Notesnook: The Free, Open-Source App Google Keep Won’t Be

A free, open-source notes app named Notesnook is attracting users who are fed up with Google Keep’s limited features and privacy concerns — and you can start using it without spending a dime.

What Is Notesnook, Exactly?

Notesnook is a note-taking app that focuses on two key principles largely overlooked by Google Keep: privacy and flexibility. By default, it employs end-to-end encryption (think of it like a sealed envelope — only you can see what’s inside, not the company storing it) on every note you create. In contrast, Google Keep keeps your notes in its cloud without that level of protection, meaning they could potentially be accessed by Google.

The app is also fully open-source, which means anyone can review its code. This transparency matters because independent developers can verify its claims, especially regarding privacy. You won’t just be relying on a company’s promises.

As noted by XDA Developers, Notesnook has recently made its core features completely free, eliminating the previous paywall that restricted access to notebooks, tags, and cross-device sync. Now, all of this is available at no cost.

What Can It Do That Keep Can’t?

At its core, Google Keep is a sticky-note app. It’s quick and easy to use, but that simplicity comes with significant limitations. You can’t organize notes into actual notebooks, apply rich text formatting beyond basic checklists, or lock individual notes with a password.

Notesnook fills those gaps:

• Notebooks and tags for organized structure
• Rich text editing with headers, tables, and code blocks
• Per-note locking using a PIN or password
• Monographs — a built-in option to publish a note as a shareable web page
• Cross-platform sync across Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and browser
• Offline access — no internet connection needed

It even supports importing from other apps like Evernote, Standard Notes, and plain text files, so you won’t be starting from scratch if you decide to switch.

The Privacy Angle

Here’s where Notesnook really sets itself apart. Every note is encrypted on your device before it gets uploaded to any server. This means even the Notesnook team can’t read your notes. If you’re storing sensitive information — like medical records, financial details, or personal journals — this is a big deal compared to apps linked to ad-driven companies.

Google’s business model relies on analyzing user data to deliver targeted ads. Keep notes are part of that ecosystem. On the other hand, Notesnook, which is independently developed and funded through optional premium subscriptions, operates completely outside that model.

What This Means for You

If you mainly use Google Keep for quick reminders and casual to-do lists, you might not need to switch. Keep is fast, functional, and integrates smoothly with Gmail and Google Assistant.

However, if you’ve ever wished for real folders, felt uneasy about Google having access to your private thoughts, or just wanted a notes app that can grow with you, give Notesnook a serious look. Now that it’s completely free, the biggest hurdle for many users is gone.

The open-source nature of the app also means it won’t suddenly vanish behind a paywall or get bought out and ruined. Anyone can fork the code (create a copy and build on it) to keep it running independently. That guarantees a level of longevity that Google Keep can’t promise, especially since Google could shut it down at any moment.

Community Reactions

“I switched from Keep about six months ago and honestly forget Keep exists. The notebooks alone make it worth it. Can’t believe this is free now.”

“The encryption is the big thing for me. I keep therapy notes and stuff in there. Knowing Google isn’t indexing that feels way better.”

What To Watch

• Notesnook’s premium tier still exists for power users who want features like version history and priority support. Keep an eye on whether limits for the free tier tighten as the user base grows.
• Google Keep updates have been slow. Google seems uninterested in adding organizational depth to Keep, leaving that space open for competitors.
• Open-source sustainability is a long-term question. Notesnook is funded by premium subscriptions. If that revenue doesn’t keep pace with a growing free user base, feature development might slow down. Check the project’s GitHub for activity levels as a health indicator.
• For more context on Google’s broader product direction, see coverage from TechCrunch and Android Authority to understand where Google is investing its energy — hint: AI video tools, not note-taking.