Alternatives · Note-Taking
Notchkin alternatives
Notchkin compared with 5 alternatives: Quick Note, SideNotes, Tot, Antinote and Heynote.
Notchkin is a paid product, starting at $4.99 one-time. 2 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| NotchkinThis tool | From $4.99 one-time | No | macOS |
| Quick Note | Free trial · from $12.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, iOS |
| SideNotes | Free trial · from $9.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, iOS |
| Tot | Free plan · from $19.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, iOS |
| Antinote | Free trial · from $5 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Heynote | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
How each one differs from Notchkin
- Free trial · from $12.99 one-time
Quick Note
Menu bar sticky notes that float above other Mac windows
- Quick Note starts at $12.99 one-time. Notchkin starts at $4.99 one-time.
- Only Quick Note lists an iOS app.
- Quick Note also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who want a note visible on top of the window they work in
- Free trial · from $9.99 one-time
SideNotes
Screen-edge notes panel for Mac, with a separate iPhone app
- SideNotes starts at $9.99 one-time for iPhone and iPad; $19.99 one-time for Mac. Notchkin starts at $4.99 one-time.
- Only SideNotes lists an iOS app.
- SideNotes also covers Markdown, tasks and menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who want notes at hand without switching apps
- Free plan · from $19.99 one-time
Tot
Seven-note text scratchpad for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
- Tot starts at $19.99 one-time in-app purchase, per platform. Notchkin starts at $4.99 one-time.
- Tot has a free plan. Notchkin does not.
- Only Tot lists an iOS app.
- Tot also covers Markdown and menu bar app.
Suits: Mac and iPhone users who want a scratchpad for short-lived text
- Free trial · from $5 one-time
Antinote
Mac scratchpad for temporary notes, quick math and checklists
- Antinote starts at $5 one-time purchase. Notchkin starts at $4.99 one-time.
- Antinote also covers Pomodoro timer, menu bar app and calculator.
Suits: Mac users who want a throwaway pad beside their main notes app
- Free
Heynote
Block-based scratchpad for developers on Mac, Windows and Linux
- Heynote is free. Notchkin starts at $4.99 one-time.
- Heynote has a free plan. Notchkin does not.
- Only Heynote lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Notchkin can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Heynote also covers Markdown and calculator.
Suits: Developers who need a holding place for JSON, logs and code snippets
Limits worth knowing in Notchkin
- It runs on the Mac only and requires macOS 14 or later.
- There is no sync: the FAQ says notes cannot be shared with an iPhone or iPad, only backed up by copying the notes folder yourself.
- The Mac App Store listing shows a paid download with no free version or trial; refunds go through Apple or Setapp.
- The built-in backups live on the same Mac as the notes, so the vendor advises keeping a separate backup.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Notchkin?
The alternatives to Notchkin in this directory are Quick Note, SideNotes, Tot, Antinote and Heynote. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Notchkin.
Is there a free alternative to Notchkin?
Yes. Heynote is free to use. Tot has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Notchkin alternatives work on Windows?
The Notchkin listing does not include a Windows app. Heynote lists one.
Which Notchkin alternatives work on Linux?
The Notchkin listing does not include a Linux app. Heynote lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Every listing on this page was checked on Oct 9, 2026, against the pages it cites. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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