Simplenote is a note-taking application with a clean and minimalistic interface, available on multiple platforms.
Best SideNotes Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
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SideNotes is a macOS note-taking utility that stores notes in a hidden side panel accessible from the edge of the screen. It is designed for users who want quick notes that stay available without permanently covering the desktop.
Top 6 SideNotes alternatives
Joplin is an open-source note-taking app with end-to-end encryption support.
NotePlan is a digital notebook and calendar app that helps users organize their tasks, notes, and events in one place.
Google Keep is a note-taking service developed by Google. It offers a variety of tools for taking notes, including text, lists, images,...
Stickies is a lightweight macOS app for creating and organizing persistent desktop notes. It is aimed at Mac users who want quick,...
Pros
- More focused on persistent desktop notes than full note-taking suites
- Keeps reminders visible while working in other applications
- Simpler and less resource-intensive than database-style note apps
Cons
- Mac-only, unlike OneNote, Joplin, and Google Keep
- Fewer search, tagging, and organization tools than full note managers
- Less suitable for synchronized knowledge bases or collaborative notes
One-time $9.99
OneNote is a digital notebook for capturing and organizing notes.
Pros
- Good for note-taking
- Integration with Microsoft ecosystem
Cons
- Limited collaboration features
- Syncing issues
Free with Microsoft 365 subscription
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