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Best Free Alternatives to Simplenote (Legacy Status)
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Category: Note-TakingVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Standard Notes
FREEBest for Longevity & Security
Why we like it
The most secure alternative; uses end-to-end encryption by default; the free tier offers unlimited notes and devices with a minimalist UI nearly identical to Simplenote; audited and open-source.
Keep in mind
Rich text editing, themes, and folders are locked behind a relatively expensive premium subscription.
Notesnook
FREEBest Modern Alternative
Why we like it
The breakout open-source note app of 2025; offers E2EE for free; includes a 'Monospace' theme that mimics the Simplenote aesthetic; features a built-in 'Vault' for extra-sensitive notes; regional pricing available.
Keep in mind
The interface is slightly more complex than Simplenote due to added features like colors and notebooks.
Joplin
FREEBest for Power Users
Why we like it
A massive open-source ecosystem; supports Markdown natively; allows you to sync via your own Dropbox, OneDrive, or WebDAV for free; mobile and desktop apps are highly customizable.
Keep in mind
Syncing requires a manual setup (unless paying for Joplin Cloud); the desktop app can be slower than native text editors.
UpNote
FREEBest UI/UX Experience
Why we like it
Features a beautiful, distraction-free interface; much faster than Joplin; offers a one-time 'Lifetime' purchase option ($30) that is a favorite among former Simplenote users.
Keep in mind
Not open-source; lacks the high-end E2EE found in Standard Notes or Notesnook.
Logseq
FREEBest for Daily Logs
Why we like it
A privacy-first outliner; stores files locally as plain text (Markdown); incredible for people who use notes for 'daily thinking' rather than static lists; zero server-side risk.
Keep in mind
Steep learning curve (outliner-style); mobile sync requires a third-party tool like Syncthing or iCloud.
Google Keep
FREEBest for Quick Scraps
Why we like it
The ultimate 'digital sticky note'; zero learning curve; integrates perfectly with Google Docs and Gmail; search is lightning fast.
Keep in mind
Not suitable for long-form writing; zero privacy (Google scans content for data); no Markdown support.
SilverBullet
FREEBest for Tech-Savvy Users
Why we like it
A self-hosted, 'hackable' personal wiki that runs in your browser; stores everything in Markdown; allows you to query your notes like a database.
Keep in mind
Requires self-hosting knowledge (Docker/Node.js).
Obsidian
FREEBest for 'Second Brain'
Why we like it
Industry-leading knowledge management tool; local-first; thousands of plugins to make it behave exactly like Simplenote or a complex database; you own your files forever.
Keep in mind
Syncing across devices is a paid service ($4/mo) unless you use a free workaround like Dropbox/iCloud.
Apple Notes
FREEBest for Ecosystem Lock-in
Why we like it
Already installed on every iPhone/Mac; now supports basic Markdown-like formatting and PDF annotation; fast and reliable sync.
Keep in mind
Apple hardware required; export options are notoriously difficult.
Zoho Notebook
FREEBest Visual Design
Why we like it
Uses a 'Card' metaphor (Text, Checklist, Audio, Photo); very beautiful across all platforms; includes a 'Web Clipper' that is superior to Simplenote's sharing tools.
Keep in mind
The visual style can feel cluttered for true 'minimalist' purists.
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