Compare local-first and encrypted alternatives to Notion, Evernote, and Google Keep—including Obsidian and Standard Notes—with honest catches.
Replaces Notion, Evernote, Google Keep
Free for all uses · Sync from $4/mo (annual)
Local-first knowledge base storing your notes as plain Markdown files on your own device—no vendor lock-in.
Replaces Google Keep, Evernote, Notion
Free (plain text) · Paid $90–$120/yr
Open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes app (now part of Proton) built for 100-year longevity and simplicity.
| Tool | HQ | Pricing | Open Source | Self-Hostable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obsidian | Canada | Free for all uses · Sync from $4/mo (annual) | No | Yes |
| Standard Notes | Switzerland | Free (plain text) · Paid $90–$120/yr | Yes | Yes |
Local-first apps like Obsidian store your notes as plain Markdown files on your own device, so you never lose access if a cloud service goes down or changes pricing.
No—Obsidian is free for personal and commercial use, but the app itself is closed source. If you require 100% open-source E2EE notes, Standard Notes is open source and self-hostable.