Simplenote vs Standard Notes: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Simplenote and Standard Notes side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Simplenote
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Standard Notes requires payment)
Standard Notes
Secure, end-to-end encrypted note-taking with unparalleled privacy and cross-platform syncing.
Best for you if:
- • You want strong end-to-end encryption ensures high data privacy and security
| At a Glance | Simplenote | Standard Notes |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan, paid from $7.50/mo, billed yearly Productivity plan |
Category | Note-Taking Productivity | Note-Taking Productivity |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.2 · Capterra 4.3 54 reviews | 4.3/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.0 27 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | There is no Simplenote subscription. Do not confuse it with WordPress.com or Notion prices. | Higher tiers needed for file storage |
Choose Simplenote or Standard Notes?
Choose Simplenote if
- You want a fully free tool (Standard Notes requires payment)
- You want completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing
- You want available on a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web)
Choose Standard Notes if
- You want strong end-to-end encryption ensures high data privacy and security
- You want cross-platform availability with seamless syncing across unlimited devices
In-Depth Analysis
Simplenote
The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices.
Simplenote is free.
Watch out
There is no Simplenote subscription. Do not confuse it with WordPress.com or Notion prices.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing
- Pro: Available on a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web)
- Pro: Simple and intuitive interface, promoting a distraction-free experience
- Pro: Instant synchronization ensures notes are always up-to-date everywhere
- Pro: Robust version history allows recovery of past note states
Weaknesses
- Con: Lacks advanced formatting options beyond Markdown
- Con: May be too simplistic for users requiring rich text editing or complex organization features
- Con: No explicit mention of offline access capabilities, though implied by local apps
Key features
Standard Notes
Secure, end-to-end encrypted note-taking with unparalleled privacy and cross-platform syncing.
Standard Notes offers a generous free tier with core privacy features.
Watch out
Higher tiers needed for file storage
Strengths
- Pro: Strong end-to-end encryption ensures high data privacy and security.
- Pro: Cross-platform availability with seamless syncing across unlimited devices.
- Pro: Offers a free tier with core encryption and syncing features.
- Pro: Supports diverse note types, catering to various needs beyond simple text.
- Pro: Open-source and independently audited code builds trust and transparency.
Weaknesses
- Con: Advanced features like rich text editing, spreadsheets, and file storage are locked behind paid plans.
- Con: The free version is limited to plain text notes.
- Con: No specific cons mentioned regarding performance or usability in the provided text.
Key features
Plans and prices: Simplenote vs Standard Notes
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Simplenote |
| simplenote.com read Sep 30, 2026 |
| Standard Notes |
| standardnotes.com/plans read Nov 2, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Simplenote pricing and Standard Notes pricing.
Key Takeaways
Simplenote
- Choose if you want the simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices
Standard Notes
- Choose if you want secure, end-to-end encrypted note-taking with unparalleled privacy and cross-platform syncing
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.2/5 from 54 reviews for Simplenote, 4.3/5 from 27 reviews for Standard Notes).
- Standard Notes starts at $7.50/mo, billed yearly; Simplenote has no public paid plan price on file.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Simplenote and Standard Notes compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.2/5 from 54 reviews for Simplenote, 4.3/5 from 27 reviews for Standard Notes). Standard Notes starts at $7.50/mo, billed yearly; Simplenote has no public paid plan price on file. Both have a free plan.
What are Simplenote and Standard Notes used for?
Simplenote: The simplest way to keep notes, synced across all your devices. Standard Notes: Secure, end-to-end encrypted note-taking with unparalleled privacy and cross-platform syncing.
What does Simplenote cost vs Standard Notes?
Simplenote is free. Standard Notes's cheapest paid plan is Productivity at $7.50/mo, billed yearly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 2, 2026.
What's the main difference between Simplenote and Standard Notes?
Simplenote's main strength: completely free to use, including apps, backups, and syncing. Standard Notes's main strength: strong end-to-end encryption ensures high data privacy and security.