Caliu vs Simplenote
Simplenote is free, fast, everywhere, and refuses to grow features. That restraint is the point, and Caliu shares the instinct. The difference is where each one draws the line: Simplenote stops at plain text, Caliu keeps the calm but adds real Markdown formatting, images, themes and an API.
| Feature | Caliu | Simplenote |
|---|---|---|
| Plain text, no clutterBoth put the writing first and keep the chrome out of the way. | ||
| Free, with syncSimplenote is entirely free. Caliu's free tier includes up to 50 notes and sync. | ||
| Markdown formatted as you typeSimplenote renders Markdown in a separate preview mode; Caliu formats it live in the editor. | ||
| Images and file attachmentsSimplenote is text only, deliberately. | ||
| Nested tagsSimplenote has flat tags. Caliu nests them (#work/project) from the text itself. | ||
| Native Mac, iPhone and iPad apps | ||
| Windows, Linux and Android appsSimplenote covers more platforms; Caliu is Apple platforms plus the web, with a native Android app in beta. | ||
| Works fully offline with no accountSimplenote needs an account before you can write. | ||
| Version historyBoth keep snapshots; in Caliu it is part of Pro. | ||
| REST API and MCP server | ||
| Themes and font choiceSimplenote offers light and dark. Caliu has 22 palettes and a font picker across four text surfaces. |
Pick Caliu if
- You like Simplenote's calm but keep wishing the Markdown actually formatted while you type.
- You want to put an image or a PDF in a note occasionally.
- You want an API your scripts and AI agents can use.
- You want to start writing before making an account, including in the browser.
Pick Simplenote if
- You need a native Windows or Linux app, which Caliu does not have, or an Android app that is already out of beta.
- You want something entirely free forever with no paid tier at all.
- Plain text is a feature to you, not a limitation, and images would only be a temptation.
Switching from Simplenote
Simplenote exports your notes as a ZIP of text files. Drop that archive into Caliu's import and the notes come across, with any hashtags in the text recreated as Caliu tags. Because Simplenote notes are already plain text, nothing is lost on the way in.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caliu free like Simplenote?
Caliu's free tier is a complete notes app: up to 50 notes, free sync across devices, and Markdown and plain-text export. Caliu Pro ($2.99/month or $17.99/year) adds unlimited notes, version history, drawing, the richer export formats and API access. Simplenote has no paid tier at all, so if price is the deciding factor, Simplenote wins outright.
Can I import my Simplenote notes?
Yes. Export from Simplenote to get a ZIP of text files, then import that archive into Caliu. Hashtags in the text become Caliu tags, nested ones included.
Does Caliu stay as simple as Simplenote?
That is the design brief, and it is worth being honest that Caliu carries more: images, attachments, drawing, themes. The intent is that none of it is in your way while you are writing, but if your ideal notes app has literally nothing but a text box, Simplenote is closer to it.
Does Caliu work on Android or Windows?
On Android, a native Caliu app is in beta on Google Play, and caliuapp.com/android explains how to join. On Windows, not natively. Caliu also has native apps for Mac, iPhone and iPad, plus a full web app that installs as an offline-capable PWA and works in any modern browser, Windows included. Simplenote has finished native apps on both platforms.