Side by side

Crypto Notepad vs OpenVLT

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.

Crypto Notepad

Free plan Windows

Crypto Notepad pairs familiar text-editing functions with locally encrypted files and portable use. Its main caveat is limited ongoing support, with only critical bug fixes planned.

Visit Crypto Notepad

OpenVLT combines Markdown-based notes with canvas tools and flexible organization views. Its asynchronous sync can leave conflict files after simultaneous edits, so users should be prepared to review them.

Visit OpenVLT

The facts

	Crypto Notepad	OpenVLT
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	crypto-notepad.github.io	openvlt.com
On secure notes apps	#15 of 30	#11 of 30

Crypto Notepad: what it does well

Free, open-source, and ad-free
Runs without installation, including from portable storage
Encryption settings are customizable
Includes clipboard auto-clear and editor autolock
Supports Windows context-menu integration

What to know first

Windows only
Requires Windows 7 SP1 or higher and .NET Framework 4.6.1 or higher
Support is very limited
No new features are planned

OpenVLT: what it does well

Note content remains in plain Markdown files
Canvas supports handwriting and shape recognition
Custom properties appear in table or kanban views
Peer-to-peer sync and Google Drive backups
Optional WebAuthn login and recovery key

What to know first

Simultaneous edits can create conflict files
Sync is asynchronous and document-level
Quick install guide covers macOS and Linux

Alternatives to Crypto Notepad Alternatives to OpenVLT The whole list