Simplenote vs Apple Notes: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Simplenote and Apple Notes 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 Simplenote 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:
Simplenote
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
Best for you if:
- • Syncs notes across all devices automatically and in real-time.
- • Offers a simple, distraction-free interface for note-taking.
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • Cross-device syncing
- • Simple note-taking
| At a Glance |  Simplenote |  Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | 0.99/moiCloud+ 50GB |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Simplenote or Apple Notes?
Choose Simplenote if
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
- Completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing
- Available on a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web)
- Simple and intuitive interface, promoting a distraction-free experience
Choose Apple Notes if
Free note-taking for Apple users
- Free with Apple devices
- Good for quick notes
- Decent scanning
| Feature | Simplenote | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 54 reviews | ★4.1/5 14 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Simplenote
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
Strengths
- +Completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing
- +Available on a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web)
- +Simple and intuitive interface, promoting a distraction-free experience
- +Instant synchronization ensures notes are always up-to-date everywhere
- +Robust version history allows recovery of past note states
Weaknesses
- -Lacks advanced formatting options beyond Markdown
- -May be too simplistic for users requiring rich text editing or complex organization features
- -No explicit mention of offline access capabilities, though implied by local apps
Key features
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
Pricing: Simplenote vs Apple Notes
| Plan | Simplenote | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | 0.99 iCloud+ 50GB |
| Tier 3 | N/A | 2.99 iCloud+ 200GB |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Simplenote pricing and Apple Notes pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Simplenote
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Simplenote
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Apple Notes
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Simplenote
- Higher user rating: 4.2/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (54 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Apple Notes is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simplenote or Apple Notes better?
Apple Notes is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Simplenote and Apple Notes used for?
Simplenote: The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.. Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users.
What does Simplenote cost vs Apple Notes?
Simplenote is completely free. Apple Notes is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.