The Best Standard Notes AlternativesTop Note-taking Tools & Todo List Managers like Standard Notes

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 50 alternatives to Standard Notes for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and Web-based apps. The best Standard Notes alternative is Obsidian, which is free. Other great apps like Standard Notes are Joplin, Logseq, Anytype and Notion.

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Standard Notes alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools, but if you're looking for Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools you can filter on that. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Standard Notes.
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Standard Notes is a 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.

More about Standard Notes
Standard Notes alternatives page was last updated Apr 21, 2025
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  1. Obsidian icon
     1002 likes
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    Privacy-oriented note-taking app for non-linear thinking, blending knowledge graph creation with wiki-style linking. Supports Markdown, end-to-end encryption, and plugins for customization. Offers distraction-free mode, tags, themes, syntax highlighting, and operates offline without tracking.

    121 Obsidian alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • CA flagCanada

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Snapcraft
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Safari
    • Mozilla Firefox

    Top Obsidian Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Local Storage
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Graph view
    5.  Bidirectional links
    6.  Mind Mapping
    7.  No registration required
    8.  Personal Information Manager (PIM)
    9.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    10.  Knowledge Management
    11.  Dark Mode
    12.  Backlink

    Obsidian VS Standard Notes

     
    Comments about Obsidian as an Alternative to Standard Notes
    tunnar13
    Positive Sep 6, 2023
    0

    Standard Notes offers an official Firefox extension, and it works well.

    Standard Notes Icon
    Obsidian icon
    • Most users think Obsidian is a great Standard Notes alternative.

    • Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Standard Notes.

    • Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Standard Notes.

    • Obsidian is Freemium and ProprietaryStandard Notes is Freemium and Open Source
  2. Joplin icon
     830 likes
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    Open source app for managing notes and to-dos with Markdown support. Syncs seamlessly across devices using services like Dropbox and OneDrive. Offers end-to-end encrypted synchronicity, offline access, rich import/export options, and a Web Clipper for browsers.

    83 Joplin alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Mozilla Firefox

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Web Clipper
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Local Storage
    7.  File Sync
    8.  Tagging
    9.  Ad-free
    10. Android icon  Android Sync
    11.  Encrypted Notes
    12.  WebDAV Support

    Joplin VS Standard Notes

     
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to Standard Notes
    Top Positive Comment
    3li0
    Mar 28, 2022
    3

    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.

    Top Negative Comment
    Erik Estrada
    Aug 24, 2021
    1

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

    Most Recent Comment
    tunnar13
    Positive Sep 6, 2023
    1

    Standard Notes is more stable than Joplin

    Show more comments
    3 of 5 comments
    Standard Notes Icon
    Joplin icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Joplin is a great Standard Notes alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Standard Notes.

    • Joplin is the most popular Open Source alternative to Standard Notes.

    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceStandard Notes is also Freemium and Open Source
    • Joplin is Privacy focusedStandard Notes is not according to our users
  3. Logseq icon
     293 likes
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    Local-first, privacy-focused notebook supporting Markdown and Emacs Org mode. Offers offline use, encrypted backups, plugin extensibility, LaTeX support, real-time collaboration, and hierarchical organization for personal knowledge management.

    137 Logseq alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Bidirectional links
    2.  Graph view
    3.  Local Storage
    4.  Outliner
    5.  Backlinks
    6.  Knowledge base
    7.  Knowledge Management
    8.  Support for MarkDown
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Ad-free
    11.  Note organization
    12.  Full-Text Search

    Logseq VS Standard Notes

     
    Comments about Logseq as an Alternative to Standard Notes
    justtempo
    Negative Aug 4, 2024
    0

    it dont support cloud sync for free

    Standard Notes Icon
    Logseq icon
    • Logseq is the most popular Web-based alternative to Standard Notes.

    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceStandard Notes is Freemium and Open Source
    • Logseq is Privacy focusedStandard Notes is not according to our users
  4. Anytype icon
     253 likes
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    Manage notes, tasks, and projects offline with Markdown support. Enjoy encrypted storage, P2P syncing, and powerful dynamic collections across all devices, while allowing redistribution and modification for non-commercial uses.

    114 Anytype alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Synchronization
    4.  Decentralized
    5.  Visual Organization
    6.  Knowledge Management
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Local Storage
    10.  Wiki
    11.  Team Collaboration
    12.  Cross-Platform

    Anytype VS Standard Notes

     
  5. Notion icon
     628 likes
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    Enhance team collaboration and content organization with Notion. Experience real-time access, intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities, and visually simple interfaces designed for productivity in managing tasks, notes, and databases effectively. Ideal for teams of every size.

