Alternatives · Note-Taking
NotePlus alternatives
NotePlus compared with 5 alternatives: Obsidian, Bear, FSNotes, Octarine and MiaoYan.
NotePlus has a free plan. Paid plans start at $29 one-time purchase (Basic license, 1 computer). All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| NotePlusThis tool | Free plan · from $29 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| Obsidian | Free plan · from $4/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Bear | Free plan · from $2.99/mo | Yes | macOS, iOS, Browser extension |
| FSNotes | Free plan · from $4.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, iOS |
| Octarine | Free plan · from $79 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, Browser extension |
| MiaoYan | Free plan · from $14.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, iOS |
How each one differs from NotePlus
- Free plan · from $4/mo
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). NotePlus starts at $29 one-time purchase (Basic license, 1 computer).
- Only Obsidian lists Linux and Android apps.
- Only Obsidian lists a browser extension.
- Obsidian is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- NotePlus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: People who want their notes as plain Markdown files they control
- Free plan · from $2.99/mo
Bear
Markdown notes app for Mac, iPhone and iPad with tags and links
- Bear starts at $2.99 per month, or $29.99 per year. NotePlus starts at $29 one-time purchase (Basic license, 1 computer).
- Only Bear lists a browser extension.
- Only NotePlus lists a Windows app.
- NotePlus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Bear also covers web clipper.
Suits: Writers who want a focused Markdown editor on Mac, iPhone and iPad
- Free plan · from $4.99 one-time
FSNotes
Open-source Markdown notes app for Mac and iPhone
- FSNotes starts at $4.99 one-time for iPhone and iPad; $8.99 one-time for Mac. NotePlus starts at $29 one-time purchase (Basic license, 1 computer).
- Only NotePlus lists a Windows app.
- FSNotes is open source, according to its own site.
- NotePlus also covers linked notes and kanban boards.
Suits: Mac and iPhone users who want notes kept as plain Markdown files
- Free plan · from $79 one-time
Octarine
Local Markdown notes app with daily notes, views and optional AI
- Octarine starts at $79 one-time purchase. NotePlus starts at $29 one-time purchase (Basic license, 1 computer).
- Only Octarine lists a Linux app.
- Only Octarine lists a browser extension.
- Only NotePlus lists an iOS app.
- Octarine also covers daily notes.
Suits: Writers who want Markdown notes kept as local files
- Free plan · from $14.99 one-time
MiaoYan
Native Mac Markdown notes app with a split editor and preview
- MiaoYan starts at $14.99 one-time purchase (App Store edition). NotePlus starts at $29 one-time purchase (Basic license, 1 computer).
- Only NotePlus lists a Windows app.
- MiaoYan is open source, according to its own site.
- MiaoYan also covers presentations.
- NotePlus also covers kanban boards.
Suits: Mac users who want to write Markdown source with a live preview beside it
Limits worth knowing in NotePlus
- No Android, Linux or web version: the site lists macOS 12, iOS 15 and Windows 10 (64-bit) or later.
- A license includes 1 year of updates. The app keeps working after that, but moving to newer versions needs a renewal at $19 per seat.
- There is no sync service of its own: notes reach other devices through the cloud folder they are stored in.
- AI chat needs your own API key from a provider, and the site describes themes for Mac, iPhone and iPad only.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to NotePlus?
The alternatives to NotePlus in this directory are Obsidian, Bear, FSNotes, Octarine and MiaoYan. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with NotePlus.
Is there a free alternative to NotePlus?
Yes. Obsidian, Bear, FSNotes, Octarine and MiaoYan have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which NotePlus alternatives work on Linux?
The NotePlus listing does not include a Linux app. Obsidian and Octarine list one.
Which NotePlus alternatives work on Android?
The NotePlus listing does not include an Android app. Obsidian lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to NotePlus?
FSNotes and MiaoYan are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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