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FSNotes alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave FSNotes: apple-only: no Windows, Android or web app, and iPhone sync is limited to iCloud Drive; no Dropbox or WebDAV. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces FSNotes, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Bear currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Simplenote logoSimplenoteFreeNoWeb, Windows, macOS +34 of 459.4
2Apple Notes logoApple NotesFreeNomacOS, iOS, Web4 of 453.6
  1. Simplenote logo

    1. SimplenoteTop pick

    Best for: People who want fast, free plain-text notes on every device

    FreeWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from FSNotes

    Free, minimal plain-text notes that sync to every platform including Windows, Android and the web.

    Pros

    • Completely free, with no paid tier or ads
    • Apps for every major platform plus the web
    • Fast and distraction-free
    • Markdown preview and version history

    Cons

    • No images, attachments or rich text
    • No folders or backlinks, only tags
    • Slow pace of new features
    • No end-to-end encryption
    Visit Simplenote Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Simplenote a good FSNotes alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Oct 29, 2026simplenote.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, web
    Checked Oct 29, 2026simplenote.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Offline mode
    Yes
    Checked Oct 29, 2026simplenote.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Automattic
    Checked Oct 29, 2026simplenote.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Apple Notes logo

    2. Apple Notes

    Best for: Apple users who want quick, reliable notes that sync with no setup or extra cost

    FreemacOS, iOS, Web

    53.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from FSNotes

    Built into every Mac and iPhone; simpler, with no Markdown files but easy sharing.

    Pros

    • Free and preinstalled on Apple devices
    • Scanning, sketching, audio transcripts and inline maths
    • Shared notes and folders for family or small groups
    • Fast, reliable iCloud sync

    Cons

    • No Windows or Android apps, only iCloud.com in a browser
    • Weak export and no Markdown files
    • No backlinks, templates or plugins
    Visit Apple Notes Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Apple Notes a good FSNotes alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Audio transcription
    Yes, live transcripts
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Inline maths
    Yes
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Locked notes
    Yes, password protected
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.apple.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free iCloud storage
    5 GB
    Checked Oct 29, 2026apple.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best FSNotes alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Bear logo

Best FSNotes alternative for most people

Bear

Polished Apple-only Markdown notes with tags, if you'd trade plain files for a nicer editor and sync.

Zettlr logo

Best FSNotes alternative for a free option

Zettlr

Free open-source Markdown editor on all desktops, aimed at research writing and citations.

Obsidian logo

Best FSNotes alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Obsidian

Also works on a folder of Markdown files, but adds Windows, Linux, Android and a large plugin ecosystem.

Joplin logo

Best FSNotes alternative for open source

Joplin

Open-source Markdown notes with end-to-end encrypted sync on desktop and mobile, including Android.

Joplin logo

Best FSNotes alternative for self-hosting

Joplin

Open-source Markdown notes with end-to-end encrypted sync on desktop and mobile, including Android.

Simplenote logo

Best FSNotes alternative for Mac

Simplenote

Free, minimal plain-text notes that sync to every platform including Windows, Android and the web.

Obsidian logo

Best FSNotes alternative for Windows

Obsidian

Also works on a folder of Markdown files, but adds Windows, Linux, Android and a large plugin ecosystem.

Obsidian logo

Best FSNotes alternative for Linux

Obsidian

Also works on a folder of Markdown files, but adds Windows, Linux, Android and a large plugin ecosystem.

Obsidian logo

Best FSNotes alternative for iPhone and Android

Obsidian

Also works on a folder of Markdown files, but adds Windows, Linux, Android and a large plugin ecosystem.

Apple Notes logo

Best FSNotes alternative for working in the browser

Apple Notes

Built into every Mac and iPhone; simpler, with no Markdown files but easy sharing.

FSNotes alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to FSNotes?

Bear ranks first right now. Polished Apple-only Markdown notes with tags, if you'd trade plain files for a nicer editor and sync. Obsidian and Zettlr follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to FSNotes?

Yes. Bear (free plan + paid), Obsidian (free plan + paid), Zettlr (open source) and Joplin (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to FSNotes?

Yes: Zettlr and Joplin. Joplin can also be self-hosted.

Which FSNotes alternatives work on Linux?

Obsidian, Zettlr, Joplin and Simplenote run on Linux.

Why do people switch from FSNotes?

The complaints we hear most: apple-only: no Windows, Android or web app; iPhone sync is limited to iCloud Drive; no Dropbox or WebDAV; no real-time collaboration or shared notebooks.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces FSNotes, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.