TaskNote vs Google Keep: Privacy-First Notes vs Google’s Quick Capture
Google Keep is excellent for fast notes, checklists, and tight integration with your Google account. TaskNote is built for people who want on-device encryption, a key that never leaves your device, and a single workspace for notes, tasks, and reminders with Markdown-friendly workflows. This page compares both honestly, so you can pick the right tool, not the loudest marketing claim.
TaskNote is our product. Google Keep is made by Google. Feature and pricing information below is based on public documentation and product surfaces as of the update date; verify details on google.com and inside each app before you decide.
Quick comparison summary
| TaskNote | Google Keep | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Private notes, Markdown-oriented workflow, tasks + reminders in one encrypted workspace | Quick capture, simple lists, deep Google ecosystem integration |
| Privacy model | On-device encryption; encryption key stays on your device | Google account; data handled under Google’s infrastructure and policies. Not a client-side “only you hold the key” model. |
| Markdown & export | Strong focus on Markdown-style workflows and export | Not designed as a Markdown-first notebook |
| Pricing | Free tier + Pro (see Pricing) | Free with a Google account |
Feature matrix
| Feature | TaskNote | Google Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes | Yes (requires Google account) |
| On-device encryption with user-held key (as marketed) | Yes | No |
| Notes + checklists / tasks in one product | Yes | Yes (notes and checklists; reminders via Google ecosystem) |
| Command-style / structured actions (e.g. from search bar) | Yes (command bar) | No (Keep is intentionally minimal) |
| Markdown-oriented writing & export | Yes | Limited / not the core design |
| Color labels / organization | Folders, pinning, filters | Labels and colors |
| Mobile apps | See Apps | Android & iOS widely available |
| Deep Google Workspace / Assistant integration | No | Strong (Google account, ecosystem) |
| Open web + shareable “public marketing site” product story | Yes | N/A (product is inside Google) |
Detailed comparison
1. Privacy and trust
TaskNote positions privacy as a core promise: encryption on the device, with a key that is not stored on TaskNote’s servers. If you lose the key, encrypted content cannot be recovered, by design. That trade-off is aimed at users who prioritize confidentiality and control.
Google Keep is a Google consumer product. Your content is subject to Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, account security practices, and how Google processes data across its services. It is not marketed as a “zero-knowledge, user-only key” notes app in the same way TaskNote is.
Takeaway: if your main question is whether nobody, including the provider, can read your notes without your key, TaskNote’s model is aligned with that question. If your main question is whether it syncs everywhere with your Google stuff, Keep is aligned.
2. Notes, writing, and portability
TaskNote emphasizes a focused writing experience, folders, pinning, filters, and Markdown as part of a portable workflow (export matters for avoiding lock-in).
Keep is optimized for speed: short notes, checklists, images, and quick capture. It is not positioned as a long-form Markdown publishing or developer-notebook replacement.
3. Tasks and reminders
Both products help you track what to do next. TaskNote combines notes, tasks, and reminders in one workflow; Keep uses checklists inside notes and integrates with the broader Google reminders/calendar ecosystem where the user has connected services.
4. Search
TaskNote highlights fast search across notes and within a note, plus command-based actions from the search bar for power users. Keep offers search within Keep tied to your Google account, with the simplicity users expect from a lightweight Google app.
5. Pricing
- TaskNote: free tier with optional Pro upgrade for additional features. See Pricing for current numbers and limits.
- Google Keep: free with a Google account; monetization is not “per user subscription” in the same way as many indie SaaS apps.
Pricing and feature limits change. Confirm details on official pages.
Which should you choose?
Choose TaskNote if you…
- You want on-device encryption and a user-held key model as described in TaskNote’s materials.
- Markdown workflows and export matter for your long-term note strategy.
- You want notes, tasks, and reminders in one privacy-focused workspace.
Choose Google Keep if you…
- You want zero friction inside the Google ecosystem.
- You prefer ultra-simple capture and lists over structured Markdown workflows.
- You rely on Google account sync and familiarity across Android, web, and iOS.
Migration and coexistence
Many users can run Keep for quick capture and a second app for sensitive or long-lived notes if that fits your habits. If you move toward TaskNote for sensitive material, plan for key backup and understand recovery limits (TaskNote’s security model is explicit about key loss).
FAQ
1. Is TaskNote more private than Google Keep?
They target different privacy stories. TaskNote markets on-device encryption and a key that stays on your device. Google Keep is a Google service governed by Google’s policies and infrastructure. The “right” choice depends on whether you prioritize provider-side ecosystem convenience or client-side key control as described by TaskNote.
2. Can I import Google Keep notes into TaskNote?
Import paths depend on TaskNote’s current export/import features. Check the latest Guide and in-app help. Keep exports are limited by Google’s tooling; plan migrations carefully.
3. Does Google Keep support Markdown like TaskNote?
Keep is not built as a Markdown-first notebook. TaskNote emphasizes Markdown-friendly workflows and export.
4. Is Google Keep free?
Yes, for personal use with a Google account, subject to Google’s terms.
5. Does TaskNote work without a Google account?
TaskNote’s account model is defined in TaskNote’s own sign-up and documentation. Refer to the official site for the current requirement.
6. Which app is better for teams?
Keep supports sharing in the Google account context. TaskNote’s collaboration posture depends on product capabilities. Verify in-product and on official pages before assuming team workflows.
Explore more
- Features
- Encryption explainer
- Other comparisons: Notion, Apple Notes, Evernote
- Use cases