Simplenote
FreeA lightweight note-taking app from Automattic with free sync, tags and Markdown support.
About Simplenote
Simplenote is a minimal note-taking app that syncs notes across devices for free. It lets you jot down notes and lists, organise with tags and search through them quickly.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS, plus a web version. The Windows package lists the GPL-2.0 licence and a public repository on GitHub. A Simplenote account is used for syncing, and the interface is deliberately plain.
It suits people who want a quick, no-fuss place for text notes and do not need folders, rich formatting or databases. The Google Play listing shows no ads or in-app purchases, and the app is free. The iOS release in our data dates from November 2024 and the Windows package from November 2025, so updates are infrequent compared with busier apps. Its Google Play rating is 3.6 against 4.7 on the App Store. Because it keeps things so simple, it also works well as a scratchpad alongside a heavier organiser rather than as your only notes app.
Good for plain text, less so for attachments or structured notes. Updates are infrequent, so check the project is meeting your needs.
Version history
2 releases tracked- Windows: Support for importing ZIP files
- Fixed paste in context menu and enabled in browsers
- iOS: Updated icons for iOS 18
- Added username and password fallback login
- Updated California privacy link
Frequently asked
Is Simplenote free?
Yes. The app and sync are free.
Does it need an account?
Yes, an account is used for sync.
Is it open source?
The Windows package lists the GPL-2.0 licence.
Where does the download link go?
Directly to simplenote.com or the official app store for your platform. PlanetSofts never rehosts installers or adds wrappers, and these links were last verified Oct 6, 2026.