Simplenote
Simplenote: A capable free notes app for people who value simplicity over breadth. Ranked #21 of 214 in Note-Taking Apps by our editors (7.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for minimalist free notes with reliable basics.
At a glance
- Editor score7.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMinimalist free notes with reliable basics
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Offline accessYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free synchronization and offline editing across six platforms
- Markdown, nested checklists, tags, search, and note history
- Sharing, publishing, backups, import/export, and passcode lock
Where it doesn't
- No longer in active development
- Integration coverage is limited to WordPress.com
- Feature depth is narrower than broader note-taking platforms
Our verdict on Simplenote
Simplenote is a free note-taking application for individuals who want to capture notes, to-do lists, and ideas across web, desktop, and mobile devices. It supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with cross-device synchronization and offline access. Its core toolkit covers tags, search, Markdown formatting and preview, nested checklists, sharing, public publishing, note history, backups, import and export tools, and passcode protection. That makes it a practical fit for people who want dependable note basics without a paid plan.
Pricing is straightforward: Simplenote is available at no cost, with no paid tiers described. The free offering includes synchronization, offline editing, and the full set of listed note features. Its six-platform coverage is a strong ecosystem fit for users who move between browser, desktop, and mobile devices. WordPress.com integration adds a direct publishing connection, while the overall integration footprint remains focused rather than broad. Users choosing Simplenote should be comfortable with a lightweight platform centered on notes instead of a wider connected workspace.
The main consideration is product development status. Simplenote remains available, but it is no longer in active development; a July 2026 desktop editor prototype and ongoing availability are also described. Existing capabilities include sharing and collaboration, public note publishing, note history, backups, and passcode lock, giving the app useful coverage for personal notes and simple shared documents. People seeking a stable, focused place for notes, lists, and ideas may find the free model compelling. Those who prioritize active development, a wider integration ecosystem, or deeper feature expansion should consider an alternative.
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Simplenote pricing
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Simplenote fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Supported platforms | web, windows, macos, linux, ios, android |
| Note sharing | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Integrations | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | simplenote.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Simplenote
- Microsoft OneNoteA broad, collaborative note system with strong Microsoft integration and a capable free option.9.3
- NotionA flexible workspace for teams that want notes and knowledge bases alongside databases and collaboration.9.2
- EvernoteA broad note-taking workspace for organizing information, tasks, calendars, and documents.9.0
See all Simplenote alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Simplenote is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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