Capacities vs Standard Notes
Capacities is note-taking app built around objects and types instead of pages and folders, while Standard Notes is end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option. Standard Notes is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Capacities is built for users wanting object-based note-taking with structure, whereas Standard Notes targets privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes.
| Feature | Capacities | Standard Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Daily Notes | ✓ | — |
| E2E Encryption | — | ✓ |
| Editors | — | ✓ |
| Object-Based | ✓ | — |
| Relations | ✓ | — |
| Self-Hosted | — | ✓ |
| Tags | ✓ | ✓ |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Capacities's free plan: Free for personal use. Standard Notes's free plan: Free with basic editors.
Feature gaps: Capacities offers Daily Notes, Object-Based and Relations that Standard Notes lacks. Standard Notes brings E2E Encryption, Editors and Self-Hosted that Capacities does not have. Both share Tags.
Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: Standard Notes is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Capacities is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Capacities's biggest strengths are: object-based canvas treats every element as a manipulable node for precise control. includes daily notes as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows. Standard Notes's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator.
Watch out for: With Capacities, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Standard Notes, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Capacities if
- You need a tool built for users wanting object-based note-taking with structure
- You specifically need Daily Notes and Object-Based
- You care about includes daily notes as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
- The free tier works for you: free for personal use
choose Standard Notes if
- You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need E2E Encryption and Editors
- You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator
- The free tier works for you: free with basic editors
frequently asked
What is the difference between Capacities and Standard Notes?
Capacities is note-taking app built around objects and types instead of pages and folders, while Standard Notes is end-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option. Standard Notes is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Capacities is built for users wanting object-based note-taking with structure, whereas Standard Notes targets privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes.
Should I use Capacities or Standard Notes?
Standard Notes gives you open source and self-hosting; Capacities is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Capacities over Standard Notes?
Choose Capacities if You need a tool built for users wanting object-based note-taking with structure; You specifically need Daily Notes and Object-Based; You care about includes daily notes as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows; The free tier works for you: free for personal use.
When should I choose Standard Notes over Capacities?
Choose Standard Notes if You need a tool built for privacy-focused users wanting encrypted notes; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need E2E Encryption and Editors; You care about end-to-end encryption by default — messages are unreadable even to the server operator; The free tier works for you: free with basic editors.
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