Cipher Notes vs Dash
Cipher Notes
cipherapps.github.io
Dash
dashnote.ioSide by side
| Figure | Cipher Notes | Dash |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 9 |
| Spec score · Secure Notes Apps | 7.8 (#17) | 8.9 (#4) |
| Spec score · Note-taking apps | 7.0 (#212) | 8.8 (#36) |
| Encryption | Notes are encrypted with AES-256-GCM via Android Keystore. | Locked notes use AES-256-GCM with keys derived through PBKDF2-SHA256 using 600,000 iterations. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Local storage | Notes stay on the device, with no cloud sync or accounts. | Notes stay on the device and Dash works fully offline unless sync is enabled. |
| Offline access | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Cipher Notes is MIT licensed, and its source code is publicly auditable. | Dash is open source under the MIT license. |
| Supported platforms | android | web,macOS,iOS,Android via web PWA |
Plans
Dash
- Web PWA / iPhonePrice not published
- Dash for Mac$14.99 a month
- Dash Sync Monthly$4.99 a month
- Dash Sync Yearly$47.99 a year
- Dash for iPhoneFree
- Dash Web PWAFree
- Dash Sync monthly$4.99 a month
- Dash for Mac$14.99, paid once
- Dash Sync yearly$47.99 a year
In their own words
Cipher Notes
Cipher Notes has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Dash
Dash is a private notes app for Mac and iPhone, with a web PWA that also supports Android. Notes remain on the device and the app works offline unless sync is enabled. Locked notes use AES-256-GCM encryption, with keys derived through PBKDF2-SHA256 using 600,000 iterations. App locking supports a master password, Touch ID or Face ID, and configurable auto-lock timers. A duress password opens decoy notes while actual notes remain encrypted; notes can also be configured to delete after one hour, one day, one week, or one month. Its block editor includes wiki-style links, folders, and tags. Local AI can connect to Ollama, LM Studio, LocalAI, Jan, and other OpenAI-compatible servers running on localhost, and rejects non-local endpoints. Pages and folders export as Markdown, DOCX, or PDF, and encrypted.dashpack backups are supported. Dash is open source under the MIT license. The web PWA and iPhone options are free. Dash for Mac is $14.99 a month, billed as lifetime access with no subscription required. Sync is $4.99 a month or $47.99 a year, each with a 7-day free trial.