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Pinboard VS MadNotes

Compare Pinboard VS MadNotes and see what are their differences

Pinboard

Pinboard is a personal archive for things you find online and don't want to forget.

Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
MadNotes

The most convenient markdown notepad, opened in the new tab

Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source $3 / Monthly
Alternatives Is it good?
ZeroTwo AI
ZeroTwo is a premium multi-provider AI platform which combines the tools models and features of Claude, Gemini, Grok, Openai and more into one. Canvas, Deep Research, MCP, Connectors, Agents, Projects and even Apps are all available in one place! sponsored
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.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Pinboard seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 76 times since March 2021.

social mentions
76 vs 0
user rating
5.0 vs 5.0
Bookmarks popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 15

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Pinboard
MadNotes
Website pinboard.in madnotes.app
Pricing
Open source Official pricing
Open source $3 / Monthly Official pricing
Company Startup from the United States 2023
Listed in
Bookmarks Bookmark Manager Favorites Note Taking +1
Productivity Writing Tools Studying Notes +1

About Pinboard and MadNotes

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

Pinboard
MadNotes

No description of Pinboard yet.

MadNotes PRO isn't just a markdown notepad –consider it to be your digital safe deposit box for ideas. What sets it different is the on-demand view privacy and content encryption options. But with features like on-the-fly editing, multi-device syncing, and advanced note organization, MadNotes PRO...

Read more about MadNotes

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Pinboard 7 features
MadNotes 6 features
  • Simplicity
    Pinboard offers a clean, minimalist interface, making it easy to use without unnecessary complexities or distractions.
  • Speed
    The service operates quickly, with fast loading times and efficient bookmarking processes.
  • Privacy
    Pinboard values user privacy and does not serve ads. They also avoid tracking user activity across the web.
  • Data Portability
    Pinboard allows easy export of your bookmarks, enabling you to retain control of your data and migrate it to other platforms if needed.
  • API Availability
    Pinboard provides a robust API, enabling users to integrate their bookmarking activities with other applications and services.
  • Archiving Feature
    For a fee, Pinboard offers an archiving feature that saves a copy of the bookmarked page, ensuring you can access the content even if it gets taken down.
  • No Algorithmic Feeds
    Pinboard does not use algorithmic feeds, so users see an unfiltered, chronological list of their bookmarks.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Pinboard is not free; it requires a one-time fee for new users, which might deter those looking for completely free solutions.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface, while simple, can appear outdated compared to modern web applications, possibly affecting user experience.
  • Limited Social Features
    Pinboard has limited social features and community engagement options, which may not appeal to users seeking more community involvement and sharing capabilities.
  • Learning Curve for API
    While the availability of an API is a pro, it may present a learning curve for users not familiar with APIs, reducing its accessibility to non-developers.
  • Basic Search Functionality
    The search functionality is relatively basic compared to other bookmarking services that offer more advanced search and filter options.
  • No Mobile Apps
    Pinboard does not have official mobile apps, which could be less convenient for users who prefer native mobile applications for bookmarking.
  • Rich text formatting
    Delightful writing experience with intuitive markdown.
  • Synchronization
    Available on every device and every major browser.
  • Unlimited docs
    Limitless space for your creativity. MadNotes holds all your notes.
  • Security by default
    Stored locally or hashed in the cloud with a key only you know.
  • Dark & Light Mode
    Instant eye relief? We have a color scheme just for you.
  • Privacy Settings
    No more sneak peeks. Be confident while sharing your screen as notes boots up blurred.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Pinboard
MadNotes

Overall verdict

  • Pinboard is a highly regarded bookmarking service, especially for those who appreciate simplicity and privacy. However, it may not be suitable for users seeking more interactive or collaborative features found in social bookmarking platforms.

