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Head-to-head · Secure Notes Apps

Standard Notes vs QOwnNotes

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Standard Notes #2 in Secure Notes Apps 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Standard Notes
QOwnNotes #6 in Secure Notes Apps 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit QOwnNotes

Standard Notes 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 scoreStandard Notes · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

Standard Notes scores higher on our rubric for secure notes apps: 9.0 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Standard Notes is the better fit for cross-platform encrypted notes with rich editors. QOwnNotes is the better fit for self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping.

  • Standard Notes fits best

    Cross-platform encrypted notes with rich editors

  • QOwnNotes fits best

    Self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping

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Side by side

Feature Standard Notes 9.0/10 Visit ↗ QOwnNotes 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.3
Ranking #2 in Secure Notes Apps #6 in Secure Notes Apps
Best for Cross-platform encrypted notes with rich editors Self-hosters who want flexible sync and clipping
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price $90/yr Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
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, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 11 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Standard Notes 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 covers notes and files
  • Works offline and syncs across unlimited devices on the free plan
  • Paid plans add rich editors, revision history, and encrypted storage
  • 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
  • Rich text, Markdown, and other advanced editors require a paid plan
  • Professional costs $120 per year
  • Read-only note sharing; no real-time collaborative editing
  • 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

Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted notes app for people who want private writing and organization across web, desktop, and mobile. Its free Standard plan includes unlimited device sync, plain text notes, offline access, tags, and…

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. Standard NotesSecure Notes Apps 9.0Free plan
  2. QOwnNotesSecure Notes Apps 8.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Standard Notes — where it wins

    • End-to-end encryption covers notes and files
    • Works offline and syncs across unlimited devices on the free plan
    • Paid plans add rich editors, revision history, and encrypted storage

    Where it doesn't

    • Rich text, Markdown, and other advanced editors require a paid plan
    • Professional costs $120 per year
    • Read-only note sharing; no real-time collaborative editing

  • 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

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