Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

ASTER VS PrivacyNotes

Compare ASTER VS PrivacyNotes and see what are their differences

ASTER logo ASTER

ASTER is a program, which allows a lot of users to work with one computer independently as if each of them had their own PC.

PrivacyNotes logo PrivacyNotes

Zero-knowledge encrypted notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords in one app. Your keys never leave your device. One-time price, no subscription. Hosted in Switzerland.
Visit Website
  • ASTER Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-11
  • PrivacyNotes Journal
    Journal //
    2026-06-25
  • PrivacyNotes Settings
    Settings //
    2026-06-25
  • PrivacyNotes Website
    Website //
    2026-06-25

PrivacyNotes is a zero-knowledge encrypted workspace that brings your notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords into one app, so you stop juggling four separate subscriptions.

Everything is encrypted on your device with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before it ever syncs. Your keys are derived from a recovery phrase that never touches our servers, so we cannot read your content, your filenames, or anything else. This is real zero-knowledge, not a marketing label.

Five pillars, one encrypted app:

  • Notes - a live markdown editor with note-to-note links, tags, and fast full-text search
  • Tasks - native checklists and task management next to your notes
  • Journals - daily entries with built-in mood, sleep, and medication tracking
  • Files - an encrypted vault for images, audio, and attachments
  • Vault - lock sensitive notes and logins behind a PIN or biometrics

Built for privacy, not surveillance:

  • No ads, no trackers, no analytics, ever
  • Sign in anonymously with a recovery phrase or with Google. No email or personal details required.
  • Open core: the encryption layer and database schema are published for independent review
  • Burn notes: self-destructing shares the server cannot read

Pricing that respects you:

  • Free covers every pillar with two-device sync and offline use
  • Pro is a one-time free, not a subscription, adding unlimited devices, note history, and more storage
  • Optional storage add-ons when you need them

Works on web, macOS, and soon iOS, Android, Windows and Linux with a responsive mobile layout. Import from Apple Notes, Standard Notes, Google Keep, Obsidian, and markdown in a few clicks.

ASTER

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

PrivacyNotes

$ Details
freemium $48 / One-off (Early adopter price)
Platforms
MacOS Web Firefox Google Chrome Edge Safari
Release Date
2026 June
Startup details
Country
Switzerland
Employees
1 - 9

ASTER features and specs

  • Comprehensive Suite
    ASTER offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to a wide range of needs, from task management to collaboration. This makes it a one-stop solution for businesses looking to streamline various operations.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform is designed with user experience in mind, featuring an intuitive interface that makes it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
  • Scalability
    It is scalable, offering solutions for both small businesses and larger enterprises, making it adaptable to various business sizes and needs.
  • Customization Options
    ASTER provides a high level of customization, allowing businesses to tailor the software to fit their specific operational requirements and workflows.
  • Integration Capabilities
    The platform supports integration with various third-party applications, enhancing its functionality and allowing for seamless integration into existing tech stacks.

Possible disadvantages of ASTER

  • Cost
    The pricing structure may be prohibitive for small businesses or startups that are operating with limited budgets, as the comprehensive features may come at a premium.
  • Complexity
    Due to its wide range of features and capabilities, there can be a steep learning curve for new users, particularly those not familiar with similar software tools.
  • Overwhelming for Basic Needs
    For users or companies who only need basic functionalities, ASTER’s extensive feature set may be overwhelming and unnecessary.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    Since it is a cloud-based platform, continuous and reliable internet connection is necessary for full accessibility and functionality.
  • Customer Support
    Some users have reported that the customer support response time can be slow, which might be a concern for businesses that require timely assistance.

PrivacyNotes features and specs

  • Privacy-focused
    PrivacyNotes is designed with privacy as a core principle, aiming to keep your notes secure and away from third-party access, which appeals to users concerned about data confidentiality.
  • Encryption
    The service typically emphasizes encryption to protect note content, meaning your data is scrambled and less vulnerable to unauthorized reading if intercepted or stored.
  • Ephemeral notes
    Many privacy note services offer self-destructing or temporary notes that automatically delete after being read or after a set time, reducing the digital footprint left behind.
  • Simple and lightweight
    Such tools often provide a clean, minimal interface focused on quick note creation and sharing without unnecessary features, making it easy to use.
  • No account required
    Privacy-oriented note apps frequently allow you to create and share notes without registration, lowering the barrier to entry and reducing personal data collection.

Analysis of PrivacyNotes

Overall verdict

  • I don't have verified, specific information about PrivacyNotes (privacynotes.app) to make a reliable assessment of its quality, security practices, or features. I cannot confirm details about its encryption methods, privacy policy, company background, or user reviews.

