Apple Notes vs Trilium Notes
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
Hierarchical open-source notes for building knowledge bases.
The verdict
Both Apple Notes and Trilium Notes are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Apple Notes — Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
Choose Trilium Notes if you'd rather have broader platform coverage. Hierarchical open-source notes for building knowledge bases.
Apple Notes vs Trilium Notes: side by side
| Dimension | Apple Notes | Trilium Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Free | Open source |
| Best for | Apple Users, Individuals | Developers, Knowledge Hoarders |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Windows, Mac, Linux, Self HostedWinner |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Apple Notes key facts
- Vendor
- Apple
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Apple Users, Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Cupertino, CA, USA
Trilium Notes key facts
- Vendor
- Trilium
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Self Hosted
- Best for
- Developers, Knowledge Hoarders
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Czech Republic
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Notes better than Trilium Notes?
Neither is universally better — Apple Notes edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apple Notes or Trilium Notes cheaper?
Apple Notes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Apple Notes starts at free; Trilium Notes starts at free.
Can Apple Notes replace Trilium Notes?
Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.