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Head-to-head · Secure Notes Apps

Notesnook vs QOwnNotes

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Notesnook #3 in Secure Notes Apps 8.8/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Notesnook
QOwnNotes #6 in Secure Notes Apps 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit QOwnNotes

Notesnook leads on 0 checks, QOwnNotes on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreNotesnook · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Notesnook

Notesnook scores higher on our rubric for secure notes apps: 8.8 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

Notesnook is the better fit for affordable encrypted notes with integrations. QOwnNotes is the better fit for self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping.

  • Notesnook fits best

    Affordable encrypted notes with integrations

  • QOwnNotes fits best

    Self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Notesnook 8.8/10 Visit ↗ QOwnNotes 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.3
Ranking #3 in Secure Notes Apps #6 in Secure Notes Apps
Best for Affordable encrypted notes with integrations Self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $1.67/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome extension
Support Email, Community Community, Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 11 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Notesnook 2/3 · QOwnNotes 2/3
Offline access ✓ ✓
Open source ✓ ✓
File attachments Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Encryption model Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms web, windows, macos, linux, ios, android web, windows, macos, linux, android, chrome_extension
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • End-to-end encryption is performed on the user's device.
  • Works offline and synchronizes when connectivity returns.
  • Supports web, desktop, mobile, imports, publishing and integrations.
  • Stores notes as plain-text Markdown files
  • Offers optional AES-256 encryption, offline Android editing, and recovery
  • Supports clipping, sharing, and sync through several services
Cons
  • Storage is allocated by paid tier: 1 GB, 10 GB or 25 GB per month.
  • Full-quality images and full offline mode require Essential or higher.
  • Monthly and yearly trials require a payment method.
  • Desktop sync depends on Nextcloud, ownCloud, or another service
  • Encryption is optional rather than the central default
  • The setup may not suit buyers seeking a managed, all-in-one service
Our verdict

Notesnook is a privacy-focused note-taking application for individuals who want encrypted notes across computers, phones and browsers. It combines device-side end-to-end encryption with notebooks, nested organization, tags, colors,…

Read the review →

QOwnNotes is a free, open-source Markdown note-taking application for people who want their notes stored as plain-text files and prefer control over synchronization. Desktop apps are available for GNU/Linux, macOS, and Windows, with an…

Read the review →
  1. NotesnookSecure Notes Apps 8.8Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. QOwnNotesSecure Notes Apps 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Notesnook — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption is performed on the user's device.
    • Works offline and synchronizes when connectivity returns.
    • Supports web, desktop, mobile, imports, publishing and integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • Storage is allocated by paid tier: 1 GB, 10 GB or 25 GB per month.
    • Full-quality images and full offline mode require Essential or higher.
    • Monthly and yearly trials require a payment method.

  • QOwnNotes — where it wins

    • Stores notes as plain-text Markdown files
    • Offers optional AES-256 encryption, offline Android editing, and recovery
    • Supports clipping, sharing, and sync through several services

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop sync depends on Nextcloud, ownCloud, or another service
    • Encryption is optional rather than the central default
    • The setup may not suit buyers seeking a managed, all-in-one service
  • Notesnook8.8/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A low-cost encrypted notes app with broad platform coverage and useful integrations.

    Visit NotesnookFull verdict →
  • QOwnNotes8.3/10 · Free plan

    A flexible, open-source notes setup for people comfortable choosing and managing their own sync.

    Visit QOwnNotesFull verdict →

More comparisons

All secure notes apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update