Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Files VS PrivacyNotes

Compare Files VS PrivacyNotes and see what are their differences

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Files logo Files

Keep everything organized without breaking your flow. Dropbox brings your files together, in one central place. They're easy to find and safely synced across all your devicesโ€”so you can access them anytime, anywhere.

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.
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  • Files Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-01-24
  • 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.

Files

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

PrivacyNotes

$ Details
freemium $48.0 / One-off (Early adopter price)
Platforms
MacOS Web Firefox Google Chrome Edge Safari
Release Date
2026 June
Startup details
Country
Switzerland
Employees
1 - 9

Files features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Files by OliveToast offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users of all levels.
  • Advanced Search Functionality
    The application provides robust search capabilities, allowing users to find files quickly and efficiently.
  • File Organization
    Files allows users to organize documents into folders and subfolders, providing a structured and orderly way to manage data.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for various users.
  • Robust Security Features
    With built-in encryption and advanced security measures, Files ensures that user data is well-protected.
  • Cloud Integration
    Files integrates seamlessly with popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, offering easy access to cloud storage.

Possible disadvantages of Files

  • Cost
    The premium features of Files may come at a cost, which can be a drawback for users looking for a free solution.
  • Limited Customization
    The software may not offer extensive customization options for advanced users who need more tailored features.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functions are user-friendly, some advanced features may have a steep learning curve, requiring additional time to master.
  • Resource Intensive
    Files can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting the performance of lower-end devices.
  • Dependence on Internet Connection
    While offline access is possible, many functionalities, especially those involving cloud services, require a stable internet connection.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of Files might offer limited functionality, pushing users towards the paid version for full features.

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 Files

Overall verdict

  • Files (olivetoast.com) is highly regarded among iOS users who require a dependable and comprehensive file management solution. Its balance of functionality and ease of use has earned it positive reviews.

Why this product is good

  • Files by OliveToast is a file manager app known for its intuitive user interface, robust feature set including cloud storage support, and the ability to manage documents effectively on iOS devices. It offers features such as multi-tab browsing, customizable themes, and advanced search capabilities. Its seamless integration with various cloud services makes it a versatile tool for users who need to organize and access their files on the go.

Recommended for

    Files is recommended for students, professionals, and anyone who needs an efficient and flexible file management tool on their iOS device. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with cloud storage services or require a customized file organization system.

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

Files videos

CS Files Review - with Tom Vasel

More videos:

  • Tutorial - File Basics: How to select and use files for metalworking
  • Review - Pferd Machnist Files Set: First Impressions

PrivacyNotes videos

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

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Files and PrivacyNotes)
File Manager
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
FTP Client
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Files 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 Files and PrivacyNotes

Files Reviews

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PrivacyNotes Reviews

  1. 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 Files and PrivacyNotes, you can also consider the following products

Double Commander - Double Commander is a cross-platform open source file manager with two panels side by side.

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

Total Commander - A Shareware file manager for Windowsยฎ 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7, and Windowsยฎ 3.1.

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

Event Viewer - Get help, support, and tutorials for Windows productsโ€”Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and Windows 10 Mobile.

Simplenote - The simplest way to keep notes. Light, clean, and free. Simplenote is now available for iOS, Android, Mac, and the web.