Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FSNotes VS Trello

Compare FSNotes VS Trello and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

FSNotes logo FSNotes

File system notes manager

Trello logo Trello

Infinitely flexible. Incredibly easy to use. Great mobile apps. It's free. Trello keeps track of everything, from the big picture to the minute details.
  • FSNotes Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-04
  • Trello Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-23

FSNotes features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    FSNotes is available for both macOS and iOS, providing a seamless experience for users who switch between devices.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, FSNotes allows users to contribute to its development and customize the software to fit their personal needs.
  • iCloud Sync
    With iCloud synchronization, notes are automatically updated and accessible across all your Apple devices.
  • Markdown Support
    FSNotes supports Markdown, which is beneficial for users who prefer Markdown for formatting and organizing text.
  • Simple and Lightweight
    The application is designed to be minimalistic and lightweight, making it fast and responsive.
  • Tagging and Organization
    FSNotes offers robust tagging and organizational features, allowing users to easily categorize and retrieve their notes.

Possible disadvantages of FSNotes

  • Apple Ecosystem Limitation
    FSNotes is only available for macOS and iOS, which excludes users who use other operating systems such as Windows or Android.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    New users, especially those not familiar with Markdown or file-based note-taking, may find the initial learning curve steep.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    FSNotes focuses on simplicity, which may be a limitation for users seeking more advanced note-taking features like task management or extensive integrations.
  • iCloud Dependency
    While iCloud syncing is a pro, it also means users are dependent on Apple's iCloud service, which may not be preferable for everyone.
  • No Web Interface
    FSNotes does not provide a web-based interface, limiting accessibility from non-Apple devices.

Trello features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Trello's drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Collaborative Features
    Trello allows for real-time collaboration, with features like comments, mentions, and attachments, making team communication seamless.
  • Customization Options
    Users can customize boards with different backgrounds, labels, and stickers. Additionally, Trello offers Power-Ups to extend functionality.
  • Cross-Platform Availability
    Trello is available on iOS, Android, and web, allowing users to stay connected and manage tasks from multiple devices.
  • Integration Support
    Trello integrates with a variety of other tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Jira, enhancing its functionality and adaptability.
  • Free Tier
    Trello offers a robust free tier that includes many essential features, making it a cost-effective option for individuals and small teams.

Possible disadvantages of Trello

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Some advanced project management features, like Gantt charts and time tracking, are not available or require third-party integrations.
  • Notification Overload
    Users can receive a high volume of notifications, especially in larger teams, which can become overwhelming and reduce productivity.
  • Scalability Issues
    While suitable for small to medium-sized projects, Trello may struggle with more complex project management needs, particularly for large-scale enterprises.
  • Storage Limitations
    The free version of Trello has storage limitations, which can be restrictive for teams that need to share and store large files.
  • Dependence on Third-Party Integrations
    Many advanced features and functionalities depend on third-party integrations, which can lead to additional costs and potential security concerns.
  • Limited Reporting and Analytics
    Trello lacks comprehensive reporting and analytics features, making it difficult for teams to gain insights into their productivity and project performance.

Analysis of FSNotes

Overall verdict

  • FSNotes is a strong choice for those seeking a minimalist, efficient notes solution that leverages the power of Markdown within the macOS ecosystem. Its emphasis on functionality over form makes it particularly appealing to users who prioritize performance and simplicity over advanced features.

Why this product is good

  • FSNotes is favored for its lightweight design, speed, and simplicity. It's perfect for users who need a straightforward note-taking application without unnecessary features. The app provides robust support for Markdown, ensuring notes are well formatted for users familiar with this syntax. Additionally, its integration with macOS enhances productivity through seamless syncing and compatibility with other macOS applications.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer a minimalist approach to note-taking.
  • Mac users looking for a native feeling application.
  • Individuals requiring Markdown support for note formatting.
  • Those who value speed and performance over extensive feature sets.

FSNotes videos

FSNotes Vs. Bear (macOS note managers comparsion)

Trello videos

How to Organize Your Workflow - Trello Review!

More videos:

  • Review - Why I'm LEAVING Trello 😲 | Trello 2019
  • Review - Trello - A Quick Overview

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FSNotes and Trello)
Note Taking
100 100%
0% 0
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100
Personal Notes
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

FSNotes Reviews

We have no reviews of FSNotes yet.
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Trello Reviews

  1. A handy tool for planning

    Trello excels as a task planning tool, and I appreciate its user-friendly interface, especially when using it on a smartphone. Its mobile app is incredibly convenient, allowing me to stay organized and connected on the go. I appreciate how it streamlines collaboration without unnecessary complexities.

  2. Been using it for over 5 years! Super effective!

    Incorporating Trello into my daily workflow has been a game-changer. It is an incredibly intuitive and versatile tool that has significantly boosted my productivity. What I particularly love about Trello is the visual aspect of its interface - the board and card system makes it easy to visualize my tasks and progress. The ability to create different boards for different projects or areas of work helps to keep everything organized and easy to manage. Adding, moving, and categorizing tasks are just a drag-and-drop away, making it straightforward and efficient. The flexibility to customize each card with due dates, labels, checklists, attachments, and even members has been beneficial in tracking the status of various tasks and deadlines.

    he collaborative features are another huge plus. Sharing boards and tasks with colleagues, and being able to comment directly on cards, makes team projects and communication a breeze. On the go, I have found the Trello mobile app to be just as user-friendly and functional as the desktop version, allowing me to stay on top of my tasks no matter where I am. Overall, Trello has proved to be an invaluable tool in managing my daily tasks and enhancing productivity. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to streamline their workflow.

