Standard Notes
An app that keeps your notes encrypted so only you can read them.
What Standard Notes does
Standard Notes is an encrypted notes app. Your notes are locked on your device before they sync, so nobody else can read them, not even the company. It is open source, now part of Proton, and runs on iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux and the web, with a free plan and yearly paid plans.
Standard Notes is built for people who care most about privacy. Every note is encrypted on your device with your password before it leaves, and the data is signed so tampering would show. The code for the apps is public, and the company has had outside security audits. In 2024 it became part of Proton, the company behind Proton Mail.
The free plan is plain but solid: unlimited encrypted notes, sync on as many devices as you like, offline access, tags, a lock on individual notes, two-factor sign-in and daily encrypted backups sent to your email.
Paid plans add the nicer writing tools. Productivity ($90 a year) brings Super notes with Markdown, rich text and checklists, plus spreadsheets, folders, a daily journal and a web clipper. Professional ($120 a year) adds 100 GB of encrypted file storage. If you just want pretty notes, other apps are easier. If you want notes only you can read, this is a strong pick.
Alternatives to Standard Notes
Who it's for
Skip it if: People who want rich formatting on a free plan. Teams looking for shared docs.
Pricing
Free planThe free plan covers encrypted plain text notes with unlimited sync. Productivity is $90 a year and adds Super notes, spreadsheets, folders and a web clipper. Professional is $120 a year and adds 100 GB of encrypted file storage.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Strong encryption, even on the free plan
- Open source and independently audited
- Free sync on unlimited devices
- Works on nearly every platform
Watch out for
- Free plan is plain text only
- Paid plans are billed yearly, with no monthly option listed
- Less polished than mainstream notes apps
Want a private notebook made just for you? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “a private journal app where every entry is locked with my passcode and nobody else can read it”
Questions people ask
Is Standard Notes free?
Yes. The free plan includes end-to-end encrypted plain text notes, unlimited sync, offline access and daily encrypted backups.
Can Standard Notes read my notes?
No. Notes are encrypted on your device with a key from your password, so the company cannot read them.
Is Standard Notes owned by Proton?
Yes. Proton, the company behind Proton Mail, acquired Standard Notes in 2024.
Does Standard Notes support Markdown?
Yes, on paid plans. Super notes with Markdown and rich text come with the Productivity plan.