Simple Memo vs Anytype
Which Should You Choose?
Anytype is a decentralized, local-first knowledge management tool — but understanding object design and P2P sync adds friction for quick capture. Simple Memo is the fast "quick inbox" that is ready for typing 0.4 seconds after the tap (warm launch, iPhone 16e) and emails notes with one tap.
What is Anytype?
Anytype is a local-first knowledge management tool that stores data on your devices and syncs it end-to-end encrypted with its own any-sync protocol (by default through Anytype-operated backup nodes). It features Objects, Types, and Relations for structuring, graph view, and Sets (database-like views). Designed with privacy and data sovereignty as top priorities. Free for personal use; a paid team offering (Anytype for Business) is available. Desktop and mobile apps.
For a local-first comparison with Obsidian, see Obsidian and Anytype: 2 approaches to local-first notes.
Comparison Table: Simple Memo vs Anytype
| Feature | Simple Memo | Anytype |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Speed (warm launch, iPhone 16e) | 0.4s (type immediately) | Not measured |
| Email Send | one-tap direct send | No (local storage) |
| No Account | Use existing email | Recovery phrase needed |
| Data Storage | Email delivery | On-device + end-to-end encrypted sync (via backup nodes by default) |
| Offline | Outbox auto-resend | Full (local-first) |
| Encryption | AES-GCM (on-device) | End-to-end encrypted |
| Objects/Types | None | Yes (core feature) |
| Graph View | No | Yes |
| Learning Curve | Low | Steep |
| Decentralized | No | Yes (P2P) |
3 Local-First Differences
- 1P2P Sync vs Email Delivery
Anytype stores data on your devices and syncs it end-to-end encrypted (by default via Anytype's backup nodes). You hold the encryption key. Simple Memo sends notes via email using standard email infrastructure. Accessible from any device's inbox with no sync setup or management needed. - 2Object-Typed vs Text-Based
Anytype structures knowledge with Objects, Types, Relations, and Sets. Define types like "Person," "Project," "Book" and visualize relationships in a graph. Simple Memo just types plain text and sends via email. No type definitions or relations — start typing 0.4 seconds after the tap (warm launch, iPhone 16e). - 3Your Own Key vs Just an Email Address
Anytype is managed via a recovery phrase (12-word seed) enabling self-hosted operation. If it is lost, Anytype can't help you recover your vault on a new device. Simple Memo works with just your existing email address — no recovery phrases to manage, no servers to build. Sent memos remain in your mailbox as ordinary email.
The Tradeoffs of Self-Hosted PKM
Anytype champions "complete data ownership" as a P2P distributed knowledge management tool. Data is stored on your devices and synced end-to-end encrypted, by default through Anytype-operated backup nodes in EU data centers. You hold the encryption key, so Anytype itself cannot read your content. For privacy-conscious users, this is a compelling proposition. But this architecture has tradeoffs. You are responsible for managing the encryption key. And if you lose your 12-word recovery phrase, Anytype can't help you recover your vault on a new device — a real barrier for less technical users. Simple Memo - for Obsidian takes a different approach to privacy. The on-device Outbox and send history are encrypted with AES-GCM-256, with the key stored in Apple Keychain. Email delivery itself goes through standard SMTP, so this is not end-to-end encrypted — but memo bodies are not persistently stored on our servers (data minimization). It uses your existing email infrastructure (Gmail, iCloud, etc.), so there is no device-to-device sync to set up. Which privacy model is more secure depends on your threat model. If state-level surveillance is your concern, Anytype's end-to-end encryption has the edge. If you want practical everyday privacy with efficiency, Simple Memo - for Obsidian's on-device-encryption-plus-data-minimization model is more pragmatic. The key distinction: Anytype gives you your own encryption key for maximum control. Simple Memo - for Obsidian leverages email infrastructure you already trust, adding on-device encryption and a no-retention server policy. Both respect your privacy — they just draw the line differently on the control-versus-convenience spectrum.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Need to capture ideas instantly
- Want memos delivered to email
- Don't want to learn new concepts
- Need access from any device
- Want to forward or share memos from your inbox
- Prefer minimal operations
- Prioritize full data ownership
- Value P2P decentralization
- Want to structure knowledge with objects
- Don't want cloud service dependency
- Need end-to-end encryption
- Prefer tools with public source code
FAQ
Is Anytype's P2P sync practical between iPhone and Mac?
