What is the difference between Simplenote and Standard Notes?

Simplenote is best for Anyone wanting the simplest possible note-taking, while Standard Notes is best for Privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes. Simplenote starts at Free and Standard Notes starts at Free.

Is Simplenote or Standard Notes cheaper?

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

Is there a free alternative to Standard Notes?

Both Simplenote and Standard Notes offer free tiers.

Simplenote vs Standard Notes

Simplenote is minimalist note-taking app with instant sync, tags, and Markdown support, while Standard Notes is end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option. Simplenote is built for anyone wanting the simplest possible note-taking, whereas Standard Notes targets privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes.

At a glance

	Simplenote	Standard Notes
Best for	Anyone wanting the simplest possible note-taking	Privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
E2E Encryption	—	✓
Editors	—	✓
History	✓	—
Instant Sync	✓	—
Markdown	✓	—
Self-Hosted	—	✓
Tags	✓	✓

Simplenote

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Instant sync keeps every collaborator's view up to date in real time
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 Simplenote → 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 Simplenote and Standard Notes are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: Simplenote offers History, Instant Sync and Markdown that Standard Notes lacks. Standard Notes brings E2E Encryption, Editors and Self-Hosted that Simplenote does not have. Both share Tags.

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

Open source: Both Simplenote and Standard Notes are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.

Where each tool shines: Simplenote's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. instant sync keeps every collaborator's view up to date in real time. 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 Simplenote, 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 Simplenote if...

You need a tool built for anyone wanting the simplest possible note-taking
You specifically need History and Instant Sync
You care about instant sync keeps every collaborator's view up to date in real time

Choose Standard Notes if...

You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes
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