The right Google Keep alternative depends on how you take notes: simple synced apps suit quick lists and reminders, encrypted apps suit private notes, and outliners or linked-note tools suit people who want their notes to grow into plans and ideas. Export your Keep notes before you switch, and check the download soon after you request it.
Google Keep is brilliant at one thing: catching a thought before it disappears. The trouble starts when you've got hundreds of notes, want them organised, or want something that works the same on every device without a Google account.
Below are ten note apps in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from small independent apps to built-in tools. Each description comes from the app's own website, re-checked today. If you're rethinking your whole setup, my look at productivity tools covers the apps around your notes.
Be clear about what you want more of. Some people want something even simpler than Keep, while others want structure, links between notes or end-to-end encryption, and those lead to very different apps.
Google Keep alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site describes a free plan or free use, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free plans may limit devices, storage or features.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amplenote | Notes, tasks and calendar app | Turning notes into scheduled tasks | Yes |
| Apple Notes | Built-in Apple notes app | Apple users wanting simple synced notes | Yes |
| Drafts | Quick capture app for Apple devices | Capturing text the moment it comes | Yes |
| Logseq | Open-source outliner | Daily notes and linked thinking | Yes |
| Notesnook | Encrypted notes app | Private notes on every device | Yes |
| Simplenote | Plain text notes app | Fast, minimal notes that sync | Yes |
| Standard Notes | Encrypted notes app | Long-term private note storage | Yes |
| Supernotes | Card-based notes app | Short notes linked like index cards | Yes |
| Workflowy | Outliner app | Nested lists and plans | Yes |
| Zoho Notebook | Visual notes app | Colourful notebooks and cards | Yes |
Ten note apps to consider instead of Google Keep
Amplenote
Best for: People who want notes, to-dos and calendar planning connected in one app.
Apple Notes
Best for: iPhone, iPad and Mac users who want quick notes, checklists and folders that sync through their Apple account.
Drafts
Best for: Apple users who want to open an app straight to a blank note and send the text wherever it needs to go.
Logseq
Best for: People who want a free, private outliner with daily journal pages and links between ideas.
Notesnook
Best for: Privacy-minded people who want end-to-end encrypted notes across phones and computers.
Simplenote
Best for: People who want the simplest possible note app with quick search and free sync.
Standard Notes
Best for: People who want an encrypted, long-lasting home for notes, journals and private information.
Supernotes
Best for: Students and thinkers who want short, card-style notes they can link and arrange.
Workflowy
Best for: People who think in bullet points and want endless nested lists for plans and projects.
Zoho Notebook
Best for: People who want a free, visual note app with notebooks, checklists and audio notes.
The export deadline people miss
Before you switch, get your notes out. Google's own help page on downloading your data through Google Takeout says your archive expires in about seven days, after which you'll need to create a new one. People often request the export, forget about it, and come back to find the link has gone.
So request the download when you've got time to deal with it, save the files somewhere safe straight away, and open a few notes to check they look right. Then import them into the new app before you stop using Keep.
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What to look for in a Keep replacement
- Fast capture: how quickly can you open a blank note?
- Search: can you find a note from months ago in seconds?
- Checklists: handy for shopping and packing lists.
- Sharing: do you need shared lists with family or a team?
- Encryption: important if you store anything private.
Moving your notes across
- Request your Keep export and download it promptly.
- Open a few exported notes to check they're complete.
- Import them into the new app, or copy over the ones you need.
- Recreate any shared lists with the people you share them with.
- Use the new app daily for two weeks before deleting anything.
Note habits that make any app work
- One inbox note: dump everything there, sort it weekly.
- Clear titles: future you will search by title.
- Delete freely: old shopping lists don't need saving.
- Link related notes: if your app allows it.
If you're trying to squeeze more out of every working day, my productivity hacks for small business sit nicely alongside a good note habit.
Set aside ten minutes on a Friday to tidy your notes. It's a small habit, but it turns a messy pile of thoughts into a list of things you'll do next week.
Do you make note-taking apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Google Keep alternatives
Don't move everything. Most people's Keep is full of old lists they'll never open again, so move the notes you still use and archive the rest.
And pick one app for quick capture, even if you use another for longer writing. The best note system is the one you'll open without thinking.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good alternative to Google Keep?
Simple synced apps suit quick notes, encrypted apps suit private notes, and outliners suit plans and ideas.
How do I export my Google Keep notes?
Use Google Takeout to download your Keep data. Google says the archive expires in about seven days.
Is there a free Google Keep alternative?
Yes. Several apps on this list have free plans or are free to use.
Which note app is the most private?
Apps with end-to-end encryption keep your notes readable only on your devices.
Can I share lists with my family?
Some apps support shared notes or lists. Check before you switch if you rely on that.
Is there a Keep alternative for iPhone and Android?
Most third-party note apps work on both.
Do I need an outliner?
Only if you like nested lists. Many people prefer simple notes.
Can I set reminders in note apps?
Some apps include reminders or link to a task app, so check if that matters to you.
Can I keep using Keep alongside another app?
Yes. Some people keep quick lists in Keep and longer notes elsewhere.
Will I lose images and checklists when I export?
Exports usually include images and checklist items, but open a few files to check before you delete anything.
