LocalNotes vs PrivacyNotes
LocalNotes
github.com
PrivacyNotes
privacynotes.appSide by side
| Figure | LocalNotes | PrivacyNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $0.40/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Secure Notes Apps | 8.4 (#7) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Encryption | The repository says notes are encrypted with AES-256 and also with Triple DES using a SHA-256 hash based on the device ID. | The clients encrypt note data locally with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before synchronization. |
| Open source | The project repository is public and carries a GPL-3.0 license. | The web, desktop, and mobile apps and their encryption code are published on GitHub under the AGPL. |
Plans
PrivacyNotes
- FreeFree
- 1 GB storage add-on$4.80 a year
- 2 GB storage add-on$8.40 a year
- 5 GB storage add-on$18 a year
- Pro$48, paid once
In their own words
PrivacyNotes
PrivacyNotes is an end-to-end encrypted workspace for notes, tasks, files, a vault, journals, and bookmarks. It encrypts notes on the device before synchronization using XChaCha20-Poly1305, with keys derived from a 12-word BIP-39 phrase. Its local-first design supports reading, writing, and searching offline, then syncs changes when connectivity returns. The synchronized copy is stored in Zurich, Switzerland, as encrypted data rather than readable note text. Users can create a vault without email or sign in with Google, Apple, or GitHub; provider sign-in offers server-held or device-only key custody. Imports cover many note, journal, password, and bookmark services, along with Markdown files. PrivacyNotes has no AI features or background AI processing and does not train models on user content. Its web, desktop, and mobile apps and encryption code are published on GitHub under the AGPL. The Free plan costs nothing forever; Pro costs $48, paid once. Under self-custody, losing the phrase without a signed-in device means the company cannot recover notes.