Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a privacy-focused, end-to-end encrypted note-taking application designed to protect your most sensitive information. Positioned as a secure alternative to mainstream note-taking services like Evernote, Google Keep, and Notion, Standard Notes ensures that only you have access to your data through audited, industry-leading encryption.
Core Philosophy
Standard Notes operates on the principle that your notes and files should be protected from unauthorized access—including from employers, governments, and even the service itself. With zero-knowledge encryption, the company cannot read your data even if compelled to do so.
Key Capabilities
The app supports a wide variety of content types including:
- Markdown and rich text documents
- Budgets and personal finance tracking
- Tasks and to-do lists
- Code snippets
- Passwords and encryption keys
- Outlining and lists
- Family records and documents
- Health records
- Journaling and diary entries
- Secure file storage
- Passport and ID photos
- Bank account and credit card numbers
- Legal contracts and agreements
- Confidential business documents
- Personal photos and videos
Security & Privacy
Standard Notes has completed third-party security audits and maintains open, audited applications. The platform protects against hacks, data breaches, government access, and employer surveillance. Users always have an offline copy of their data, ensuring access even without an internet connection.
Cross-Platform Availability
Available on iOS and web, with automated backups and secure cloud sync ensuring your data remains safe even if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.
Target Audience
Privacy-conscious individuals, security professionals, journalists, activists, business professionals handling confidential documents, and anyone seeking a secure alternative to mainstream note-taking applications.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption (audited, industry-leading)
- Zero-knowledge encryption architecture
- Cross-platform syncing on unlimited devices
- Offline access to all notes and files
- Automated backups and secure cloud sync
- Support for Markdown and rich text
- Secure file storage
- Open and audited applications
- Free tier with unlimited notes and devices
Use Cases
- Personal journaling and diary keeping
- Secure storage of passwords and encryption keys
- Storing sensitive financial information (bank accounts, credit cards)
- Managing legal contracts and confidential business documents
- Health records management
- Family document storage
- Budget and personal finance tracking
- Secure storage of passport and ID photos
- Code snippet management
- Task and to-do list management
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited notes and unlimited devices
- Industry-leading end-to-end encryption with third-party security audits
- Zero-knowledge architecture ensures even Standard Notes cannot access your data
- Cross-platform availability with seamless syncing
- Offline access to all data without internet connection
- Supports diverse content types from text to files to sensitive credentials
- Open source and audited for transparency
Cons
- May have a steeper learning curve compared to mainstream note apps
- Limited advanced formatting options compared to competitors like Notion
- Premium features require paid subscription (details not specified on homepage)
Pricing
Free tier available with unlimited notes and unlimited devices. Paid plans available for additional features (specific pricing not detailed on homepage).
