European Alternatives to Apple Notes
Apple Notes is a simple note-taking app built into iOS and macOS. Notes sync via iCloud, which is subject to US data laws, and the notes themselves are not fully encrypted end-to-end by default.
Why Switch from Apple Notes?
- ⚠iCloud storage is subject to US legal jurisdiction and government requests
- ⚠Notes are not end-to-end encrypted by default
- ⚠Locked to Apple ecosystem — no access on Android or Windows
- ⚠No self-hosting option; your notes are Apple's infrastructure
1 European Alternative
Sorted by privacy score
Standard Notes
Encrypted notes app. Simple, private, with 100-year longevity pledge.
| Tool | Score | Privacy | Pricing | OSS | EU Data | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Encrypted notes app. Simple, private, with 100-year longevity pledge. Verified | 83 | 94 | Freemium | ✓ | — | 🇬🇧 |
Encrypted notes app. Simple, private, with 100-year longevity pledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good European alternative to Apple Notes?
Joplin is an excellent open-source alternative that works on all platforms (iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux). Standard Notes, developed by a UK-rooted team and now part of the Proton ecosystem, offers full end-to-end encryption with a strong privacy focus.
Are Joplin and Standard Notes cross-platform?
Yes — both work on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. This is a significant advantage over Apple Notes, which has limited Windows support.
Are European note-taking apps free?
Joplin is completely free. Standard Notes has a free tier and paid plans from €1.67/month for advanced features. Both offer end-to-end encryption that Apple Notes doesn't provide by default.
Can I sync Joplin notes without a US cloud service?
Yes — Joplin can sync via Nextcloud, WebDAV, local folders, or any EU-based cloud service. This gives you full control over where your notes are stored.