SteelNote

Notes you actually own, as Markdown files on your devices

About SteelNote

SteelNote is a native notes app for iPhone, iPad and Mac that keeps your library as a folder of plain Markdown files instead of a proprietary database, with iCloud sync through your own Apple account. There is no account, server or tracking, and it imports from Evernote, Notion, Obsidian, Bear and more.

SteelNote website preview

Live preview of steelnoteapp.com via the WordPress mShots service — it can take a few seconds to generate on a first visit.

SteelNote: strengths & things to check

Strengths

Paid product with a commercial model behind it — support and continued development are funded by paying customers.
Covers notes, markdown, local first, apple — see the focus areas listed in its key facts.
Has 6 close alternatives in the same category on this page, so switching or comparing is easy.

Things to check

No free tier is listed in this directory — budget for a paid plan, and use any trial the official site offers before buying.
Current plan prices are not listed here (they change too often to print reliably) — confirm the exact price on the official site.
It is one of 2328 tools in the Productivity & Notes category here — compare it against the alternatives below before you commit.

Derived from this listing's own data (pricing model, focus areas and category) — not a hands-on review score.

SteelNote pricing

Pricing model	Paid — this directory does not list a free tier for it.
Free access	No free tier listed
Current plan prices	Listed on the official site — prices change, so this directory links out instead of printing a number that may already be stale.
Official site	steelnoteapp.com

SteelNote key facts

Category: Productivity & Notes
Pricing: Paid — this directory does not list a free tier for it.
Focus areas: notes, markdown, local first, apple
Official site: steelnoteapp.com

SteelNote FAQ

How much does SteelNote cost?

Paid — this directory does not list a free tier for it. Current plans and prices are listed on the official site (steelnoteapp.com).

What is SteelNote used for?

Notes you actually own, as Markdown files on your devices Its focus areas in the Productivity & Notes category: notes, markdown, local first, apple.

Where can I try SteelNote?

On its official site, steelnoteapp.com — the Visit Official Site button above goes straight there.

SteelNote vs alternatives

	SteelNote	Bear	Etonym	NoteLoom
Pricing	Paid — this directory does not list a free tier for it.	Freemium — a free tier lets you start, and paid plans are available if you need more.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.	Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
Focus areas	notes, markdown, local first, apple	notes, markdown, apple	notes, markdown, git, local first, windows	markdown, local first, notes, browser
Official site	steelnoteapp.com	bear.app	etonym.com	noteloom.cc
Directory status	Listed	Listed	Listed	Listed

Side-by-side from each listing's own directory data. Full alternative cards are below.

About the Productivity & Notes category

Notes, tasks, and project tools that keep you organized and focused. The Productivity & Notes category on Tools Hub currently lists 2328 tools. Alongside SteelNote, it includes Outerline, NoteHand, Kithful, Sticklly.

PaidProductivity & Notesnotesmarkdownlocal-firstapple

Alternatives to SteelNote

Tools in the same Productivity & Notes category that share focus areas with SteelNote — worth comparing before you commit:

Productivity & Notes

Bear

Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple devices.

Freemiumnotesmarkdownapple

Productivity & Notes

Etonym

Git-friendly Windows notes app where notes are Markdown files

Freenotesmarkdowngitlocal-first

Productivity & Notes

NoteLoom

Local-first Markdown editor that runs entirely in the browser

Freemarkdownlocal-firstnotesbrowser

Productivity & Notes

Noto.md

Markdown-first notes app across web, desktop and mobile, local-first

Freemiummarkdownnoteslocal-firstcross-platform

Productivity & Notes

Obsidian

A second brain built on local Markdown files.

Freenotesmarkdownknowledge-management

Productivity & Notes

Anytype

Local-first, encrypted workspace pitched as a private Notion alternative.

Freemiumnoteslocal-firstprivacy

More in Productivity & Notes

Comparing tools in the Productivity & Notes category? These related listings are worth a look: Outerline — Native Markdown editor for Mac and iPhone with built-in MCP; NoteHand — Mac meeting notes, live coaching and dictation in one app; Kithful — Household organizer that remembers for the whole family.