    120 Notion alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Database Management Tool
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Wiki
    4.  Custom templates
    5.  Team Collaboration
    6.  Visual bookmarks
    7.  Relational Database
    8.  Knowledge Base structuring
    9.  Data export/import
    10.  Kanban Board
    11.  Real time collaboration
    12. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX

    Notion VS Standard Notes

     
    • Notion is the most popular SaaS alternative to Standard Notes.

    • Notion is Freemium and ProprietaryStandard Notes is Freemium and Open Source
  6. NoteLedge icon
     195 likes
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    Note-taking tool tailored for creatives offering idea capture from Pinterest, YouTube, and the web. Allows mood board creation, drawing, and sketching with varied brushes. Present work, share with teams using multimedia and exportable notes in PDF format

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • GB flagUnited Kingdom

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet

    Top NoteLedge Features

    1.  Audio Recording
    2.  Drag and Drop
    3.  Web Clipper
    4.  Sync on many devices
    5.  Handwritten Notes
    6.  Multi-choice brushes
    7.  Portable
    8.  Video Import
    9.  Cloud Sync
    10.  Tag based
    11.  Better formatting
    12.  Stickers

    NoteLedge VS Standard Notes

     
  7. Simplenote icon
     598 likes
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    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.

    85 Simplenote alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad

    Properties

    1.  Clean design
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Cross-device syncing
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Search by tags
    4.  Simple text editor
    5.  Protected by Password
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Text Based Format
    8.  Full-Text Search
    9.  Portable
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  No Tracking
    12.  Ad-free

    Simplenote VS Standard Notes

     
    Comments about Simplenote as an Alternative to Standard Notes
    Most Recent Comment
    Alabaster3632
    Negative Jul 19, 2022
    2

    Does not have encryption and even the apps site itself says to do not store sensitive information. The app uses trackers too.

    Guest
    Positive Jul 8, 2020
    2

    Focus on simple strong features, very good customer service, no mess, strong privacy.

    legala
    Positive Jul 5, 2021
    0

    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.

    Standard Notes Icon
    Simplenote icon
    • Most users think Simplenote is a great Standard Notes alternative.

    • Simplenote is Free and Open SourceStandard Notes is Freemium and Open Source
    • Simplenote is LightweightStandard Notes is not according to our users
  8. Notesnook icon
     148 likes
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    Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.

    265 Notesnook alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • PK flagPakistan

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  Private notes
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Note organization
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Support for MarkDown
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Web Clipper
    12.  Reminders

    Notesnook VS Standard Notes

     
    Comments about Notesnook as an Alternative to Standard Notes
    Malaz YI
    Positive Nov 26, 2022
    0

    They're pretty much similar to each other, except that NoteNook is more generous giving you the folder organization feature for free. And the UI also looks better. So if you're not willing to pay for a note taking app but also want something that is open-source and secure, and provided your notes are just plain text, then this is the best option on the market.

    Abdullah Atta
    Positive Apr 6, 2021
    -1

    The best thing about Notesnook is that it works the same across all devices unlike Standard Notes. It's also pretty cheap, tbh. Love it so far.

    Standard Notes Icon
    Notesnook icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Notesnook is a great Standard Notes alternative.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceStandard Notes is also Freemium and Open Source
    • Notesnook is Privacy focusedStandard Notes is not according to our users
  9. Evernote icon
     2480 likes
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    App designed for cross-platform note-taking and organizing. Create notes with text, images, and audio, tag and search them. Features offline access, business card scanning, and presentation modes. Integrate with LinkedIn and secure with a passcode lock.

    68 Evernote alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • IT flagItaly
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Blackberry
    • Android Tablet
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Kindle Fire

    Top Evernote Features

    1.  Cloud Sync
    2.  Text formatting
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Hyperlinks
    5.  Folders
    6.  Tagging
    7.  Note organization
    8.  Screenshot OCR
    9.  OCR
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Handwritten Notes
    12.  Support for MarkDown

    Evernote VS Standard Notes

     
    Comments about Evernote as an Alternative to Standard Notes
    Sam Lander
    Negative Jul 1, 2023
    1

    Standard notes is a lightweight, encrypted, open-source, and privacy-friendly note-taking app.

    Standard notes is not quite as robust as Evernote, but it serves a different purpose. Evernote uses a lot of resources, is closed source, and is inferior to other apps which serve the same functions, such as Joplin, Zim Wiki, and Obsidian.

    Kimmy Garcia
    Positive Feb 24, 2018
    -28

    Simple, fast, and free! This is the best notebook ever!

    Standard Notes Icon
    Evernote icon
    • This alternative is disputed. Evernote is a legitimate Standard Notes alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Evernote is Freemium and ProprietaryStandard Notes is Freemium and Open Source
9 of 94 Standard Notes alternatives