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Supernotes’ linked cards appeal to people who want to share and edit notes, but the free plan’s 100-card limit can force a decision. Reddit commenters also question the value and wording of a four-year license; one reports paying $243. We’ve picked alternatives for different reasons to leave: local Markdown, visual connections, simpler outlining, or a broader notebook. Listed starting prices and free-plan details come from the published product summaries; check each pricing page for current terms before moving your notes.
01Why people leave Supernotes
The free plan stops at 100 cards
Supernotes’ free tier has a 100-card limit. If your notes keep growing, that cap can turn a free starting point into a reason to compare paid plans or switch.
The license terms upset some buyers
In one Reddit thread, commenters objected to a four-year license described as a one-time payment. One said they paid $243 and disliked what happens when it ends.
The card workflow may take adapting
A Reddit user said Supernotes was challenging to grasp because it differed from familiar notes apps. They later shaped it to their needs, but that adjustment may not suit everyone.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Local Markdown notes
ObsidianObsidianObsidian is the closest fit if you want connected notes but would rather keep them in a local Markdown vault. It has a free plan and is listed from $4. Its strengths are personal knowledge management, research and connected notes, making it a sensible move for people who value control over their files more than Supernotes-style cards.
Trade-off: Convenient sync is a separate subscription, according to the published summary.
8.0/10from
$4/mofree plan - Open-source notes
JoplinJoplinJoplin suits people leaving Supernotes for an open-source notes app with Markdown customization. The published summary lists it from $2.40 and says notes can sync across many devices. That makes it worth comparing if you want a customizable home for notes rather than a card-first workflow, especially if you already use Markdown.
Trade-off: Check the 2 GB Basic cap before moving a large archive.
7.8/10from
€2.40/mo - Visual connected ideas
TheBrainTheBrainTheBrain is a fit if connected thinking is the part of Supernotes you want to keep, but you want a visual way to organize ideas. Its listed strengths include managing files and research, plus sharing structured knowledge with teams. It has a free plan and starts at $15, so compare the value carefully before switching.
Trade-off: It is not the cheapest sync option, and export may be less easy.
7.3/10from
$15/mofree plan - Nested lists
WorkFlowyWorkFlowyWorkFlowy is worth considering if Supernotes’ cards feel like more structure than you need. It centers on nested lists and can hold notes and tasks in one place. The published summary lists a free plan and a $6.99 starting price, making it a clear alternative for people who prefer an outliner to linked cards.
Trade-off: The free tier’s 100-node limit makes regular use a paid decision.
7.3/10from
$6.99/mofree plan - Notes and planning
AFFiNEAFFiNEAFFiNE fits people who want notes alongside visual planning, rather than a dedicated notecard system. The published summary lists shared workspaces for small teams, a free plan and a $6.75 starting price. It is a candidate if team planning matters, but check its software licensing details before you commit to a switch.
Trade-off: Its FOSS credentials need careful checking, per the published summary.
7.0/10from
$6.75/mofree plan - Projects and reference
EvernoteEvernoteEvernote makes more sense if your reason for leaving is wanting notes, tasks and project references together. The published summary describes it as an all-in-one notebook with team sharing and task assignment. It has a free plan and starts at $8.25, so weigh those features against the cost if basic note-taking is all you need.
Trade-off: The free tier is tight, and paid value may not justify basic notes.
6.0/10from
$8.25/mofree plan - Encrypted notes
Standard NotesStandard NotesStandard Notes is a better match if privacy is the priority that outweighs Supernotes’ linked-card approach. The published summary highlights encrypted notes and offline access, with team sharing for up to five accounts. It has a free plan and starts at $7.50; compare the paid features with your actual needs before moving.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Supernotes Supernotes (current) | 6.8 | Free | Yes | People who think in linked notes |
| 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 |
| TheBrain TheBrain | 7.3 | $15/mo | Yes | Visual thinkers organizing connected ideas |
| 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 |
| 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
How many cards can you create on Supernotes’ free plan?
The published Supernotes summary lists a 100-card free-plan limit. If you are close to that ceiling, compare alternatives before moving: Obsidian and several other picks here also list free plans, though their limits and features differ.
Is Supernotes’ one-time payment really lifetime access?
Reddit commenters disputed the wording, saying the license lasts four years rather than forever. One commenter reported paying $243. That is user-reported information, not a current pricing-page confirmation, so check Supernotes’ latest license terms before paying.
Which Supernotes alternative is best for Markdown notes?
Obsidian is listed for local Markdown files and connected research notes, with a free plan and a $4 starting price. Joplin is another option for open-source, customizable Markdown notes, listed from $2.40. Compare sync costs and storage limits before transferring an archive.