What is Standard Notes?
Standard Notes is a private note-taking app built around end-to-end encryption. Your notes are encrypted on your device before they sync, so only you can read them. It works on the web, on desktop and on mobile, keeps notes available offline, and its source code is public on GitHub.
The free plan focuses on plain text notes with tags, unlimited device sync, per-note password protection, two-factor login and daily encrypted email backups. Paid plans unlock richer editors such as Markdown, rich text, checklists, spreadsheets and code, along with more organisation and storage features. Standard Notes became part of Proton, the company behind Proton Mail, in 2024.
Main Features
- End-to-end encryption on every note
- Unlimited sync across web, desktop and mobile
- Offline access and tags
- Password protection for individual notes
- Daily encrypted email backups and full data export
- Extra editors and storage on paid plans
How to Get Started with Standard Notes
- Create a free account at standardnotes.com or in the app
- Install the app on your phone and computer and sign in
- Write your first note and add tags to organise it
- Turn on two-factor login and email backups in settings
Standard Notes Pricing
The Standard plan is free with plain text notes and unlimited sync. Productivity costs $90 a year and Professional $120 a year, adding advanced editors, more storage and other features.
Who Should Use It?
- Privacy-minded people who want encrypted notes
- Journalists and researchers keeping sensitive notes
- Developers storing private snippets and keys
- Journal writers who want long-term, exportable notes
- Anyone leaving a notes app that reads their data
Standard Notes Alternatives
- Voicenotes: voice notes turned into searchable text
- NoteGPT: AI notes and summaries from videos and docs
- Akiflow: task and calendar planner for busy people
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Standard Notes free?
Yes. The free plan includes encrypted plain text notes with unlimited device sync. Paid plans from $90 a year add advanced editors and more storage.
Is Standard Notes really encrypted?
Yes. Notes are end-to-end encrypted on your device, so the service cannot read them.
Who owns Standard Notes?
Standard Notes joined Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, in 2024.