Dash review
A privacy-focused note app with strong offline tools and a narrow ecosystem.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Dash is a local-first note-taking app for people who want private, encrypted notes without creating an account. It combines a block-based rich-text editor with folders, tags, wiki-style links, full-text search, note locking, biometric unlock, self-destructing notes, encrypted exports, and optional end-to-end encrypted synchronization. Its free web PWA and iPhone access make it suitable for personal notes, while the Mac app adds a native desktop experience. Local AI features support workflows that keep processing on the device through Ollama or LM Studio.
The pricing structure separates access, the Mac app, and synchronization. The Web PWA / iPhone plan offers free ongoing use, offline access, and no account requirement. Dash for Mac costs $14.99 as a one-time purchase and includes automatic updates, Touch ID support, and offline-by-default operation. Dash Sync Monthly costs $4.99 per month, while Dash Sync Yearly costs $47.99 per year and includes two months free versus monthly billing. Both sync plans provide cross-device synchronization, end-to-end encryption, and cancellation anytime. A 7-day free trial is also available.
Privacy and offline capability are Dash’s clearest strengths, but its platform and ecosystem fit are narrower than broader note-taking services. It supports web, macOS, iOS, and Android through a web PWA, while Windows and Linux apps are not available. Integrations focus on Ollama and LM Studio rather than a wide range of productivity services. Encrypted read-only sharing is available, but shared notes are not designed for live collaboration. Choose Dash for local control, encryption, offline editing, and on-device AI; choose another app if real-time collaboration, broader integrations, or native Windows and Linux support are priorities.
Dash pros and cons
- Where it wins
- AES-256-GCM encryption, biometric unlock, and encrypted exports
- Offline editing with folders, tags, links, and full-text search
- On-device AI support through Ollama and LM Studio
- Where it doesn't
- Windows and Linux apps are not available
- Integrations are limited to Ollama and LM Studio
- Shared notes are read-only, without real-time collaboration
Dash fact sheet, pricing and score →
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