Side by side
Binderus vs PrivacyNotes
Both stand on secure notes apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Binderus pairs a Markdown-based workflow with local storage choices, desktop exports, and third-party sync options. Consider the passphrase and attachment caveats before choosing its encrypted database.
Visit Binderus
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4
PrivacyNotes combines offline access, encrypted sync and broad import options in one personal workspace. Choose its self-custody route only if you can protect the recovery phrase, since the company cannot restore notes without it.
Visit PrivacyNotesThe facts
| Binderus | PrivacyNotes | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | binderus.com | privacynotes.app |
| On secure notes apps | #6 of 30 | #2 of 30 |
Binderus: what it does well
- Free desktop app with no account required
- Edits ordinary Markdown files
- Offers an optional encrypted local database
- Exports to PDF, DOCX, and HTML
- Plugins show declared capabilities before installation
What to know first
- Lost database passphrases cannot be recovered
- Attachments remain unencrypted unless encryption is enabled
- Vaults must be in the Documents directory
- No proprietary sync server
PrivacyNotes: what it does well
- Reading, writing and searching work offline
- Encrypted synchronization stored in Zurich
- Create a vault without an email address
- Imports from many note and password services
- Apps and encryption code published under the AGPL
What to know first
- Losing the self-custody phrase can make notes unrecoverable
- Free plan syncs across 2 devices
- Free plan limits each file to 5 MB
- No free trial
Alternatives to Binderus Alternatives to PrivacyNotes The whole list