Side by side
Open Notebook vs RemNote
Both stand on note-taking apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Open Notebook combines broad source collection, searchable notebooks, configurable AI providers and privacy controls. Its self-hosted setup and model configuration suit users who want direct control over their research workflow.
Visit Open Notebook
Free plan AndroidiPhone
RemNote brings note-taking, document annotation, and review tools together, with offline access and mobile apps. The free plan has clear file, annotation, and AI limits; Pro and Pro with AI add higher allowances for a monthly price.
Visit RemNoteThe facts
| Open Notebook | RemNote | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro: $8 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | RemNote |
| Website | open-notebook.ai | remnote.com |
| On note-taking apps | #69 of 216 | #65 of 216 |
Open Notebook: what it does well
- Unlimited notebooks for projects
- Broad document, media and web support
- Search answers link source documents
- Per-question source exposure controls
- MIT-licensed and self-hosted
What to know first
- Complete use requires multiple model types
- Installation requires at least 4 GB RAM
- Security guide lists one shared password
- AI provider usage may cost extra
RemNote: what it does well
- Generates flashcards, quizzes, and summaries from sources.
- Cards use spaced repetition and several study formats.
- PDFs and slides support highlights, drawings, and shapes.
- Notes and flashcards remain available offline.
- Free plan includes unlimited notes and flashcards.
What to know first
- Free uploads are limited to 20 files daily.
- Free uploads support files up to 8MB.
- Free AI access is 250 credits monthly.
- Pro starts at $8 a month.
Alternatives to Open Notebook Alternatives to RemNote The whole list