Plain Markdown files you own
memrynote Yes
UpNote No
UpNote alternative
The UpNote alternative with your notes as plain files, not a locked database.
memrynote is a local-first alternative to UpNote that stores every note as a plain Markdown file in a folder you choose — not inside UpNote’s proprietary database. Like UpNote, it works offline and costs nothing for a local vault. Unlike UpNote, your notes are actual .md files you can open in any text editor, move to Obsidian, or back up to any drive. Sync is end-to-end encrypted with XChaCha20-Poly1305, so the server never sees your content, whereas UpNote syncs with transport encryption only. memrynote also ships tasks, a calendar, a daily journal, and an inbox in one workspace, rather than limiting you to note-taking. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, is open source, and works fully offline without an account.
memrynote vs UpNote
End-to-end encrypted sync
memrynote Yes
UpNote No
Mobile apps (iOS & Android)
memrynote No
UpNote Yes
Built-in task management
memrynote Yes
UpNote No
Built-in calendar
memrynote Yes
UpNote No
Daily journal
memrynote Yes
UpNote No
Works offline
memrynote Yes
UpNote Yes
Open source
memrynote Yes
UpNote No
Free tier (unlimited notes)
memrynote Yes
UpNote Partial
Comparison reflects each app’s native, out-of-the-box features as of mid-2026. Competitors may cover some rows through paid add-ons or third-party plugins.
Your files, your rules
Notes are plain .md files in a folder you own — readable in any editor, movable to any app, yours even if memrynote disappears.
Zero-knowledge sync
End-to-end encrypted before leaving your device. The sync server never sees your keys or content.
Notes, tasks, and calendar in one
Built-in task management, a calendar, a daily journal, and an inbox — no extra apps to stitch together.
Open source
Markdown files you own and an open codebase — nothing about your notes or sync is a black box.
Is memrynote a good UpNote alternative?
Yes. If you want your notes as real .md files in a folder you control — not locked inside UpNote’s proprietary database — memrynote is the stronger fit. Every note is plain Markdown you can open in any editor, move to another app, or read without memrynote installed. You also get end-to-end encrypted sync, plus built-in tasks, a calendar, and a daily journal that UpNote does not offer.
What happens to my notes if I stop using UpNote?
With UpNote, your notes live inside its own database and are accessible only through the app — you must export before leaving. With memrynote, your notes are already plain .md files on your drive. Open them in VS Code, iA Writer, Obsidian, or any plain-text viewer at any time. They will still be readable years from now without any app installed.
Is memrynote’s sync more private than UpNote’s?
Yes. UpNote syncs with encryption in transit but no end-to-end protection, so the sync server can technically read your notes. memrynote encrypts every note with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before it leaves your device; the server holds only ciphertext and your keys never leave your machines. If you prefer no cloud at all, the app works fully offline.
Does memrynote go beyond note-taking?
Yes — significantly. UpNote is a focused notes app with no built-in tasks, projects, or calendar. memrynote ships all three in one workspace: tasks with projects, custom statuses, subtasks, and recurring schedules across Kanban, List, and Calendar views, a daily journal tied to your calendar, and a quick-capture inbox for voice memos, web clips, and PDFs.
Pricing: memrynote vs UpNote
memrynote
Free, local-first forever. Encrypted sync from $5/mo.
UpNote
Free up to 50 notes; Premium ~$1.99/mo or ~$39.99 lifetime (as of mid-2026).
Switch from UpNote
- 1
In UpNote, open Settings → Export and choose Markdown; UpNote saves each note as a .md file and mirrors your notebooks as folders.
- 2
Open memrynote and point a new vault at the exported folder — memrynote reads .md files directly, with no import wizard.
- 3
Confirm attachments: UpNote copies images alongside the .md files; set memrynote’s attachment folder to the same location.
UpNote alternative FAQ
Can I import my UpNote notes into memrynote?
Yes. Export your notes from UpNote as Markdown (Settings → Export), then point a new memrynote vault at the exported folder. memrynote reads .md files directly without a conversion step.
Does UpNote support end-to-end encryption?
No. UpNote syncs with encryption in transit but not end-to-end, so the sync server can technically access your notes. memrynote uses XChaCha20-Poly1305 end-to-end encryption, so the server stores only ciphertext.
Does UpNote store my notes as files I can access outside the app?
No. UpNote keeps notes in its own database, not as plain files on your filesystem; you can export to Markdown but live data is not file-accessible. memrynote writes every note as a .md file to a folder you choose.
Does UpNote have task management or a calendar?
No. UpNote is a note-taking app with no built-in tasks, projects, or calendar. memrynote ships all three alongside notes, a daily journal, and an inbox in one workspace.
Make the switch.
Notes, tasks, calendar, and journal in one local-first app — private by design, open at heart.