What is the difference between Apple Notes and Standard Notes?

Apple Notes is best for Apple users who want simple, synced notes, while Standard Notes is best for Privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes. Apple Notes starts at Free and Standard Notes starts at Free.

Is Apple Notes or Standard Notes cheaper?

Apple Notes starts at Free and is free. Standard Notes starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Standard Notes?

Both Apple Notes and Standard Notes offer free tiers.

Apple Notes vs Standard Notes

Apple Notes is built-in note-taking app for Apple devices with iCloud sync, folders, and basic formatting, while Standard Notes is end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option. Standard Notes 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 Standard Notes targets privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes.

At a glance

	Apple Notes	Standard Notes
Best for	Apple users who want simple, synced notes	Privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
E2E Encryption	—	✓
Editors	—	✓
Folders	✓	—
Quick Notes	✓	—
Scan Documents	✓	—
Self-Hosted	—	✓
Tags	—	✓
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

Standard Notes

Strengths

Open source and transparent
End-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
Free with basic editors — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Self-hosting requires Linux admin skills and ongoing server maintenance
Moving notes out to another platform can be difficult — export options vary
Community support can be slower than the dedicated support teams at commercial alternatives

Try Standard Notes → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both Apple Notes and Standard Notes are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: Apple Notes offers Folders, Quick Notes and Scan Documents that Standard Notes lacks. Standard Notes brings E2E Encryption, Editors and Self-Hosted 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: Standard Notes 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. Standard Notes's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator.

Watch out for: With Apple Notes, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Standard Notes, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

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 Standard Notes if...

You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need E2E Encryption and Editors
You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
The free tier works for you: free with basic editors