Simple Memo vs NotePost
Which Should You Choose?
NotePost offers AI-powered suggestions and desktop support. Simple Memo prioritizes launch speed and privacy. Want AI? Choose NotePost. Want the fastest, most secure capture? Choose Simple Memo. The right choice depends on your priorities.
What is NotePost?
NotePost (メモポスト) is a memo app developed by Masataka Shida that sends memos to your own email. Its standout feature is "NotePost AI," which analyzes your memos and suggests follow-up actions automatically. It also supports desktop usage and pursues a noise-less design philosophy. A free plan is available, and it is known as a Captio alternative. However, account registration is required to use the service.
The Current State of Memo-Sending Apps
The "email a memo to yourself" category was pioneered by Captio, launched as an iOS app around 2011. Beloved for its simple concept and beautiful UI, Captio disappeared from the App Store in 2024. Since then, apps like Email Me App, Note To Self Mail, Moca, and NotePost have entered the category, but most have seen limited development and don't fully address modern iOS capabilities or security requirements. As of 2026, Simple Memo - for Obsidian continues to ship regular updates. It implements modern features that didn't exist in Captio's era: Outbox offline queue, AES-GCM on-device encryption, and one-tap send via Cloudflare Workers. It carries forward Captio's spirit while being rebuilt for 2026's technical standards.
Comparison Table: Simple Memo vs NotePost
| Feature | Simple Memo | NotePost |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Speed | 0.4s (type immediately) | Standard |
| One-Tap Send | Yes (direct email) | Yes |
| Send Speed | one-tap (Cloudflare Workers) | Standard |
| AI Features | None (intentional) | NotePost AI |
| Desktop Support | iOS only | Yes |
| No Account Required | Use existing email | Account registration required |
| Offline Support | Outbox auto-resend | No |
| Encryption | AES-GCM (on-device) | No |
| Free Tier | 3 sends/day, no feature gates | Available |
| Bilingual | Japanese / English | Japanese |
4 Differences Between Memo-Sending Apps
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1
UI Design Direction
NotePost offers a feature-rich UI with AI suggestions and desktop integration. Simple Memo uses an ultra-minimal UI with just an input field and a send button. If you want to avoid UI complexity, choose Simple Memo; if you need AI-powered workflows, NotePost is the better fit. -
2
Destination Flexibility
NotePost manages memos within its own account system, with email sending as one feature among many. Simple Memo is fully dedicated to email delivery and lets you freely set the destination address. Switching between work and personal addresses is straightforward with Simple Memo. -
3
Server Storage vs Direct Send
NotePost stores memo data on its servers for AI processing. Simple Memo relays memos through Cloudflare Workers without permanently storing memo content on any server. For privacy-conscious users, this architectural difference is significant. -
4
Pricing Model
NotePost has a free plan but full AI features require a paid subscription. Simple Memo offers 3 sends per day completely free with no feature gates. Premium ($2.99/month) unlocks unlimited sends.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Want the fastest memo capture (0.4s launch)
- Prefer no account registration
- Need on-device encryption for security
- Need reliable offline memo delivery
- Don't need AI features or extra notifications
- Want a free plan with 3 sends a day, forever
- Want AI-powered action suggestions from memos
- Need desktop support alongside mobile
- Want to automate workflows from memo content
- Don't mind account registration
- Always have internet connectivity
- Prefer noise-less design philosophy
FAQ
Can I get by without NotePost's AI features?
If your goal is simply recording and sending memos, AI features are unnecessary. Simple Memo achieves 0.4s launch and one-tap send by focusing exclusively on input and send. For users who prioritize speed over AI suggestions, Simple Memo is the better fit.
Does NotePost store memos on its servers?
Yes. NotePost stores memo data on its servers for AI processing. Simple Memo only relays through Cloudflare Workers without permanently storing memo content on any server. This architectural difference matters for privacy-conscious users.
How do NotePost and Simple Memo pricing compare?
Simple Memo offers 3 sends per day completely free with no feature gates. NotePost has a free plan but full AI features require a paid subscription. Simple Memo Premium ($2.99/month) unlocks unlimited sends.
Can I keep using the same email address when switching from NotePost?
Yes. Set the same email address as your destination in Simple Memo, and memos from both apps will arrive in the same inbox. No data migration required.
What if I also need to send memos from desktop?
Desktop support is NotePost's strength. Simple Memo is iOS-only but optimized for the fastest mobile capture. You can complement it by emailing yourself from your desktop email client for a hybrid workflow.
Related Pages
References
- Memo Post (App Store)
- PCMag Best Note-Taking Apps
- TrustRadius Note-Taking Software
- Harvard Business Review - Productivity