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Standard Notes

SaaS alternative

End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with open source clients and a self-hostable server, owned by Proton since 2024.

Category
Notes · SaaS alternative
Cost
Freemium
Country
Switzerland
Licensing
FOSS
Self-hostable
Yes
+ what works
  • +End-to-end encryption on by default for all notes, tags, and files
  • +Clients and server are open source under AGPLv3 and GPLv3
  • +Self-hostable server for users who want full data ownership
  • +Independent audits by Cure53 and Trail of Bits
watch out for
  • Free tier is plain text only; rich editors, files, and themes are paid
  • Encrypted-by-design model limits server-side search and collaboration features
  • Some advanced features (e.g. TokenVault) ship as source-available rather than FOSS
  • Founder departure in 2025 leaves long-term product direction tied to Proton's roadmap

Notes, tags, and files are encrypted on the device with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before syncing; keys are derived from the user's password and never leave the client. Standard Notes holds the ciphertext but not the keys. The hosted service runs under Proton AG in Switzerland following the April 2024 acquisition, so Swiss privacy law applies. Cure53 and Trail of Bits have audited the encryption spec and apps.

apple-notesevernote
#e2ee · #notes · #swiss · #proton · #self-hostable

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