Why this product is good

  • Pinboard is a minimalist bookmarking service valued for its simplicity, speed, and ad-free experience. It offers features like saving bookmarks with tags, full-text search, easy import/export of links, and archival of saved pages. The platform is favored by users who prefer a straightforward, reliable tool for managing their online bookmarks without the distraction of social networking features.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer a minimalist design and fast performance.
  • Individuals looking for a bookmarking tool with strong privacy features.
  • Researchers and digital scholars who need archival capabilities.
  • People who want an ad-free and straightforward bookmarking experience.

Overall verdict

  • MadNotes is a solid, lightweight note-taking tool that turns your browser's new tab into a simple, distraction-free writing space, making it a good choice for users who want quick and accessible notes without installing heavy software.

Why this product is good

  • Transforms your browser new tab page into an instant note-taking area, so notes are always one click away
  • Minimalist and distraction-free interface that focuses on quick capture rather than complex features
  • No account or sign-up required for basic use, making it fast to start
  • Notes are saved locally in the browser, offering privacy and immediate access
  • Free to use with a low barrier to entry, ideal for casual note-takers

Recommended for

  • People who want a quick, always-accessible scratchpad in their browser
  • Users who prefer minimalist, distraction-free note tools
  • Students and professionals jotting down quick ideas, to-dos, or reminders
  • Anyone who lives in their browser and wants notes without extra apps
  • Privacy-conscious users who prefer locally stored notes

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Pinboard 3 videos + Add
MadNotes 4 videos + Add

Pinboard Bookmarking Review - Part 1

More videos

  • - Using Pinboard to save your digital breadcrumbs as you read online
  • - Pinboard Bookmarking Review - Part 2

MadNotes PRO features is out 🔥

More videos

  • - MadNotes Review and Demo: Your Markdown Notepad and Productivity Powerhouse - Lifetime Deal $49
  • - MadNotes Lifetime Deal $49 - Your Markdown Notepad and Productivity Powerhouse 2024
  • - MadNotes Review | MadNotes Lifetime Deal - Your Markdown Notepad and Productivity Powerhouse

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Pinboard
MadNotes
100% 100%
Bookmarks
0% 0%
92% 92%
Productivity
8% 8%
100% 100%
Bookmark Manager
0% 0%
0% 0%
Notes
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Pinboard and MadNotes. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Pinboard 5.0 · 1 review
MadNotes 5.0 · 1 review
  • Pinboard vs. Raindrop: Two bookmark apps enter…
    dsalo.info · May 2022

    I don’t think Pinboard’s added a feature in ten years. It certainly hasn’t added a feature useful to me in that space of time. A year or so ago I got some Twitter DMs from someone (not Cegłowski) indicating that a...

  • 11 Pocket Alternatives You Must Try Out!
    blog.elink.io · Oct 2021

    With this tool, you can organize your pile of links into a clean space. With an easy tag option, finding your bookmarks becomes easier with Pinboard.

  • Simple but effective
    SaaSHub review
    · Oct 2020

    While all the other bookmarking sites have died, pinboard.in remains and is a reliable and handy place to save all those links you love but are sure to otherwise forget.

View more

  • Love this minimalist writing experience
    SaaSHub review
    · Jun 2023

    MadNotes is a great alternative for those who spend most of their work in a browser. I love its design and minimalist approach. It's just me and the notes.

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Pinboard 76 mentions
MadNotes 0 mentions
  • How to Record and Retrieve Anything You've Ever Had to Look Up Twice
    Shout out to Pinboard for making bookmarking pages and adding notes incredibly easy. They have a bookmarklet that sits on my bookmarks toolbar and if I like a page/tweet/video etc I just hit the "Add pin", enter some tags and hit enter.... - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Tabs Later: A Tab Hoarder's Journey to Sanity
    I switched to using Pinboard [0] for all bookmarking and never looked back. The real unlocks were: - using the bookmarklet that pops open a small browser window with the page title, suggested tags - doing the same on my iphone - have a... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Ask HN: What operating systems, apps, etc. had your favorite UI designs?
    Https://pinboard.in Simple, usable, timeless. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago

View more

Tracking MadNotes since Jan 2023.

Alternatives to Pinboard and MadNotes

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