What is the difference between Apple Notes and Anytype?

Apple Notes is best for Apple users who want simple, synced notes, while Anytype is best for Users wanting a local-first, encrypted Notion alternative. Apple Notes starts at Free and Anytype starts at Free.

Is Apple Notes or Anytype cheaper?

Apple Notes starts at Free and is free. Anytype starts at Free and is free.

Is there a free alternative to Anytype?

Both Apple Notes and Anytype offer free tiers.

Apple Notes vs Anytype

Apple Notes is built-in note-taking app for Apple devices with iCloud sync, folders, and basic formatting, while Anytype is local-first, end-to-end encrypted workspace for notes, tasks, and knowledge management. Anytype is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Apple Notes is built for apple users who want simple, synced notes, whereas Anytype targets users wanting a local-first, encrypted notion alternative.

At a glance

	Apple Notes	Anytype
Best for	Apple users who want simple, synced notes	Users wanting a local-first, encrypted Notion alternative
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
E2E Encrypted	—	✓
Folders	✓	—
Local-First	—	✓
Object Types	—	✓
Quick Notes	✓	—
Relations	—	✓
Scan Documents	✓	—
iCloud Sync	✓	—

Apple Notes

Strengths

Includes iCloud Sync as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
Includes Folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials
Established product with 14+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Some advanced features require upgrading to a paid plan
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Moving notes out to another platform can be difficult — export options vary

Try Apple Notes → Full review

Anytype

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Local-first architecture means your files work offline and load instantly
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Moving notes out to another platform can be difficult — export options vary

Try Anytype → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both Apple Notes and Anytype are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.

Feature gaps: Apple Notes offers Folders, Quick Notes and Scan Documents that Anytype lacks. Anytype brings E2E Encrypted, Local-First and Object Types that Apple Notes does not have.

Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.

Open source: Anytype is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Apple Notes is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: Apple Notes's biggest strengths are: includes icloud sync as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows. includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows. Anytype's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. local-first architecture means your files work offline and load instantly.

Watch out for: With Apple Notes, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Anytype, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.

Choose Apple Notes if...

You need a tool built for apple users who want simple, synced notes
You specifically need Folders and Quick Notes
You care about includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows

Choose Anytype if...

You need a tool built for users wanting a local-first, encrypted notion alternative
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need E2E Encrypted and Local-First
You care about local-first architecture means your files work offline and load instantly