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Amplenote combines notes and tasks, but that mix can feel like too much to learn. One Reddit commenter also described a desktop-focused experience and missing mobile basics, including dragging tasks on mobile. Its published paid prices are annual-only, according to our published material. The alternatives below suit different priorities: local Markdown, simpler lists, visual planning, linked cards or encrypted notes. Compare their listed starting prices and limits before you move an archive or commit to a new workflow.
01Why people leave Amplenote
The interface takes time to learn
Amplenote is capable, but its steep learning curve can make a notes-and-planning hub feel like more setup than you want.
Mobile task handling feels limited
One Reddit commenter called the app desktop-focused and cited the lack of task drag-and-drop on mobile.
Published paid pricing is annual-only
If you want to compare monthly commitments, Amplenote’s published paid prices do not offer that option, according to our published material.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Local Markdown notes
ObsidianObsidianChoose Obsidian if you want your notes as local Markdown files rather than an all-in-one planning hub. It also suits personal knowledge management and research built around connected notes. There is a free plan, and the listed starting price is $4; synced convenience is a separate subscription, so check that cost before switching.
Trade-off: Sync is separate, and task-and-calendar planning is not its stated focus.
8.0/10from
$4/mofree plan - Open-source Markdown
JoplinJoplinJoplin is a fit if you want an open-source notes app with Markdown customization and syncing across many devices. Its listed starting price is $2.40. Check the 2 GB Basic cap before importing a large archive; that limit could make it a poor fit for a collection with lots of attachments.
Trade-off: The 2 GB Basic cap may constrain a large archive.
7.8/10from
€2.40/mo - Notes and task lists
WorkFlowyWorkFlowyWorkFlowy is the closest fit here if you want one place for notes and tasks but prefer nested lists to a broader planning hub. Its listed starting price is $6.99, with a free plan. The catch is concrete: the free tier is limited to 100 nodes, so regular use may mean paying for Pro.
Trade-off: The free tier stops at 100 nodes.
7.3/10from
$6.99/mofree plan - Visual planning workspace
AFFiNEAFFiNEAFFiNE is worth considering if visual planning matters more than keeping to Amplenote’s familiar notes-and-tasks setup. It is positioned for combining notes with visual planning, with shared workspaces for small teams. The listed starting price is $6.75, and the source summary advises checking its software licenses before switching.
Trade-off: Check the software licenses before committing.
7.0/10from
$6.75/mofree plan - Linked note cards
SupernotesSupernotesSupernotes suits people who think in linked notes and want shareable, editable cards, including teams working together. It has a free starting tier, but the limit is 100 cards. The listed starting price is not published, so compare its current pricing directly if you expect to outgrow that free allowance.
Trade-off: The free tier is limited to 100 cards; starting price is not published.
6.8/10from
Freefree plan - All-in-one notebook
EvernoteEvernoteIf you still want notes and tasks together, Evernote is a direct alternative rather than a move to separate tools. It is positioned for organizing projects and reference notes, including team sharing and task assignment. The listed starting price is $8.25 with a free plan, but the free tier is tight and paid value may be hard to justify for basic notes.
Trade-off: The free tier is tight; paid value may not suit basic notes.
6.0/10from
$8.25/mofree plan - Encrypted offline notes
Standard NotesStandard NotesStandard Notes is a better match if encrypted notes and offline access matter more than Amplenote-style planning. It has a free plan and a listed starting price of $7.50. The source summary also notes that paid plans may cost more than the feature set warrants for some users, so compare what you need before paying.
Trade-off: Paid plans may cost more than the feature set suits.
6.4/10from
$7.50/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Amplenote Amplenote (current) | 6.8 | $5.84/mo | Yes | People who want notes and tasks together |
| Obsidian Obsidian | 8.0 | $4/mo | Yes | People who want local Markdown files |
| Joplin Joplin | 7.8 | €2.40/mo | No | People who want an open-source notes app |
| WorkFlowy WorkFlowy | 7.3 | $6.99/mo | Yes | People who think in nested lists |
| AFFiNE AFFiNE | 7.0 | $6.75/mo | Yes | People combining notes and visual planning |
| Supernotes Supernotes | 6.8 | Free | Yes | People who think in linked notes |
| Evernote Evernote | 6.0 | $8.25/mo | Yes | People organizing projects and reference notes |
| Standard Notes Standard Notes | 6.4 | $7.50/mo | Yes | People who prioritize encrypted notes |
Questions people ask
Why are people looking for Amplenote alternatives?
The concerns in our published material include a steep learning curve and a Reddit commenter’s report that the app feels desktop-focused, with mobile task handling limited. Amplenote’s published paid prices are annual-only, which may also put off people comparing shorter commitments.
Which Amplenote alternative has a free plan?
Several listed options include a free plan: Obsidian, Evernote, Mem, Supernotes, TheBrain, WorkFlowy, AFFiNE, xTiles and Standard Notes. Free does not mean unlimited: for example, Supernotes lists a 100-card limit and WorkFlowy a 100-node limit.
What is the closest alternative for notes and tasks together?
Evernote is positioned for notes and tasks together, including shared notes and task assignment for teams. WorkFlowy is another option for people who want one place for notes and tasks, but its approach centers on nested lists and its free tier is limited to 100 nodes.