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ColorNote alternatives · Note-Taking

End-to-end encrypted alternatives to ColorNote

The ColorNote listing does not describe it as end-to-end encrypted. 12 of the 146 other note-taking apps in this directory are end-to-end encrypted, according to their own sites.

ColorNote has a free plan. Paid plans start at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown). 11 of them are free or have a free plan.

12 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from ColorNote

  1. Obsidian

    Markdown note-taking app that keeps your files on your device

    • Obsidian starts at $4 per user / month, billed annually (Sync Standard add-on). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Obsidian lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Only Obsidian lists a browser extension.
    • Obsidian is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Obsidian pricing and details

  2. Notesnook

    Open source, end-to-end encrypted notes on every platform

    • Notesnook starts at $1.99 per month, or $19.99 per year (Essential). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Notesnook lists a web app.
    • Only Notesnook lists Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Only Notesnook lists a browser extension.
    Notesnook pricing and details

  3. SiYuan

    Open-source, local-first notes built on linked content blocks

    • SiYuan starts at $64 one-time payment (PRO Features). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only SiYuan lists a web app.
    • Only SiYuan lists Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Only SiYuan lists a browser extension.
    SiYuan pricing and details

  4. Cryptee

    Encrypted documents, notes and photo storage from Estonia

    • Cryptee starts at €3 per month (10 GB). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Cryptee lists a web app.
    • Only ColorNote lists an Android app.
    • Cryptee is open source and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Cryptee pricing and details

  5. Anytype

    Local-first, end-to-end encrypted workspace for notes and data

    • Anytype starts at $4 per month, billed yearly ($5 billed monthly). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Anytype lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Anytype is self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Anytype also covers kanban boards.
    Anytype pricing and details

  6. Joplin

    Open source Markdown notes with sync through a service you choose

    • Joplin starts at 2.40€ per month, billed yearly at 28.69€ (Joplin Cloud Basic). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Joplin lists a web app.
    • Only Joplin lists Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Only Joplin lists a browser extension.
    Joplin pricing and details

  7. Standard Notes

    End-to-end encrypted notes app with open source clients

    • Standard Notes starts at $90 per year (Productivity). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Standard Notes lists a web app.
    • Only Standard Notes lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Only Standard Notes lists a browser extension.
    Standard Notes pricing and details

  8. Inkdrop

    Markdown note app for developers with encrypted sync

    • Inkdrop starts at $8.31 per month, billed annually ($99.80 per year). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • ColorNote has a free plan. Inkdrop does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Inkdrop lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Only Inkdrop lists a browser extension.
    Inkdrop pricing and details

  9. Lockbook

    Open-source encrypted notes app with Markdown and drawing

    • Lockbook starts at $2.99 per month. ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Lockbook lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Lockbook is open source, self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • Lockbook also covers Markdown.
    Lockbook pricing and details

  10. Mimiri Notes

    End-to-end encrypted notes in a tree, with encrypted sharing

    • Mimiri Notes starts at $1.20 per month, or $12 per year (Tier 1). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only Mimiri Notes lists a web app.
    • Only Mimiri Notes lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • Mimiri Notes is open source, self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    Mimiri Notes pricing and details

  11. FUTO Notes

    Local-first Markdown notes with self-hosted encrypted sync

    • FUTO Notes is free. ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only FUTO Notes lists macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
    • FUTO Notes is open source, self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • FUTO Notes also covers Markdown.
    FUTO Notes pricing and details

  12. DeepNotes

    End-to-end encrypted infinite canvas for nested notes

    • DeepNotes starts at $3.99 per month, billed yearly ($47.88). ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • Only DeepNotes lists a web app.
    • Only DeepNotes lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
    • Only ColorNote lists an Android app.
    DeepNotes pricing and details

Common questions

Is there an end-to-end encrypted alternative to ColorNote?

Yes. Obsidian, Notesnook, SiYuan, Cryptee, Anytype, Joplin, Standard Notes, Inkdrop and 4 more are end-to-end encrypted, according to their own sites.

Is ColorNote end-to-end encrypted?

The ColorNote listing does not describe it as end-to-end encrypted. The listing was checked on Oct 6, 2026 against the pages it cites.

Which of these note-taking apps are free?

Obsidian, Notesnook, SiYuan, Cryptee, Anytype, Joplin, Standard Notes, Lockbook and 3 more are free or have a free plan.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to ColorNote: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.