I’ve been using the Notesnook free version for at least a year. I never upgraded to the premium version because I wanted a discount, and they weren’t interested in offering one. Recently, they removed the Android app lock feature from the free version—this is strange for a security app. It feels like they’re becoming more aggressive to secure paid customers. I was considering switching to Standard Notes, but it’s way too expensive for me. What are you all using? I don’t need anything fancy—just basic functionality. Thanks!
Proton Docs & Cryptpad are the only solid options for you then. They work well and are free!
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I’m someone that has pretty much used every privacy-centric note-taking app and service on the market at this point. Notesnook’s biggest drawcard was the low price for a lot of functionality, but with the new pricing structure I understand why you’d not find them as appealing.
Like JG mentioned, Proton Docs and Cryptpad are pretty good options, but Cryptee is another one worth checking out. Personally, I use Obsidian and Syncthing, nice to have everything offline first, but Obsidian is obviously not recommended by PrivacyGuides.
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I use Joplin locally as a “file directory sync” and sync the folder over Syncthing.
Web based encrypted notes app is likely better if not the best option since it provides the most flexibility and independence for obvious reasons. That said, I’ve never used Joplin.
You can encrypt your notes in the local sync and put the password in the other instances that are open to view and save you Joplin Notes.
The beauty of this is that you don’t need to start and trust another service if you are already using Syncthing. So nothing extra is exposed to the internet.
I used to like and pay for Standard Notes but its gotten to bloated with feature creep and seems to want to be something slow like Cryptpad. Joplin Notes is just faster and has less feature as I need it to be. Nothing more.
Standard Notes is an excellent choice, especially since you’re just looking for basic functionality. SN is what I use on a daily basis. I just use the free version and it’s encrypted and has never failed me. As soon as I type a note on my phone, it’s available on my PC. Can’t beat it imo.
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only if*, no? If not, then doing it your way would also mean extra steps. Not that it’s an invalid way to go about it. But for simplicity sake and for what OP is asking, I think the web based option is still best given the flexibility and the independence it provides (since all you need is a web browser)
But one can also go a full DIY route. Use OnlyOffice and encrypt them with Cryptomator and use any cloud storage to sync between devices. Several extra steps here to provide the same result.
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I’m also using Notesnook but am waiting for them to accept Monero before I upgrade. Apparently, it’s planned.
I just clicked on “upgrade to pro” withing the app and nothing. Odd that a browser didn’t load their page.
As for locking the app, that’s something I seldom do with a secure OS.
Same. Every since Notesnook and Proton Docs, I’ve had no reason to look at SN again. Also, the lead dev left recently since Proton acquired it a while ago now. SN still works but has gone by the way side so not the go to option as a recommendation by me atleast. Also, not to mention the price for all its premium features. Beyond unreasonable if you ask me.
I like freedom and flexibility so that’s why I harp on web based options the most because it also makes it easy to recommend and encourage others to use. They don’t have to learn anything new or even download anything so it makes likelihood of adoption through my advocacy easier and more palatable.
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Standard Notes is great, the UI is a bit clunky but it has all the basics you need without much clutter. Just make sure you block its internet connection using a firewall like Afwall+ or Netguard, since it tries to connect to the internet even when using it locally (aka no cloud sync).
It has zero knowledge at rest encryption, meaning even the FBI cannot read ur notes without its own password, which u can always claim u forgot in court (how they gonna prove otherwise?). Altho, it doesn’t seem to have a secure memory wipe function like Molly has for when you’re done using it. But then again, none of the encrypted apps do. Aegis, Bitwarden, Proton Mail, none of them wipe the ram when you close them, only Molly does.
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Thanks a lot for all of the suggestions. Much appreciated!
After looking at it, Notesnook suite me better than all the other ones. Will wait for blackfriday deal! Thanks everybody.
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