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SideNotes vs UpNote

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

SideNotes icon
SideNotes
UpNote icon
UpNote

SideNotes vs UpNote: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

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.

UpNote: UpNote is a free, open-source note taking app for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. It has basic note editing features like rich text formatting, checklists, tags and notebooks for organizing notes.

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 SideNotes UpNote
Sugggest Score
Category Office & Productivity Office & Productivity
Pricing Open Source

Product Overview

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

UpNote
UpNote

Description: UpNote is a free, open-source note taking app for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. It has basic note editing features like rich text formatting, checklists, tags and notebooks for organizing notes.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

SideNotes
SideNotes Features
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Website annotation
  • Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
  • Secure encryption
UpNote
UpNote Features
  • Rich text editing
  • Checklists
  • Tags
  • Notebooks
  • Cross-platform availability

Pros & Cons Analysis

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
UpNote
UpNote
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Available on multiple platforms
  • Good for basic note taking
Cons
  • Limited features compared to proprietary options
  • No collaboration tools

Pricing Comparison

SideNotes
SideNotes
  • Not listed
UpNote
UpNote
  • Open Source

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