By default, sync goes through backup nodes, so devices don't need to be online at the same time (in local-only mode, sync works only on the same local network). Simple Memo - for Obsidian delivers memos as email, so there is no device-to-device sync timing to worry about (delivery still depends on the sending service and the receiving mailbox).
How should I safely manage Anytype's recovery phrase?
Write the 12-word phrase on paper and store it in a safe, or save it in a password manager. Losing it means losing data access when switching devices. Simple Memo - for Obsidian requires no recovery phrase — just your existing email address. Delivered notes stay in your mailbox as ordinary email.
Which has better privacy: Anytype or Simple Memo - for Obsidian?
Different approaches. Anytype syncs with end-to-end encryption (by default through Anytype's backup nodes; a local-only mode is available). Simple Memo - for Obsidian uses AES-GCM on-device encryption but sends via standard email protocols. If end-to-end encryption and holding your own key matter most, choose Anytype. For practical security with speed, Simple Memo - for Obsidian fits better.
Anytype's source code is public — can the code be trusted?
Anytype publishes source code on GitHub, enabling community audits. This offers higher transparency and lower backdoor risk compared to proprietary tools. Simple Memo - for Obsidian is proprietary, but your notes are delivered to your own email address — data lives in your email service, not in Simple Memo - for Obsidian's servers.
Anytype's setup was too complex and I gave up. Can I start using Simple Memo - for Obsidian right away?
Yes. Download Simple Memo - for Obsidian from the App Store, enter and verify your email address, and start right away. No recovery phrase management, no object type design, no P2P sync to understand. Just two steps: type and send. You can always come back to Anytype later as a structuring tool.
Practical Combined Workflow
Anytype and Simple Memo are an ideal combination for privacy-conscious users. The following workflow leverages both tools' encryption technologies.
- 1On the go: Secure capture with AES-GCM
Type your thought into Simple Memo. The Outbox and send history are AES-GCM encrypted on the device (the emails themselves are not end-to-end encrypted). - 2Back home: Structure as Anytype objects
Review email memos and save important ones in Anytype as Note, Task, or Idea types. Set up relations to connect your knowledge. - 3Long-term: Full data sovereignty via P2P sync
Structured data syncs end-to-end encrypted, so you can use it on multiple devices.
When to Use Anytype
In fairness, here are scenarios where Anytype is genuinely the better choice. If these align with your values and needs, Anytype is the right tool.
- 1Full data ownership is non-negotiable
Anytype stores data on your devices; synced data is end-to-end encrypted (and by default also backed up, encrypted, on Anytype's nodes). P2P sync is end-to-end encrypted, and data remains accessible even if the service shuts down. For those avoiding cloud dependency, Anytype's architecture is ideal. Simple Memo - for Obsidian's notes pass through email servers, so those requiring absolute data sovereignty should choose Anytype. - 2You want tools with public source code
Anytype publishes its source code ("open code" under the Any Source Available License), so the code can be audited. Low vendor lock-in risk and high community transparency. Those who avoid proprietary tools will find Anytype the best fit. - 3Visualizing knowledge with graph view
Anytype's graph view displays relations between objects visually. See connections between projects, people, and resources at a glance for a comprehensive knowledge overview. Simple Memo has no linking or graph features.
Migration Guide: Anytype to Simple Memo - for Obsidian
This guide is for those struggling with Anytype's conceptual complexity or setup. If you value privacy but want a simpler note-taking method, here's how to transition.
- 1Install Simple Memo - for Obsidian and set your email address
Download Simple Memo - for Obsidian from the App Store and set a private email address. No recovery phrase management needed — start right away. A stark contrast to Anytype's setup complexity. - 2Back up your important Anytype data
Export data from Anytype. Since it's local-first, data stays on your device, but create a backup just in case. We recommend keeping Anytype installed for reference rather than fully uninstalling it. - 3Switch daily notes to Simple Memo - for Obsidian
Skip object type selection and relation setup. Use Simple Memo - for Obsidian for quick input and email delivery. The Outbox and history on the device are encrypted with AES-GCM, but email delivery is not end-to-end encrypted, and the design is not decentralized like Anytype. - 4Use email folders for lightweight categorization
Memos from Simple Memo - for Obsidian arrive in your inbox. Instead of Anytype's objects/types/relations, categorize with email folders and labels. Simple, but surprisingly effective for most use cases.
