Standard Notes
End-to-end encrypted notes with a powerful extension system
Standard Notes is a cross-platform note-taking application focused on long-term privacy and durability. It provides end-to-end encrypted syncing across devices, with optional editors and extensions to tailor the writing experience.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption for note content and synced data
- Cross-platform apps (web, desktop, mobile) with account-based sync
- Offline access (notes remain available without a network connection)
- Extension system for additional editors (e.g., Markdown/rich text) and tools
- Revision history features available via extended functionality
- Data portability with export options to back up or migrate notes
Use Cases
- Private personal journaling and daily notes that should remain confidential
- Managing technical notes (e.g., Markdown) across multiple devices
- Keeping a secure knowledge base with optional enhanced editors/workflows
Limitations and Considerations
- Some advanced editors/tools and features are provided via add-ons/paid plans rather than the minimal core editor
Standard Notes is a solid choice for users who prioritize encryption and cross-device note syncing. Its modular editor/extension approach lets you keep a simple, durable core while enabling richer writing and organization when needed.
Categories:
Tags:
Tech Stack:
React
Node.js
TypeScript
JavaScriptSimilar Services
AppFlowy
An open workspace for notes, wikis, and projects
Notion-style workspace for docs, wikis, and task databases with rich blocks, templates, and optional AI—available across desktop and mobile.
AFFiNE
Local-first workspace for docs, notes, and whiteboards
Local-first, open-source workspace combining docs, wikis, and whiteboards with real-time collaboration and optional self-hosted cloud sync.
Joplin
End-to-end encrypted notes with Markdown and file attachments
Cross-platform note-taking and knowledge management app with Markdown, attachments, Web Clipper, offline-first sync, and optional end-to-end encryption.
Memos
A privacy-first note-taking app for quick ideas and logs
Lightweight self-hosted note-taking and micro-journaling app with Markdown, tags, full-text search, and a clean timeline UI for personal knowledge capture.
SiYuan
Privacy-first personal knowledge base with block references
Self-hostable note app with Markdown, block references, backlinks, and local-first sync for building a personal knowledge base and wiki-like docs.
Paperless-ngx
Document management with OCR and full‑text search
Self-hosted document management system that ingests scans and emails, performs OCR, extracts metadata, and provides fast full-text search with tags and workflows.
