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Alternatives · Note-Taking

nvALT alternatives

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

nvALT compared with 5 alternatives: FSNotes, Notenik, Simplenote, Bear and Tot.

nvALT 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
nvALTThis toolFreeFreemacOS
FSNotesFree plan · from $4.99 one-timeYesmacOS, iOS
NotenikFreeFreemacOS
SimplenoteFreeFreeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
BearFree plan · from $2.99/moYesmacOS, iOS, Browser extension
TotFree plan · from $19.99 one-timeYesmacOS, iOS

Price against what you get

nvALT 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 and Bear 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 lessnvALTNotenikSimplenoteBear

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 nvALT

  1. 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.
    • FSNotes also lists an iOS app.
    • FSNotes is open source, according to its own site.
    • FSNotes can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • FSNotes does not cover web clipper, which nvALT does.

    Suits: Mac and iPhone users who want notes kept as plain Markdown files

    FSNotes vs nvALTFSNotes pricing and details

  2. Notenik

    Free Mac notes app with Markdown, custom fields and outlining

    • Notenik is free.
    • Notenik is open source, according to its own site.
    • Notenik also covers linked notes and tasks.
    • Notenik does not cover web clipper, which nvALT does.

    Suits: Mac users who want notes kept as plain text files they control

    Notenik vs nvALTNotenik pricing and details

  3. Simplenote

    Free plain-text notes that sync across every major platform

    • Simplenote is free.
    • Simplenote also lists a web app and iOS, Android, Windows and Linux apps.
    • Simplenote is open source, according to its own site.
    • Simplenote also covers linked notes.
    • Simplenote does not cover web clipper, which nvALT does.

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

    Simplenote vs nvALTSimplenote pricing and details

  4. 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.
    • Bear also lists an iOS app and a browser extension.
    • Bear also covers linked notes.

    Suits: Writers who want a focused Markdown editor on Mac, iPhone and iPad

    Bear vs nvALTBear pricing and details

  5. 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 an iOS app.
    • Tot can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Tot also covers menu bar app.
    • Tot does not cover web clipper, which nvALT does.

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

    Tot vs nvALTTot pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in nvALT

  • nvALT 3 requires macOS 12 or later; there is no Windows, mobile or web version.
  • Sync is through Simplenote only, and the app warns if notes sit in Dropbox while Simplenote sync is on.
  • A first launch of a new major version opens with default settings, so sync and notes folder must be chosen again.
  • The author describes nvUltra as the app he is building to follow nvALT.
nvALT pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to nvALT?

The alternatives to nvALT in this directory are FSNotes, Notenik, Simplenote, Bear and Tot. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with nvALT.

Is there a free alternative to nvALT?

Yes. Notenik and Simplenote are free to use. FSNotes, Bear and Tot have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which nvALT alternatives work on Windows?

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

Which nvALT alternatives work on Linux?

The nvALT listing does not include a Linux app. Simplenote lists one.

Is there an open-source alternative to nvALT?

FSNotes, Notenik and Simplenote 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 5, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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