Notesnook
A fully open source, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that prioritizes user privacy without sacrificing convenience.
What is Notesnook?
Notesnook is an open-source note-taking application that provides end-to-end encryption for all user data. It encrypts notes on the device using XChaCha20-Poly1305 and Argon2 before syncing, ensuring that only the user can access their content. The project aims to offer a privacy-focused alternative to commercial note-taking apps without compromising on usability.
Individuals and organizations who prioritize data privacy and security in their note-taking tools, including journalists, activists, developers, and anyone seeking an encrypted alternative to mainstream note apps.
Developers choose Notesnook because it is fully open source, allowing verification of its encryption claims, and it provides a zero-knowledge architecture where even the service provider cannot access user data. It combines strong security with a multi-platform, user-friendly experience.
Overview
A fully open source & end-to-end encrypted note taking alternative to Evernote.
Use Cases
Best For
- Secure personal note-taking with end-to-end encryption
- Journalists or activists needing private, encrypted notes
- Teams requiring a self-hosted, privacy-compliant note solution
- Developers who want to verify or contribute to an open-source note app
- Migrating from Evernote to a privacy-focused alternative
- Clipping and saving web content securely with the browser extension
Not Ideal For
- Teams requiring real-time collaborative editing with multiple users
- Users who prioritize seamless integration with ecosystems like Google Drive or Microsoft 365
- Organizations needing advanced administrative controls and centralized user management
Pros & Cons
Pros
Encrypts all data on-device using XChaCha20-Poly1305 and Argon2 before syncing, ensuring zero-knowledge privacy as verified by the open-source codebase.
Available as web, desktop (Electron), and mobile (React Native) clients, providing consistent access across devices with a shared core logic in the monorepo.
Fully open-source codebase allows developers to audit security claims via Vericrypt and contribute to the project, enhancing trust and community involvement.
Browser extension saves web pages and content directly into encrypted notes, offering a secure alternative to mainstream clippers without privacy compromises.
Cons
The hybrid JavaScript/TypeScript codebase and monorepo structure with multiple packages can make setup and contribution challenging for new developers, as noted in the developer guide.
Compared to established apps like Evernote, Notesnook lacks extensive third-party integrations and plugins, which may hinder workflow automation for power users.
Requires an email address for access, as explained in the blog post, which could be a barrier for users seeking complete anonymity despite the encryption focus.
Open Source Alternative To
Notesnook is an open-source alternative to the following products:
Frequently Asked Questions
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