Standard Notes
End-to-end encrypted notes. Simple, fast, built to last.
Description
Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking app, acquired by Proton in April 2024. The app remains open source, independent, and existing subscriptions are honored. Minimalist interface, multiple editors (Markdown, spreadsheet, code), cross-platform sync. The free plan covers text notes with E2E encryption. Paid plans add advanced editors, nested tags and revision history.
Strengths
- End-to-end encryption on all notes
- Independently audited, open source code
- Available on all platforms including web
- 100-year durability stated as mission
Limitations
- Deliberately minimalist UI, no tables or rich media on free plan
- Advanced editors (markdown, spreadsheet) require subscription
Recommended for
- Replacing Google Keep or Apple Notes with encryption
- Journalists, lawyers, or any privacy-conscious user
Compared to alternatives
Standard Notes focuses entirely on privacy and simplicity. For rich markdown and Nextcloud sync, Joplin is more suited. For a Notion-like UX, Notesnook.