# Private and open-source alternatives to Apple Notes

1. [Standard Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/standard-notes/): A (90/100). End-to-end encrypted notes app for web, desktop and mobile, with open source clients and server. Paid plans add editors, file storage and more; the server can be self-hosted.
2. [Fossify Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/fossify-notes/): B (80/100). Open source Android note-taking app for text notes and checklists, with a home screen widget. Works offline with no internet permission.
3. [Markor](https://privacyratings.com/notes/markor/): B (80/100). Open source Android text editor and notebook for Markdown, todo.txt and plain-text files stored locally. Works offline and can use any sync app for the files.
4. [Memos](https://privacyratings.com/notes/memos/): B (80/100). Open source, self-hosted note-taking service for quick Markdown notes in a timeline, with tags, file attachments and an API. Runs as a single lightweight server with a web interface and stores data in SQLite, MySQL or PostgreSQL.
5. [Poznote](https://privacyratings.com/notes/poznote/): B (80/100). Self-hosted notes and tasks web app with rich-text, Markdown and drawing editors, tags, multiple users, OIDC login and a REST API. Runs in Docker with PHP and SQLite.
6. [SiYuan](https://privacyratings.com/notes/siyuan/): B (80/100). Local-first personal knowledge management app with Markdown editing, block-level references, bidirectional links and databases. Data stays on the device, with optional paid end-to-end encrypted cloud sync or third-party storage sync.
7. [Trilium Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/trilium-notes/): B (80/100). Open source hierarchical note-taking app for building a personal knowledge base, with rich text, code, diagrams, scripting and per-note encryption. Runs on the desktop or syncs with a self-hosted server. Maintained by the TriliumNext community.
8. [VNote](https://privacyratings.com/notes/vnote/): B (80/100). Qt-based note-taking app for Linux, Windows and macOS focused on Markdown editing. Notes are stored as plain files on the local system.
9. [Obsidian](https://privacyratings.com/notes/obsidian/): C (70/100). Knowledge base and note-taking app that works on local Markdown files, with links between notes, a graph view and a large community plugin and theme ecosystem. Optional paid sync and publishing services.
10. [Notesnook](https://privacyratings.com/notes/notesnook/): C (65/100). End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with rich text notes, notebooks, tags, app lock and private vault. Open source clients and sync server; paid plans add storage and features.
11. [QOwnNotes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/qownnotes/): C (65/100). Open source desktop notepad that stores notes as plain-text Markdown files, with optional Nextcloud or ownCloud sync, note versioning, per-note encryption, scripting and a to-do list integration.
12. [Turtl](https://privacyratings.com/notes/turtl/): C (65/100). End-to-end encrypted, collaborative notebook for notes, bookmarks, passwords and files, with desktop and mobile apps. Can be self-hosted or used with the hosted service.
13. [Zettlr](https://privacyratings.com/notes/zettlr/): C (65/100). Open source Markdown editor for notes and academic writing, with Zettelkasten linking, citation management through Zotero and CSL, and export through Pandoc. Works on local files.
14. [AppFlowy](https://privacyratings.com/notes/appflowy/): D (50/100). Open source workspace for notes, documents, wikis, databases and kanban boards, with AI features and optional self-hosted or AppFlowy Cloud sync. Local-first desktop and mobile apps.
15. [Cryptee](https://privacyratings.com/notes/cryptee/): D (50/100). Encrypted documents editor and photo storage with client-side encryption, usable in the browser or as an installable app. Sign-up needs no personal information.

Source: https://privacyratings.com/alternatives/apple-notes/