Open-Source Notesnook Challenges Google Keep's Dominance

Journalist Mahnoor Faisal, who covers AI and productivity tools for XDA, has found an open-source alternative to Google Keep that she can't imagine starting her day without. Notesnook is a note-taking app that feels polished, user-friendly, and secure, making it an attractive option for those concerned about data privacy.

Faisal's decision to explore open-source alternatives was driven by her growing awareness of how much of her digital life depends on a handful of companies. She discovered Notesnook, which is available across multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as a web version.

The app's source code is publicly available on GitHub, with its apps licensed under GPLv3 and its sync server under AGPLv3. This allows users to self-host the sync server if they want complete control over where their notes are stored.