Simple Memo vs Standard Notes
Which Should You Choose?
Both apps prioritize privacy and encryption, but with different approaches. Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking app. Simple Memo encrypts the offline outbox and sends to email. Two privacy-focused philosophies, two distinct use cases — compared in detail.
Standard Notes' E2E encryption is solid — the server itself can't read your content. Simple Memo takes a different approach: it encrypts the on-device Outbox and send history with AES-GCM-256, and does not persistently store memo bodies on its servers (they only transit during send). Memo delivery itself goes through standard SMTP, so this is not E2E encryption — it's a different privacy posture aimed at minimizing what the server ever holds.
What is Standard Notes?
Standard Notes is a privacy-first note-taking app with end-to-end encryption (XChaCha20-Poly1305) at its core. It runs on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux, syncing notes to the cloud in encrypted form. As an open-source project, it supports extended editors (markdown, spreadsheets, code), tags, file attachments, and version history. The free plan covers basics; advanced features require a paid subscription. It appeals to users who want a full-featured note app without sacrificing privacy, particularly those who've moved away from services that monetize user data.
Encrypted Note Apps Compared: Standard Notes vs Simple Memo - for Obsidian
Standard Notes and Simple Memo - for Obsidian both prioritize privacy, but their encryption approaches are fundamentally different. Standard Notes uses XChaCha20-Poly1305 end-to-end encryption. Notes are encrypted on-device and stored on Standard Notes' cloud servers in encrypted form. Since the server cannot read note contents, the security level is very high. But this approach has tradeoffs. The mere fact that encrypted data "exists" on a server is itself a risk. If the server is breached, encrypted data could be exfiltrated. The possibility that current encryption could be broken in the future, while remote, isn't zero. Simple Memo - for Obsidian takes a different approach. The on-device Outbox and send history are encrypted with AES-GCM-256, but the email send itself goes through standard SMTP, so it is not end-to-end encrypted (so that you, the recipient, can read it in your normal mail client). The privacy posture is instead about data minimization: memo bodies are not persistently stored on our servers (transit only). It's "encrypt-then-store-in-cloud (E2EE)" vs "don't keep the body on the server (data minimization)." That said, Standard Notes excels in other areas as a full-featured note app — tag management, extended editors (markdown, code, spreadsheets), version history, and file attachments. Simple Memo - for Obsidian is capture-only — no organization or editing features. The security model choice depends on your threat model. If "encrypted server storage, readable only in the Standard Notes app" is your requirement, Standard Notes. If "I want memos to land in my normal email inbox, but I don't want the sending infrastructure to keep them" is your model, Simple Memo - for Obsidian.
Comparison Table: Simple Memo vs Standard Notes
| Feature | Simple Memo | Standard Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Note Output | Email inbox | Standard Notes app only |
| Encryption | AES-GCM (on-device outbox) | XChaCha20-Poly1305 (E2E) |
| No Account Required | Use existing email | Account creation required |
| Launch Speed | 0.4s (type immediately) | Note list loads first |
| Offline Support | Outbox auto-resend | Edit offline, sync on connect |
| Service Dependency | Email only | Standard Notes service |
| Open Source | Closed source | Yes (GitHub) |
| Tags / Organization | None | Yes |
| Extended Editors | No | Paid plan only |
| Free Tier Features | No feature gates (send limit only) | Basic features only |
| Cross-Platform | Email = every device | iOS/Android/Win/Mac/Linux |
| Self-Hosting | Not available | Possible |
4 Differences Between Privacy-First Apps
-
1
E2E Encryption Approach
Standard Notes uses XChaCha20-Poly1305 end-to-end encryption to store data on the cloud. Simple Memo applies AES-GCM encryption to the offline Outbox and never stores memo content on any server. "Encrypt and store in the cloud" vs "never send to a server in the first place" — a fundamental design difference. -
2
Server Storage vs Email Delivery
Standard Notes memos live in encrypted cloud storage, accessible only through the app. Simple Memo memos arrive in your email inbox, readable from Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or any email client. App-locked vs email-universal accessibility. -
3
Extended Editors vs Single Input
Standard Notes offers Markdown, spreadsheet, and code editors on paid plans. Simple Memo has only a plain-text input field — deliberately minimal to achieve 0.4s launch and one-tap send. -
4
Pricing Model Comparison
Standard Notes' free plan covers basics only; extended editors and file attachments require paid plans (from $90/year). Simple Memo's free plan has a 3-send daily limit but no feature restrictions. Premium is JPY 500/month or JPY 5,000/year — significantly more affordable.
Who Should Choose Which?
- Need instant thought capture
- Don't want to create another account
- Want notes delivered to your email
- Prefer no server storage of memo content
- Want full features on the free plan
- Value ~1-second launch speed
- Need E2E encrypted cloud sync
- Want a long-term encrypted note archive
- Value open-source software
- Want to self-host for full control
- Need extended editors and tags
- Want full-featured cross-device access
FAQ
How does Standard Notes' E2E encryption differ from Simple Memo's AES-GCM?
Standard Notes encrypts data with XChaCha20-Poly1305 and stores it in the cloud (E2EE — even the server can't read it). Simple Memo encrypts the on-device Outbox and send history with AES-GCM-256, but email delivery itself goes through standard SMTP, so it is not end-to-end encrypted. The privacy posture is data minimization instead: memo bodies are not persistently stored on our servers (transit only during send). "Encrypted server storage" vs "don't keep the body on the server" — different design philosophies, both privacy-focused.
Can I use Simple Memo without creating an account like Standard Notes requires?
Yes. Simple Memo requires no account creation — just enter your existing email address and start sending. No password setup, no email verification, no new service dependency.
Does Simple Memo have extended editors like Standard Notes?
No. Simple Memo has no Markdown, spreadsheet, or code editors. It focuses on a single plain-text input to achieve 0.4s launch and one-tap send. For structured notes, Standard Notes excels. For instant capture, Simple Memo is purpose-built.
For privacy, should I choose Standard Notes or Simple Memo?
It depends on your use case. For encrypted long-term cloud storage of notes, Standard Notes. For zero-server memo capture sent directly to email, Simple Memo. Using both together — Simple Memo for capture, Standard Notes for archival — gives you the best of both privacy-first approaches.
Related Pages
References
- Standard Notes Official Site
- Zapier Best Note-Taking Apps
- Standard Notes on the App Store
- TrustRadius Note-Taking Software