European Apple Notes Alternatives

Standard Notes is a privacy-focused note-taking application that puts security and user control at its core. Built with audited, industry-leading end-to-end encryption, this European software ensures that only you have access to your data - not even the company can read your notes.

The platform offers unlimited notes and devices for free, making it accessible to everyone who values privacy. Unlike mainstream services like Evernote or Google Keep, Standard Notes uses zero-knowledge encryption that protects against government access, employer surveillance, and data breaches.

Key features include:

• Cross-platform synchronization across all devices
• Offline access to your notes without internet connection
• Automated backups and secure cloud sync
• Support for various content types: markdown, rich text, code snippets, files, and more
• Open-source codebase independently audited by security researchers

As an independent company with zero venture capital funding, Standard Notes operates on a sustainable business model funded entirely by paying users. This ensures the platform remains aligned with user interests rather than investor demands.

The application supports diverse use cases from personal journaling and task management to storing sensitive documents like legal contracts, health records, and financial information. With 9 years of reliable service, Standard Notes has established itself as a trusted alternative for users seeking genuine privacy in their digital note-taking.

Joplin is a free, open source note-taking application that puts privacy and accessibility at its core. Created by French developer Laurent Cozic, this versatile tool allows you to capture thoughts, create multimedia notes, and access them securely from any device.

Key Features:

• Multimedia support - Add images, videos, PDFs, audio files, math expressions, and diagrams directly to your notes
• Cross-platform availability - Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even terminal
• Web clipper extension - Save web pages and screenshots as notes using Chrome or Firefox extensions
• Collaboration tools - Share and collaborate on notes with Joplin Cloud, or publish notes publicly via URL
• Customization options - Personalize with plugins, custom themes, and multiple text editors (Rich Text or Markdown)

Privacy & Security: Joplin implements end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to ensure only you can access your notes. Your data is saved in an open format, guaranteeing long-term accessibility. Joplin Cloud is based in France, providing protection under strict European Union privacy laws.

Synchronization: Sync your notes across devices using various services including Joplin Cloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive. The synchronization process is protected with end-to-end encryption for maximum security.

Praised by tech reviewers as an "Editors' Choice winner" for open-source note-taking, Joplin combines powerful functionality with user-friendly design, making it an excellent alternative to proprietary note-taking solutions.

BrewMemo is a privacy-focused note-taking solution that puts you in complete control of your data. Built by German developers who prioritize security and transparency, this app lets you sync your notes across devices using your own Nextcloud server instead of relying on third-party cloud services.

The app features a powerful Markdown editor with WYSIWYG capabilities, allowing you to format notes exactly as they'll appear. Native apps for iOS and Android ensure a smooth experience on mobile devices, while the web client provides desktop access.

Key features include:

• Nextcloud synchronization for secure, self-hosted data storage
• Multiple themes and dark mode for personalized workspace customization
• Note pinning and tagging to keep important content organized
• Powerful search functionality to quickly locate specific notes
• Export options in PDF and TXT formats for universal accessibility
• Offline capability so you can work without internet connection

The mobile apps offer a 30-day trial period followed by a subscription model (€2.99/month or €28.99/year with 20% savings). The Nextcloud server component is completely free and open-source, giving you full control over your data hosting. This makes BrewMemo ideal for individuals, businesses, and organizations that prioritize data privacy and want to avoid vendor lock-in while maintaining professional note-taking capabilities.