Compare software

SideNotesApple Notes
Paid

Commercial Mac app from Apptorium; check the developer's site for current pricing.

 Free

Free, bundled with macOS and iOS.

macOS macOS, iOS
  • Notes panel appears at the screen edge without app switching
  • Markdown, tasks, images and colors in notes
  • Comes preinstalled and free on every Apple device
  • OCR lets you search text inside scanned images and photos
  • Mac only
  • Suited to quick notes rather than a large knowledge base
  • Tied to the Apple ecosystem with no native Windows or Android app
  • Lacks the structured databases and linking found in dedicated knowledge-base apps
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Closed source Closed source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 24, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.