PrivacyNotes vs SecNotes

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.

SecNotes is a free Android note-taking app for personal data, with browser access for synced notes. It supports formatted text notes, image and video attachments, reminders, text-to-speech, themes and custom fonts, alongside spreadsheet and checklist formats. Notes can be arranged in folders and subfolders and protected with a password, PIN or pattern lock; the maker says they are stored using AES128 encryption. Spreadsheets include formulas, cell and row or column formatting, scrolling, sharing and XLS export. Checklists support sorting, reminders, item changes, duplicate checking and automatic completion when all items are checked. Backups are listed for Cloud and Dropbox, with SD-card backup and restore described in the app listing. Cloud-backed notes can be viewed and edited in a browser, and shared notes can be edited by up to 10 people. Imports include text and CSV files; exports include TXT, HTML, XLS, XLSX and PDF. Premium features include browser editing, shared notes, cloud backup, password recovery, printing, PDF and XLSX export, and ad removal.