# Standard Notes: Free Open Source Alternative to Apple Notes, Obsidian

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/standard-notes
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Standard Notes (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Apple Notes, Obsidian. Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Standard Notes
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://standardnotes.com
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/standardnotes/app
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 6.7k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/standardnotes/app or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Standard Notes saves up to $20/mo ($240/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Apple Notes](https://caniforkit.com/apple-notes) | [notes & knowledge](https://caniforkit.com/category/notes-knowledge) | $10/mo | [Compare Apple Notes vs Standard Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apple-notes-vs-standard-notes) |
| [Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/obsidian) | [notes & knowledge](https://caniforkit.com/category/notes-knowledge) | $10/mo | [Compare Obsidian vs Standard Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-standard-notes) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Standard Notes free and open source?
Standard Notes is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Standard Notes?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apple Notes.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)