Noteplan is a native Apple app that combines notes, tasks and calendar with local Markdown storage. Amplenote works on all platforms and helps you through the ‘Idea Execution Funnel’ to turn ideas into action. Both tools do much of the same, but feel completely different.
Noteplan in brief
Noteplan combines the Bullet Journal method with digital speed. You get a calendar, notes and tasks in one interface that feels like a native Apple app. Everything is stored locally in Markdown files on your own device. The tool excels at timeblocking: you drag tasks directly to time blocks in your calendar. Ideal for those who work entirely in the Apple ecosystem and want control over their own data.
Amplenote in brief
Amplenote works on all platforms and uses a specific methodology: the Idea Execution Funnel. You start with ‘Jots’ (quick notes), which you convert to Notes and then to Tasks. The system gives each task a ‘Task Score’ based on urgency and importance. That helps with prioritizing without you having to think about it yourself. The tool has a free plan and works everywhere, but does require that you embrace Amplenote’s workflow.
Noteplan vs Amplenote: the differences
The biggest difference lies in the philosophy. Noteplan gives you freedom: use Markdown however you want, organize your notes however it suits you. Amplenote guides you: use Jots for quick ideas, Notes for elaborated thoughts, Tasks for actions. That sounds limiting, but many users appreciate that structure. The Task Score feature in Amplenote automatically calculates which tasks deserve priority based on deadlines and importance. Noteplan doesn’t have that – there you plan manually with timeblocking.
The second major gap: platforms. Noteplan is built for Apple. The iOS and macOS apps are lightning fast and feel native. There is a web version, but it’s limited. Using Windows or Android? Then Noteplan becomes difficult. Amplenote works everywhere: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, web. The price you pay is an interface that feels less polished. Many users call the design ‘dated’ or ‘clunky’, especially compared to Noteplan’s sleek Apple aesthetic.
Data storage differs fundamentally. Noteplan stores everything locally in Markdown files. Open your file manager, and there are your notes as .md files. That provides control and speed. Amplenote works cloud-first: your data is on their servers (encrypted though). You can export to Markdown, but that’s an extra step. For privacy-conscious users, this is a deal breaker.
The calendar integration works differently. Noteplan shows your Apple Calendar or Google Calendar directly in the interface, and you can drag tasks to specific time blocks. That visual timeblocking is where Noteplan excels. Amplenote also syncs with Google, Outlook and Apple Calendar, but the focus is more on task lists than on visual calendar planning. Want to divide your day into blocks? Noteplan. Want primarily a smart task list? Amplenote.
Both tools support bidirectional links between notes. You can build a knowledge network in both apps. Amplenote has recently added an AI Search Agent that automatically creates connections between notes. Noteplan has a plugin system that allows you to extend functionality with Javascript. For technical users, that offers more control, but it does require programming knowledge.
Pricing compared
Amplenote has a free ‘Personal’ plan. That’s not a trial, but a permanent free version. You can upload a maximum of 5MB of files and miss calendar synchronization and graph view. For basic use it’s sufficient. Noteplan has no free plan – only a 7-day trial period. After that, everything becomes read-only until you pay.
For paid plans, Amplenote starts at € 5,84 per month (annual subscription, Pro-tier). That gives you calendar sync and graph view. For € 10 per month (Unlimited) you get unlimited uploads and AI features. Noteplan costs € 8,33 per month with an annual subscription. Monthly payment costs € 9,99. You then get everything: all platforms, all features, no limitations. Noteplan is also in Setapp, which can be advantageous if you use multiple Mac apps.
If you calculate it to a year? Amplenote Pro costs € 70, Noteplan € 100. That difference of € 30 per year is not huge, but Amplenote offers more platforms for less money. Noteplan justifies the price with native speed and local storage.
Conclusion
Amplenote wins on price and accessibility. The free plan is usable, the paid versions are cheaper, and it works on every platform. The Task Score feature is unique and valuable for those who struggle with priorities. Noteplan wins on speed, design, and data control. If you’re fully in the Apple ecosystem and value local Markdown files, Noteplan is the better choice. For most users – especially those who work on multiple platforms or find budget important – Amplenote is the smarter choice.
