Skip to content

Google Desktop vs Smart Notes

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

Google Desktop icon
Google Desktop
Smart Notes icon
Smart Notes

Google Desktop vs Smart Notes: 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.

Smart Notes: Smart Notes is a free and open-source note taking app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It allows users to create rich text notes, add tags, attachments, links, tables and more. Notes are searchable and Easy to organize.

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 Smart Notes
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

Smart Notes
Smart Notes

Description: Smart Notes is a free and open-source note taking app for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It allows users to create rich text notes, add tags, attachments, links, tables and more. Notes are searchable and Easy to organize.

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
Smart Notes
Smart Notes Features
  • Rich text notes
  • Add tags
  • Attachments
  • Links
  • Tables
  • Searchable notes
  • Easy organization

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
Smart Notes
Smart Notes

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android
  • Powerful note taking capabilities
  • Good for organizing thoughts and ideas

Cons

  • Formatting options not as robust as Microsoft Word
  • No collaboration features
  • No cloud sync (must sync notes manually)

Pricing Comparison

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
  • Not listed
Smart Notes
Smart Notes
  • Open Source

Related Comparisons

Copernic Desktop Search
vs Google Desktop vs Smart Notes

Learn More About Each Product

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Smart Notes
Smart Notes
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs

Google Desktop Alternatives
Smart Notes Alternatives
Browse More Software