Why this product is good

  • Unable to verify claims about encryption or zero-knowledge architecture without independent confirmation
  • No access to current user reviews, ratings, or reputation data for this specific service
  • Cannot confirm company legitimacy, ownership, or track record
  • Unable to verify uptime, reliability, or actual security audit results
  • No information available on pricing structure or terms of service specifics

Recommended for

  • Before using, research independently via security audit reports if available
  • Check for third-party security reviews or penetration testing results
  • Verify the company's privacy policy and data handling practices directly on their site
  • Look for user reviews on independent platforms rather than relying on marketing claims
  • Consider established, well-audited alternatives if handling highly sensitive information

ASTER videos

Gate V2 Aster Expert Installation/Review

More videos:

  • Review - Using Aster Multiseat to allow two users on a computer at one time
  • Review - GATE ASTER In Depth Review

PrivacyNotes videos

No PrivacyNotes videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to ASTER and PrivacyNotes)
Note Taking
45 45%
55% 55
Virtualization
100 100%
0% 0
Journal
0 0%
100% 100
Automation
100 100%
0% 0

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing ASTER and PrivacyNotes.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

Honestly? We have no idea, and that is the entire point. Signup is anonymous (a recovery phrase or Google, no email or personal details), the app ships zero analytics and zero trackers, and zero-knowledge encryption means we cannot see who you are or what you store. We could not name a single customer if we tried. A privacy product that tracked its users closely enough to brag about them would be missing the plot.

What makes your product unique?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

PrivacyNotes is the only zero-knowledge encrypted workspace that keeps notes, tasks, journals, files, and a password vault behind one set of on-device keys. Most privacy apps do one of those well and rent it to you monthly. We do all five, encrypt everything with XChaCha20-Poly1305 before it leaves your device, and charge once instead of forever. The encryption core is open core, published so the claims can be verified rather than trusted.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

Three reasons:

  • One app, not four subscriptions. Standard Notes, Day One, and Lunatask each rent you a slice (notes, journaling, tasks). PrivacyNotes covers all of them plus files and a vault, for a fair one-time fee.
  • Real zero-knowledge. Your keys come from a recovery phrase that never touches our servers, so we cannot read your notes, your filenames, or your metadata. Some encrypted apps leave note or task metadata in the clear; we do not.
  • Verifiable, not just trusted. The crypto and schema are open core and published for review, and there is no ad, tracker, or analytics anywhere in the app.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

Privacy-conscious individuals and independent professionals who handle information they would not want a vendor reading: lawyers, journalists, healthcare and mental-health practitioners, developers, security specialists, researchers, and founders. It also fits anyone who simply wants one private home for their notes, tasks, journaling, and wellness tracking instead of spreading them across surveillance-funded apps.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

React, TypeScript, Vite and Tailwind CSS.

What's the story behind your product?

PrivacyNotes's answer:

PrivacyNotes started from a simple frustration: staying organized meant scattering your life across half a dozen apps, most of which could read everything you typed and billed you monthly for the privilege. We wanted one place for notes, tasks, journals, files, and passwords, encrypted so thoroughly that the people running the servers could not read a word of it, and paid for once rather than forever. So we built the encryption first, made the keys live only on your device, and published the crypto as open core so the promise could be checked, not just believed. Everything else grew from one rule: your data is yours, and no one else's to mine.

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare ASTER and PrivacyNotes

ASTER Reviews

  1. zeiad
    · user at no company ·
    Reliable Multiseat Software with Excellent Support

    I have been using ASTER to build a multiseat setup on my PC, and it has been a great experience. The software is stable, performs well, and makes it easy for multiple users to work independently on the same computer.

    The customer support deserves special recognition. Whenever I had a question or an activation issue, the support team responded very quickly and resolved everything professionally. Their fast and friendly support gave me a lot of confidence in the product.

    Overall, ASTER is a reliable and feature-rich solution for anyone who needs a multiseat environment. I would definitely recommend it.

    Competitors:
  2. Guest
    · Accounting Automation Engineer ·
    Highly Recommended for Growing Businesses

    Overall, my experience has been very positive. The platform is reliable, user-friendly, and has significantly improved the efficiency of our daily operations. Its automation, reporting capabilities, and intuitive interface have helped reduce manual work while increasing accuracy and productivity. Combined with responsive customer support and regular improvements, it provides excellent value and has become an important part of our workflow. I would confidently recommend it to businesses looking for a dependable and efficient solution.

  3. samer
    · Working at home business ·
    Reliable performance for multi-monitor use

    i have one powerful laptop and two monitors , me and my brother play at same time different games , here come ASTER to fix this problem by making one laptop into two different users so we both can play at same toi

    Pros:    Easy to use|Cost effective|Simple but powerful
    Cons:    Didnot face cons

PrivacyNotes Reviews

  1. Everything I Needed in One App

    This app checks every box for me. Clean interface, no learning curve, local-first encryption, and secure sync across all of my devices.

    The biggest surprise is how many apps it replaced. Instead of juggling separate apps for notes, habits, mood, activities, and important dates, everything lives in one place now. It's made staying organized a lot simpler.

    Paying once and knowing I won't lose access to my workflow because I canceled yet another subscription is incredibly refreshing. That peace of mind is worth a lot to me.

  2. Feature rich

    The best thing about this: No subscription model, it's a one-time fee for a lifetime license. But you can start for free with the generous freemium model. I only needed to upgrade to pro because I wanted to use the app on my phone, laptop and desktop. Highly recommended! Btw, it's a perfect markdown editor as well, not sure why they don't emphasize this more.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing ASTER and PrivacyNotes, you can also consider the following products

Hyper-V - Install Hyper-V on Windows 10

Obsidian.md - A second brain, for you, forever. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.

EitherMouse - Multiple mice, individual settings

Standard Notes - A safe place for your notes, thoughts, and life's work

Pluralinput - Use multiple mice and keyboards on the same PC, at the same time.

Apple Notes - Apple Notes functions as a service for making short text notes.