Simplenote
Free plain-text notes that sync across every major platform
What is Simplenote?
Simplenote is a free plain-text note app from Automattic for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux and the web. Notes sync automatically between devices, are organized with tags and pins, and keep a history of earlier versions. Markdown, checklists, sharing with other users and publishing a note to a public link are all included, but images and other files cannot be attached.
Simplenote is free to use. See every plan
Good for
- Plain-text notes synced across phone, desktop and browser at no cost
- People who prefer tags and search over folders
- Publishing a note to a public web link
Worth knowing
- Notes are text only: images, PDFs and other files cannot be attached, though Markdown can embed an image hosted elsewhere.
- Notes are encrypted in transit but not at rest, and Automattic advises against storing particularly sensitive information.
- An account is required; Simplenote cannot be used without one.
- Notes are shared one at a time, and an individual note cannot be hidden.
Key features
- Automatic sync
- Notes stay updated across phones, computers and the web app automatically and in real time, with no sync button to press.
- Tags, pins and instant search
- Notes are organized with tags and pins, and search finds them as you type with keyword highlighting.
- Version history
- Notes are backed up with every change, so you can look back at what a note said last week or last month.
- Markdown
- Notes can be written, previewed and published in Markdown. The help center lists Markdown support on the web, Android, iOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Collaboration and publishing
- A note can be shared with another person by email address so both can edit it, or published to a public simp.ly link for read-only viewing.
- Checklists and internal links
- Notes can contain checklists with nested items, and internal links jump from one note to another.
Simplenote pricing
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Everything is free: the apps, backups, syncing and sharing. Automattic says it places no restriction on the number of notes.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Every app and feature, including sync, version history, collaboration and publishing, with a Simplenote account. |
Read from simplenote.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Simplenote before you buy.
How people rate the Simplenote app
4.7
out of 5 for the iPhone and iPad app
- 5 stars86%
- 4 stars9%
- 3 stars2%
- 2 stars<1%
- 1 star3%
4,315 ratings on the App Store in the United States, read Oct 5, 2026. It rates the app, not everything the product does. See the listing
Works with
- WordPress.com
Simplenote alternatives
- Simplenote vs Google Keep
Free plan · from $7/mo
- Simplenote vs Standard Notes
Free plan · from $90/yr
- Simplenote vs Joplin
Free plan · from €2.40/mo
- Simplenote vs Bear
Free plan · from $2.99/mo
Common questions
Is Simplenote free?
Yes. Simplenote is free to use. Everything is free: the apps, backups, syncing and sharing. Automattic says it places no restriction on the number of notes.
How much does Simplenote cost?
Simplenote lists one plan. Free: $0. Prices were read from simplenote.com on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does Simplenote work on?
Simplenote is available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux and Web.
How is Simplenote rated?
Simplenote's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4,315 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Oct 5, 2026. That is the store's rating of the app, not a score from us.
Is Simplenote open source?
Yes. Simplenote is open source, according to its own site.
Does Simplenote work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does Simplenote integrate with?
Simplenote's listing names WordPress.com. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Simplenote?
Simplenote is made by Automattic.
What are the alternatives to Simplenote?
The closest alternatives to Simplenote in our directory are Google Keep, Apple Notes, Standard Notes, Joplin and Bear. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Simplenote.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026. What people say is linked where it appears.