs Standard Notes
Almost everyone thinks NoteLedge is a great alternative to Standard Notes.
Google Keep
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Android Wear
330 alternatives to Google Keep
Google Keep has several features including color coding notes, inserting images, creating lists, geo-fencing, shareable notes, and search by color.
Suggest and vote on features
Google Keep Features
1. Handwritten NotesGoogle Keep supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineGoogle Keep can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeGoogle Keep supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. RemindersGoogle Keep allows you to set reminders for tasks, events or actions, based on parameters of time, place or condition.
6. Sync with Google CalendarGoogle Keep can be synchronized with Google Calendar
7. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Google Keep simultaneously.
Sync on many devices
Visual Organization
Share notes
Web-Based
Multiplatform
Photo notes
Tagging
Html parsing
Real-time sync
Integrated Search
Google Keep vs Standard Notes
This alternative is disputed. Google Keep is still a legitimate alternative to Standard Notes, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
Guest
It is not end-to-end encrypted. To the contrary, it is free exactly because you allow them to read your data and make good use of it.
Negative comment• ago

32

Dios
Meant to be used along with google products, not for "quick" notes
Negative comment• ago

0

trustport
Google Keep is not privacy friendly, this should not be used by anybody who doesn´t want their notes could be read by Google staff.
Negative comment• ago

0

Guest
One of the strength of standard notes is that it does not use users data, it consider them a liability and not an asset. While Google Keep allows you to use the basic notes functions, it misses the core point of standard notes.
Negative comment• ago

0
Simplenote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Kindle Fire
399 alternatives to Simplenote
Made by the company behind WordPress, Simplenote enables users to take notes, lists, and ideas. These notes are stored on the cloud and are accessible across multiple devices.
Suggest and vote on features
Simplenote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Support for MarkDownSimplenote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
3. Full-Text SearchSimplenote lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
4. No TrackingSimplenote will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Ad-freeSimplenote doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. LightweightSimplenote consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. Distraction-freeSimplenote has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
9. PortableSimplenote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Cross-device syncing
Search by tags
Protected by Password
Clean design
Simple text editor
Android Sync
Notes synchronisation
Text Based Format
Tagging
Tag based
Simplenote vs Standard Notes
Most users think Simplenote is a great alternative to Standard Notes.
Alabaster3632
Does not have encryption and even the apps site itself says to do not store sensitive information. The app uses trackers too.
Negative comment• ago

1

legala
Compared with the free version of Standard Note I have a much better experience with Simplenotes (fast, easy to learn, auto recognition of URLs, efficient realtime synchronisation including collaborative). Did not tried the payed version of Standard Notes as doing so I should also give a correlated contribution to all other softwares I am using wich would make a total of many times my income.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Focus on simple strong features, very good customer service, no mess, strong privacy.
Positive comment• ago

2
Microsoft OneNote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Windows S
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
471 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office), is a digital notebook application that gives people one place to gather notes and information. It also offers shared notebooks, syncing between multiple computers and devices via Windows...
Suggest and vote on features
Microsoft OneNote Features
1. Handwritten NotesMicrosoft OneNote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Microsoft OneNote.
3. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Microsoft OneNote.
4. Works OfflineMicrosoft OneNote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
6. Pressure SensitivityMicrosoft OneNote can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
7. Dark ModeMicrosoft OneNote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. SubtasksMicrosoft OneNote allows you to create and manage tasks inside of a parent-main task.
9. WYSIWYG SupportMicrosoft OneNote integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Visual Organization
Text formatting
Insert images
Unicode Math Support
Support for styluses
Sketching
Unlimited Canvas Area
Real-time sync
Linking capability
Freehand Writing
Microsoft OneNote vs Standard Notes
Some users think Microsoft OneNote is a great alternative to Standard Notes, some don't.
Dios
OneNote is an all in one note taking, sketching, etc. webapp. Standard Notes is a simple note taking service although extendable with the paid service
Negative comment• ago

0

m00t316
It's available on pretty much every device and syncs notebooks very well.
Positive comment• ago

-1

Guest
MS Onenote is now free and web-based. You can simply log in to www.onenote.com using your Microsoft credentials and use the app online doesn't matter on which OS are you. For cell phones, they have provided free and dedicated apps. Much better than all, especially Evernote...
Positive comment• ago

0
Evernote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
549 alternatives to Evernote
Evernote is a cross-platform, freemium app designed for note taking, organizing, and archiving.
Suggest and vote on features
Evernote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Works OfflineEvernote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. OCRExtract the text from a screen capture or file and paste it into another document for edits.
4. Handwritten NotesEvernote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
5. Calendar IntegrationEvernote lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
6. Dark ModeEvernote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Support for MarkDownEvernote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
8. PDF annotationEvernote support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
9. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Evernote.
Text formatting
Hyperlinks
Screenshot OCR
Tagging
Folders
Sits in the System Tray
Note organization
Export to HTML
Export to PDF
Notifications
Evernote vs Standard Notes
This alternative is disputed. Evernote is still a legitimate alternative to Standard Notes, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
ikimmybee
Simple, fast, and free! This is the best notebook ever!
Positive comment• ago

-27
Zettlr
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
130 alternatives to Zettlr
Zettlr is a supercharged markdown editor that combines many writing editor features and collect them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Zettlr to stay focused and productive.
8. LightweightZettlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Link files
Integrated Search
Sync with Nextcloud
Tasklists
Logseq
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
Self-Hosted
83 alternatives to Logseq
Logseq is a platform for knowledge sharing and management. It focuses on privacy, longevity, and user control. Notice: the backend code will be open-sourced as soon as we’re sure that the backend service meets the security standards.
Suggest and vote on features
Logseq Features
1. Support for MarkDownLogseq supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineLogseq can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeLogseq supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Logseq to stay focused and productive.
5. Ad-freeLogseq doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Full-Text SearchLogseq lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
7. Privacy focusedLogseq is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
8. Spell CheckingLogseq can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
9. No TrackingLogseq will not track you or use your personal data.
Bidirectional links
Graph view
Outliner
Backlinks
Local Storage
Knowledge base
Knowledge Management
Note organization
Hyperlinks
Wiki
Xournal++
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Digital Painting Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
36 alternatives to Xournal++
Xournal++ (a fork of Xournal) is a handwriting Notetaking software with PDF annotation support. Written in C++ with platform independent GTK, supporting Linux, e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Suse, macOS and Windows 10. Supports Pen input like Wacom Tablets.
Suggest and vote on features
Xournal++ Features
1. Handwritten NotesXournal++ supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. PDF annotationXournal++ support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
3. Works OfflineXournal++ can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Pressure SensitivityXournal++ can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
5. Support for LaTeXXournal++ supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Ad-freeXournal++ doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. PortableXournal++ can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Support for styluses
Export to PDF
Handwriting
LaTeX Math
Pen Support
Multi layer drawing
Audio with notes
Highlighter
Freehand Writing
LaTeX equations