Your messages are monitored, your location is tracked, and certain note-taking applications are focusing on privacy. The guide reviews note-taking applications for Linux and Android that prioritize confidentiality, with no trackers or unsettling sync processes.
Standard Notes:
- Data export: Encrypted, plain text format
- 2FA: Supported
- Offline Access: Fully offline capable
- Unlimited Device Sync: Available on official servers or self-hosted
- Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, rich text, etc.)
- Organizing Style: Free (basic tags), Paid (folders and tags)
- Themes & Creativity: Paid (multiple themes)
- Support: Active community support
Notesnook:
- Data export: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, PDF, HTML)
- 2FA: Supported
- Offline Access: Fully offline capable
- Unlimited Device Sync: Yes, with granular controls
- Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (Markdown, lists, etc.), Paid (images and reminders)
- Organizing Style: Free (20 Notebooks, 5 Tags), Paid (unlimited)
- Themes & Creativity: Free (customizable sidebar), Paid (color options)
- Support: Active community on Discord, email, Twitter, and Reddit
Joplin:
- Data export: ENEX files
- 2FA: Single-use codes
- Offline Access: Offline-first
- Unlimited Device Sync: Requires Joplin Cloud
- Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, etc.
- Organizing Style: Notebooks, sub-Notebooks, Tags, To-dos
- Themes & Creativity: Customizable via CSS
- Support: Community support through forums and Discord
Cryptee:
- Data export: Encrypted folder download, formats include PDF, DOCX, HTML, Markdown
- 2FA: Supported
- Offline Access: Functions offline as a PWA
- Unlimited Device Sync: Local data for quick syncing
- Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc.
- Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, pinning
- Themes & Creativity: Customizable themes
- Support: Community-driven support
Obsidian:
- Data export: Plain text and markdown files
- 2FA: Not available
- Offline Access: Fully offline
- Unlimited Device Sync: Paid (Obsidian Sync), Free (third-party services)
- Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, links, etc.
- Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, graph view
- Themes & Creativity: Complete UI customization
- Support: Community support available
Turtl:
- Data export: Plain text format with encryption
- 2FA: Not available
- Offline Access: Operates offline
- Unlimited Device Sync: Possible with official servers or self-hosted
- Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc.
- Organizing Style: Spaces, Tags, boards
- Themes & Creativity: No customization options
- Support: Community-driven support
Recommendations include Joplin for structure, Notesnook for minimalism, Turtl for privacy, and Obsidian for creativity. The best tool integrates seamlessly into your workflow while ensuring privacy.