Simplenote vs Standard Notes
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Simplenote is a minimalist note-taking app, made by Automattic, focused on simplicity and speed over complex features. Notes sync automatically and in real time across iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and the web with no manual sync step required.
Standard Notes is a privacy-first note-taking app that encrypts every note and file with audited, industry-standard end-to-end encryption before it ever leaves the device. Only the account holder holds the keys needed to decrypt their data, and the company positions itself directly against services like Evernote, Google Keep, and Notion on the grounds that those services cannot fully protect user data from employer or government access. The app syncs notes and files across unlimited devices on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web, and it keeps an offline copy of everything so notes remain accessible without an internet connection. Beyond plain notes, it supports markdown, rich text, task lists, code snippets, and spreadsheets through an extensible editor system, and its source code is open and independently security-audited. The company states it takes no venture capital and earns 100 percent of its revenue from paying subscribers.
- Completely free with no ads or paid tiers
- Available on virtually every major platform
- Fast, distraction-free minimalist interface
- Reliable automatic sync with full note history
- Independently audited, industry-standard end-to-end encryption
- Generous free tier with unlimited notes and unlimited devices
- Fully open source and transparent about its security practices
- No venture capital funding, so incentives are aligned with paying users rather than investors
- Lacks rich formatting, images, or file attachments found in fuller-featured note apps
- No built-in folders, only tags, for organization
- Feature set is intentionally minimal compared to competitors like Evernote or Notion
- Extended editors and larger file storage are locked behind paid tiers
- Interface is more minimal than richer note apps like Notion or Evernote
- Built-in team collaboration features are limited compared to workspace-oriented note tools
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataStandard Notes offers encrypted, open‑source notes with a generous free tier but limits advanced editors to paid plans, while Simplenote is completely free with plain‑text only features and no encryption.
Key differences
- •Standard Notes provides audited end‑to‑end encryption; Simplenote does not.
- •Standard Notes is open source; Simplenote is not.
- •Advanced editors and larger file storage require payment in Standard Notes; Simplenote is fully free but lacks rich formatting.
- •Standard Notes supports custom extensions; Simplenote offers only basic markdown and tags.
- •Standard Notes has limited team collaboration; Simplenote offers simple shared lists but no robust workspace features.
Pricing & value
Standard Notes freemium gives unlimited notes/devices; paid tiers unlock extensions. Simplenote is free but lacks advanced features.
Ease of use / learning curve
Simplenote’s minimalist UI and plain‑text focus make it quicker to adopt than Standard Notes’ extensible editor system.
Features & depth
Standard Notes includes encryption, multiple note formats, backups, and extensible editors; Simplenote is limited to plain text/markdown.
Integrations & ecosystem
Standard Notes offers an extensible editor system for custom add‑ons; Simplenote lists no integrations.
Collaboration
Simplenote supports shared notes and collaborative to‑do lists; Standard Notes’ team features are limited.
Security & privacy
Standard Notes has audited end‑to‑end encryption and open‑source code; Simplenote provides no encryption and is closed source.
Support
Standard Notes offers help center, community forum, and email support; Simplenote’s support details not specified.
Choose Simplenote if…
Users who want a completely free, fast, plain‑text note app without encryption or advanced features.
Choose Standard Notes if…
Privacy‑focused users needing encrypted, multi‑format notes and willing to pay for advanced editors.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either app?
Standard Notes is freemium—core features free, extensions require paid tiers. Simplenote is completely free.
Which app encrypts my notes?
Standard Notes encrypts all notes with audited end‑to‑end encryption; Simplenote does not provide encryption.
Can I organize notes with folders?
Standard Notes supports multiple note formats and extensions but does not mention folders; Simplenote uses tags only, no folders.