Apple Notes vs MinkNote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apple Notes and MinkNote comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Apple Notes is our overall pick for note-taking workflows. Pick MinkNote if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • Cross-device syncing
- • Simple note-taking
MinkNote
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
Best for you if:
- • Stores all notes as plain Markdown files on your Mac, ensuring no lock-in and long-term readability.
- • Keyboard-first navigation and native macOS design for a calm, efficient note-taking experience.
| At a Glance |  Apple Notes |  MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.1/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Apple Notes or MinkNote?
Choose Apple Notes if
Free note-taking for Apple users
- Free with Apple devices
- Good for quick notes
- Decent scanning
Choose MinkNote if
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
- Fully native macOS app with low resource usage compared to Electron-based alternatives
- No account required and no internet needed for full functionality
- Notes are plain files you own, readable in any editor now and in the future
| Feature | Apple Notes | MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 14 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingWriting Apps |
In-Depth Analysis
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Strengths
- +Free with Apple devices
- +Good for quick notes
- +Decent scanning
- +Collaboration works
- +Fast sync
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Limited organization
- -No Markdown
- -Basic formatting
- -Export options limited
Key features
Value 95/100. Apple Notes itself is entirely free and incredibly generous, offering full functionality without any locked features.
Watch out: Requires Apple device for native app
MinkNote
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
Strengths
- +Fully native macOS app with low resource usage compared to Electron-based alternatives
- +No account required and no internet needed for full functionality
- +Notes are plain files you own, readable in any editor now and in the future
Weaknesses
- -Less mature feature set compared to established apps like Obsidian, with a smaller community and plugin ecosystem
- -Only available for macOS, limiting cross-platform use
Key features
Value 92/100. MinkNote's pricing is generous since it offers a full-featured 14-day free trial with no credit card required, and after the trial the app remains usable in read-only mode at no cost.
Watch out: No paid tier means no cloud sync or backup
Pricing: Apple Notes vs MinkNote
| Plan | Apple Notes | MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | Free for 14 days Free Trial |
| Tier 2 | 0.99 iCloud+ 50GB | N/A |
| Tier 3 | 2.99 iCloud+ 200GB | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Apple Notes pricing and MinkNote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Apple Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Apple Notes is rated 4.1/5. MinkNote has no ratings yet.
Go with: Apple Notes
Value user reviews?
Apple Notes: 14 reviews (4.1/5). MinkNote: no ratings yet.
Go with: Apple Notes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Apple Notes is rated 4.1/5; MinkNote has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Apple Notes
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
MinkNote
- Choose if you want markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
The Bottom Line
Apple Notes is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Notes or MinkNote better?
Apple Notes is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Apple Notes and MinkNote used for?
Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users. MinkNote: Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first.
What does Apple Notes cost vs MinkNote?
Apple Notes is completely free. MinkNote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.