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FSNotes vs SideNotes

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

FSNotes icon
FSNotes
SideNotes icon
SideNotes

FSNotes vs SideNotes: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

FSNotes: FSNotes is a free, open-source notes app for macOS. It provides a simple interface for creating, organizing, and searching notes. Key features include tagging, wiki-style links between notes, Markdown formatting support, and data encryption.

SideNotes: SideNotes is a digital notebook and annotation tool for the Mac. It allows users to take notes and annotate documents, PDFs, and images. Key features include cross-platform sync, website annotation, handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, and secure encryption.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature FSNotes SideNotes
Sugggest Score
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity
Pricing Open Source

Product Overview

FSNotes
FSNotes

Description: FSNotes is a free, open-source notes app for macOS. It provides a simple interface for creating, organizing, and searching notes. Key features include tagging, wiki-style links between notes, Markdown formatting support, and data encryption.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

SideNotes
SideNotes

Description: SideNotes is a digital notebook and annotation tool for the Mac. It allows users to take notes and annotate documents, PDFs, and images. Key features include cross-platform sync, website annotation, handwritten notes with Apple Pencil, and secure encryption.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

FSNotes
FSNotes Features
  • Simple interface for creating and organizing notes
  • Tagging for easy categorization
  • Wiki-style links between notes
  • Markdown formatting support
  • Data encryption
SideNotes
SideNotes Features
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Website annotation
  • Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
  • Secure encryption

Pros & Cons Analysis

FSNotes
FSNotes

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Clean and intuitive interface
  • Good organization and search capabilities
  • Seamless Markdown support
  • Secure encryption

Cons

  • Limited formatting options
  • No collaboration features
  • No mobile or web apps
  • No image support
SideNotes
SideNotes

Pros

  • Syncs notes across devices
  • Annotate web pages and PDFs
  • Natural handwriting with Apple Pencil
  • Notes are securely encrypted

Cons

  • No Windows version
  • Limited formatting options
  • Requires subscription for full features
  • No collaboration features

Pricing Comparison

FSNotes
FSNotes
  • Open Source
SideNotes
SideNotes
  • Not listed

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