Best Standard Notes Alternatives

The top-ranked Standard Notes alternative is Obsidian (Freemium). The best free option is Joplin (open source).

Standard Notes is a privacy-focused, encrypted note-taking app. Users seek alternatives for richer formatting, better organization, more integrations, or a more generous free tier.

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1
#1

Obsidian

Freemium

Local-first markdown knowledge base with linking, outlining, and plugins.

WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
2
#2

Joplin

Open Source

Open-source note-taking and to-do app with end-to-end encryption and sync.

WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
3
#3

Notion

Freemium

All-in-one workspace that can also collect and organize links.

WindowsmacOSWebiOSAndroid
#4

Evernote

Freemium

Established note-taking app for capturing, organizing, and searching notes and clips.

WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroid
#5

Simplenote

Free

Free, lightweight, cross-platform note app with fast sync and tagging.

WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
#6

Bear

Freemium

Elegant markdown note-taking app for Apple devices with tags and nesting.

macOSiOS
#7

Notesnook

Freemium

Open-source, end-to-end encrypted note app focused on privacy across platforms.

WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
#8

Logseq

Open Source

Open-source outliner and knowledge base with local-first storage and backlinks.

WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid

A free note and list app with sharing for family tasks and reminders.

WebiOSAndroid
#10

Microsoft OneNote

Free

Free-form digital notebook with nesting, sections, and cross-device sync.

WindowsmacOSWebiOSAndroid

Built-in note app for Apple devices with rich formatting and iCloud sync.

macOSiOSWeb
#12

Trilium Notes

Open Source

Open-source hierarchical note-taking app for building large personal knowledge bases.

WindowsmacOSLinuxWeb

Standard Notes alternatives: FAQ

What is the best alternative to Standard Notes?

Obsidian is ranked first on this list (Freemium). The ranking combines our base score with readers' votes, so it can change.

What is the best free alternative to Standard Notes?

The highest-ranked free or open-source options here are Joplin, Simplenote and Logseq.

Which Standard Notes alternatives work on Mac?

Obsidian, Joplin, Notion and Evernote run on macOS.

Which Standard Notes alternatives work on Linux?

Obsidian, Joplin, Simplenote and Notesnook run on Linux.

Are there Standard Notes alternatives for Android?

Yes: Obsidian, Joplin, Notion and Evernote have Android apps.

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