📝 Review Standard Notes: Privacy-First Note-Taking

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In the age of increasing surveillance and privacy breaches, secure note-taking applications have become indispensable. Standard Notes, with its robust focus on security, open-source philosophy, and longevity, stands out as a prime contender for users who prioritize privacy and simplicity. This review explores Standard Notes' features, its historical journey, its acquisition by Proton, and its potential future developments.

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What is Standard Notes?​

Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking application designed to keep your data secure and private. Launched in 2016 by Mo Bitar, the app has grown into a trusted platform for privacy-conscious users. Its primary appeal lies in its simplicity, extensibility, and uncompromising approach to encryption.


In 2023, Standard Notes was acquired by Proton, the company behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN, and other privacy-focused tools. This acquisition promises deeper integration with Proton’s ecosystem and further development under the same privacy-first principles.

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Core Features of Standard Notes​

1. End-to-End Encryption​

At the heart of Standard Notes is its strong encryption model:

• AES-256 Encryption: Ensures that all notes are encrypted locally on the user’s device before being synced to the cloud.
• Zero-Knowledge Design: The platform does not have access to your encryption keys or data.

2. Cross-Platform Availability​

Standard Notes is available on all major platforms, including:

• Windows, macOS, Linux
• iOS and Android
• Web-based access

This ensures seamless synchronization across devices, keeping your notes accessible yet secure.

3. Customizable Extensibility​

• Editors: From plain-text to Markdown and rich-text editors, users can choose how they write and organize notes.
• Themes: Customizable themes enhance the user experience.
• Extensions: Paid plans unlock advanced extensions such as editors for tasks, spreadsheets, and more.

4. Offline Access​

Unlike many modern apps, Standard Notes supports full offline functionality. You can create, edit, and organize notes without needing an internet connection.

5. Open Source​

As an open-source project, Standard Notes’ codebase is available for public scrutiny, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness.

6. Focus on Longevity​

Standard Notes aims to be a permanent archive for your thoughts and information. Its subscription-based model funds the development of a sustainable and secure service.

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Pricing and Plans​

Standard Notes offers a free plan alongside premium subscriptions. Post-acquisition by Proton, these plans have been further refined to align with Proton’s pricing strategies:

Free Plan:​

• Features:
  • Basic note-taking and synchronization.
  • End-to-end encryption for all notes.
  • Accessible on all devices.
• Limitations:
  • Limited editor options (plain-text only).
  • No access to themes or extensions.
  • No advanced features such as file attachments.

Extended Plan:​

• Cost: Starts at $2.48/month (billed annually).
• Features:
  • Access to Markdown and rich-text editors.
  • Secure file storage (up to 5GB).
  • Themes for customization.
  • Advanced extensions for productivity tools, tasks, and more.

Professional Plan:​

• Cost: $7.99/month (billed annually).
• Features:
  • All features of the Extended Plan.
  • Increased storage capacity (up to 100GB).
  • Priority support and enhanced file encryption options.
  • Proton integration, enabling seamless use with Proton Drive and ProtonMail.

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The History of Standard Notes​

Standard Notes was created in response to the lack of truly private and secure note-taking applications in the market. Since its launch:

• 2016: The app was introduced with a focus on simplicity and security.
• 2018: Added support for extensions, enabling more customization.
• 2020: Rolled out a new Professional plan to cater to advanced users.
• 2022: Improved encryption protocols and introduced enhanced offline access.
• 2023: Acquired by Proton, signaling a new era of innovation and deeper integration with privacy-focused tools.

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The Future of Standard Notes​

The roadmap for Standard Notes under Proton’s stewardship includes exciting potential developments:

• Seamless Ecosystem Integration: Standard Notes will integrate more closely with Proton Drive, ProtonMail, and ProtonVPN, offering a unified experience for privacy-focused users.
• Improved Collaboration: Adding features to enable secure sharing and collaboration on notes.
• Expanding Extensibility: Introducing more extensions and editors tailored to niche user needs.

The team remains dedicated to maintaining the app’s core principles while adapting to evolving user demands.

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Comparison with Competitors​

Standard Notes vs. Evernote​

• Privacy: Standard Notes outperforms Evernote with end-to-end encryption. Evernote lacks native encryption for all content.
• Features: Evernote’s feature set is more extensive but may feel bloated to minimalists.
• Pricing: Standard Notes offers better value for privacy-conscious users.

Standard Notes vs. Notion​

• Simplicity: Standard Notes prioritizes simplicity, whereas Notion offers a complex, database-like approach.
• Offline Access: Standard Notes excels with true offline functionality.
• Collaboration: Notion’s collaboration features are more robust.

Standard Notes vs. Obsidian​

• Encryption: Standard Notes’ encryption is superior. Obsidian relies on local storage for security.
• Customizability: Obsidian’s plugin ecosystem offers unparalleled customization.
• Pricing: Obsidian’s one-time payment model may appeal to users wary of subscriptions.

Standard Notes vs. ProtonMail and ProtonDrive Combo​

• Integration: Under Proton’s umbrella, Standard Notes will offer unparalleled integration with other Proton services.
• Privacy: Both Proton and Standard Notes share a strong privacy-first approach, making them natural allies for security-focused users.

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Pros and Cons​

Pros:​

• Strong encryption and zero-knowledge architecture.
• Open-source and transparent development.
• Simple yet extensible for diverse needs.
• Offline access and cross-platform availability.
• Deeper integration with Proton’s privacy ecosystem.

Cons:​

• Limited free-tier functionality.
• Collaboration features are underdeveloped.
• Extensions and advanced features are locked behind a paywall.

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Conclusion​

Standard Notes has carved a niche for itself as a privacy-first note-taking app. Its focus on encryption, transparency, and sustainability makes it a reliable choice for users seeking a secure and straightforward platform. With its acquisition by Proton, Standard Notes is poised to become an even more integral part of the privacy-conscious user’s toolkit.


Overall Rating: 9/10


For anyone prioritizing security and privacy in their digital lives, Standard Notes is an excellent choice. With a promising roadmap and a commitment to user trust, it’s poised to remain a leading solution in the years to come.