    🏁 Competitors: Asana
  3. Simon
    · Working at Simon ·
    A Great Collaboration Tool, But There Are Better Options Out There

    I have been using Trello for a couple of years now and I must say, it's a great tool for organising tasks and collaborating with team members. It's simple to use, has a nice interface, and the mobile apps are great for on-the-go productivity.

    One of the best things about Trello is its flexibility. You can use it for almost any type of project, whether it's a personal to-do list or a complex team project. The ability to create multiple boards and add unlimited cards and lists makes it a great tool for keeping track of everything from the big picture to the minute details.

    However, while Trello is a good tool, I don't think it's the best option out there. For one thing, the free version is quite limited in terms of features and functionality. You'll have to upgrade to a paid plan to get access to things like integrations, power-ups, and more. Additionally, I've found that Trello can be a bit slow at times, especially when you have a lot of boards and cards.

    🏁 Competitors: Asana
    👍 Pros:    Flexible|Easy to use|Mobile app
    👎 Cons:    Expensive|Limited features on free plan|Little slow

Top 10 Productivity Apps for MacOS 2025
Trello is great for keeping track of all the stages of a project. It’s basically a visual to-do list on steroids. I use it when I need to plan something with more structure than just ticking things off — like launching a side project or organising a trip. Boards, lists, and cards might sound like overkill at first, but once you start dragging things around, it just clicks....
Source: dev.to
The Top 7 ClickUp Alternatives You Need to Know in 2025
Benefits:Trello's straightforward design allows users to quickly adapt without extensive training. Recent updates have introduced features like card mirroring and integration with Jira lists, enhancing its capabilities.
How Tight-Knit Teams Get More Done with Innovative Project Management Tools
A small business might suddenly land a new client or product line. With a flexible approach, you can handle sudden expansions. For instance, if your Trello board becomes crowded, you can create additional boards or switch to something like Asana that manages more detailed sub-tasks. Meanwhile, short video demos via ScreenRec can ensure your new hires (or existing staff)...
Source: medium.com
25 Best Asana Alternatives & Competitors for Project Management in 2024
If this isn’t your first time on the project management software hunt, you’ve most likely come across Trello as one of the popular Asana alternatives. Trello organizes projects into boards inspired by Kanban, a workflow management method. A board is filled with task cards containing notes, attachments, images, documents, and other data to collaborate with teammates.
Source: clickup.com
The 10 best Asana alternatives in 2024
Trello also lets you create custom automations that run based on project activity, like an approaching due date or when a card is moved between lists. You can even set up custom buttons for cards and boards that run an automated sequence when clicked. Individuals and small teams that don't need Asana's advanced template library and team management might be happy to trade...
Source: zapier.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Trello seems to be a lot more popular than FSNotes. While we know about 242 links to Trello, we've tracked only 22 mentions of FSNotes. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FSNotes mentions (22)

  • Ask HN: What products other than Obsidian share the file over app philosophy?
    FSNotes for macOS and iOS is one I used for a little while. https://fsnot.es/ todo.txt is another thing that comes to mind. http://todotxt.org/ And of course pretty much all of *nix. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Looking for a simple, robust, fast note taking app with offline mode.
    Https://fsnot.es/ is great - fast, native, free (but you can support developer by in-app purchase). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Evernote to be acquired by Bending Spoons
    There’s FOSS https://fsnot.es. Looks quite flexible. Exports, iCloud Sync, Deopbox, can also have notes as a Git repo. But big drawback — Apple ecosystem only. But since it syncs to things other than iOS I think other apps can be used on other platform. Dev has made it clear he will not be able to develop for other platforms. I have not used it a lot (still on Simplenote and exploring). It looks good and it’s open... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • nvALT 2
    I replaced it with fsnotes, when you disable the sidebar and tweak some settings you get the same thing. https://fsnot.es. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Show HN: Obsidian 1.0
    Love Obsidian. My main problem with it and similar markdown apps for notes is the way they store images and attachments. I find it very confusing to maintain multiple different files per note and IMO the only app that nailed it is FSNotes[1] using the textbundle[2] format (with a custom implementation for encrypted notes too). I think it's elegant and future-proof. But FSNotes is for the Apple ecosystem only and I... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
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Trello mentions (242)

  • Outsourcing Node.js Development: A Smart Choice for Modern Businesses
    Communication & Collaboration Tools: Communication must be clear as crystal. AI-based project management tools such as Jira and Trello facilitate real-time collaboration with outsourced developers. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Mastering the Money Matters of Open Source: Navigating the Financial Landscape
    Budgeting and Planning: Setting a realistic budget that aligns with the project’s goals is an essential first step. Tools such as Trello and Asana can help project teams organize tasks and track financial planning efforts. Detailed budget management strategies are also discussed within the open source project budget management guides. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • The Best 100 Free UI/UX Resources for Every Designer & Developer
    Trello Trello.com Project management tool. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Time management: Learn how to make a huge difference in your productivity
    Write down your daily tasks in a notebook. After completing each task, put a tick next to it. This gives you a great sense of reward like you’ve accomplished something. If there’s something you cannot work on during the day, record it in a task-management app like Trello or Todoist. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Ask HN: How do I consolidate all my messaging services into ont big dashboard?
    Trello? I haven’t used it in … years, so I don’t know if it supports everything you need, though that was its original intended purpose https://trello.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing FSNotes and Trello, you can also consider the following products

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.

Asana - Asana project management is an effort to re-imagine how we work together, through modern productivity software. Fast and versatile, Asana helps individuals and groups get more done.

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

Basecamp - A simple and elegant project management system.

Joplin - Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.

Wrike - Wrike is a flexible, scalable, and easy-to-use collaborative work management software that helps high-performance teams organize and accomplish their work. Try it now.