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Google Desktop vs not8

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

Google Desktop icon
Google Desktop
not8 icon
not8

Google Desktop vs not8: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Google Desktop: Google Desktop was a desktop search application created by Google that allowed users to search the content of their computers. It indexed emails, documents, music, photos, chat logs, and web pages viewed on the computer.

not8: not8 is an open-source note taking application focused on privacy and security. It allows users to easily take notes, organize them, and sync between devices while keeping data encrypted locally.

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 Google Desktop not8
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Office & Productivity
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

Google Desktop
Google Desktop

Description: Google Desktop was a desktop search application created by Google that allowed users to search the content of their computers. It indexed emails, documents, music, photos, chat logs, and web pages viewed on the computer.

Type: software

not8
not8

Description: not8 is an open-source note taking application focused on privacy and security. It allows users to easily take notes, organize them, and sync between devices while keeping data encrypted locally.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Google Desktop
Google Desktop Features
  • Desktop search
  • Indexing of emails, documents, music, photos, chat logs and web pages
  • Quick searching across local files
  • Integrated with Google web search
  • Toolbar for quick access
  • Email notification on new results
not8
not8 Features
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Local data storage
  • Open source
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Markdown support
  • Basic note organization
  • Sync between devices

Pros & Cons Analysis

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
Pros
  • Powerful and fast search capabilities
  • Indexed a wide variety of file types
  • Convenient access from toolbar
  • Seamless integration with Google web search
Cons
  • Resource intensive
  • Privacy concerns around Google indexing local data
  • Limited customization options
  • Discontinued in 2011 with some features moved to Google Drive
not8
not8
Pros
  • Strong privacy and security
  • Local data control
  • Free and open source
  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Simple markdown formatting
Cons
  • Limited features compared to proprietary apps
  • Requires some technical know-how to set up and use
  • No collaboration features
  • Basic UI
  • Sync can be tricky to set up

Pricing Comparison

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
  • Not listed
not8
not8
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
not8
not8
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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