Side by side
Reflect vs SecondBrain
Both stand on ai note-taking apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Reflect if you want linked notes stored as Markdown files you control, with optional on-device semantic search and syncing through iCloud Drive or Git. The free Reflect Open download is a starting point; look at another plan if you need the paid Reflect plan’s listed features, which start at $10 per user per month billed annually.
Visit Reflect
Choose SecondBrain if you want to capture ideas in several ways and have AI organize them alongside reminders and calendar events. Pro is the relevant plan for unlimited notes and the assistant connector; the free plan limits notes, and connecting ChatGPT has an additional Developer mode requirement.
Visit SecondBrainThe facts
| Reflect | SecondBrain | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Extension, iPhone, Mac, Web | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Reflect Pro Yearly: $99 a year | Pro Yearly: $34.99 a year |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Maker | Reflect | Not published |
| Website | reflect.app | secondbrainmemory.com |
| On ai note-taking apps | #20 of 42 | #24 of 42 |
Reflect: what it does well
- Stores notes as plain Markdown in a folder you choose.
- Includes daily notes, links, backlinks, and full-text search.
- Optional semantic search runs on-device.
- Syncs through iCloud Drive or Git using files you own.
- Open source, with source code linked on GitHub.
What to know first
- The paid Reflect plan starts at $10 per user per month, billed annually.
- Reflect Pro subscriptions are limited to iPhone and iPad apps.
- Optional AI chat and transcription require a key from the user.
SecondBrain: what it does well
- Capture thoughts by speaking, typing, or sharing from other apps.
- AI transcribes, titles, and files notes into a folder tree.
- Mentioned dates can create calendar events and reminders.
- Full-text search and an interactive 3D graph help navigate notes.
- Available on web, iOS, Android, and macOS.
What to know first
- The free plan limits the number of notes.
- The AI assistant connector requires Pro.
- ChatGPT connection also requires Developer mode, available on Plus or above.
- iPhone Markdown export is manual rather than continuous sync.
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