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Alternatives · Note-Taking

Notes.io alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Notes.io alternative is Simplenote (3.4 GPA). It's also the best free one.

Notes.io compared with 5 alternatives: Simplenote, Google Keep, Apple Notes, Tot and ColorNote.

Notes.io is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
Notes.ioThis toolFreeFreeWeb
SimplenoteFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Google KeepFree plan · from $7/moYesWeb, iOS, Android, Browser extension
Apple NotesFreeFreeWeb, macOS, iOS
TotFree plan · from $19.99 one-timeYesmacOS, iOS
ColorNoteFree plan · from $1.99YesAndroid

Price against what you get

Notes.io has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 3 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Simplenote, Google Keep and Apple Notes score higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$0.5$1$2$5$10$20More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessNotes.ioSimplenoteGoogle KeepApple Notes

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of note-taking apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Notes.io

  1. Simplenote

    Free plain-text notes that sync across every major platform

    • Simplenote is free.
    • Simplenote also lists iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
    • Simplenote is open source, according to its own site.
    • Simplenote also covers Markdown and linked notes.
    • Simplenote does not cover file sharing, which Notes.io does.

    Suits: Plain-text notes synced across phone, desktop and browser at no cost

    Simplenote vs Notes.ioSimplenote pricing and details

  2. Google Keep

    Google's app for quick notes, lists and reminders

    • Google Keep starts at $7 per user / month with a 1-year commitment (Workspace Business Starter).
    • Google Keep also lists iOS and Android apps and a browser extension.
    • Google Keep also covers transcription, web clipper and tasks.
    • Google Keep does not cover file sharing, which Notes.io does.

    Suits: Quick notes, shopping lists and reminders on a phone or smartwatch

    Google Keep vs Notes.ioGoogle Keep pricing and details

  3. Apple Notes

    Apple's free notes app for iPhone, iPad, Mac and the web

    • Apple Notes is free.
    • Apple Notes also lists iOS and macOS apps.
    • Apple Notes also covers transcription and linked notes.
    • Apple Notes does not cover file sharing, which Notes.io does.

    Suits: People who use only Apple devices

    Apple Notes vs Notes.ioApple Notes pricing and details

  4. Tot

    Seven-note text scratchpad for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch

    • Tot starts at $19.99 one-time in-app purchase, per platform.
    • Tot also lists macOS and iOS apps.
    • Tot lists no web app, which Notes.io has.
    • Tot can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Tot also covers Markdown and menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac and iPhone users who want a scratchpad for short-lived text

    Tot vs Notes.ioTot pricing and details

  5. ColorNote

    Android notepad for color-coded notes and checklists

    • ColorNote starts at $1.99 - $15.99 per item (in-app purchases; billing basis not shown).
    • ColorNote also lists an Android app.
    • ColorNote lists no web app, which Notes.io has.
    • ColorNote also covers linked notes, tasks and calendar.
    • ColorNote does not cover file sharing, which Notes.io does.

    Suits: Android users who want a plain notepad with checklists

    ColorNote vs Notes.ioColorNote pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Notes.io

  • Links shorten only notes up to 18 KB; longer notes need you to sign in or trim them.
  • The pages describe no folders, tags, search or apps, only writing, sharing and an archive.
  • The site publishes no paid plans, and its pages say little about privacy of shared notes.
Notes.io pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Notes.io?

The alternatives to Notes.io in this directory are Simplenote, Google Keep, Apple Notes, Tot and ColorNote. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Notes.io.

Is there a free alternative to Notes.io?

Yes. Simplenote and Apple Notes are free to use. Google Keep, Tot and ColorNote have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Notes.io alternatives work on Windows?

The Notes.io listing does not include a Windows app. Simplenote lists one.

Which Notes.io alternatives work on macOS?

The Notes.io listing does not include a macOS app. Simplenote, Apple Notes and Tot list one.

Is there an open-source alternative to Notes.io?

Simplenote is described as open source on its own site.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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