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Memos vs Google Keep
Google Keep is a free, zero-setup note app tied to your Google account. Memos offers the same fast-capture feel but self-hosted, Markdown-native, and private — your notes live on your server, not Google's.
Choose Memos to self-host quick notes with Markdown and full ownership. Choose Google Keep for instant, no-server notes inside the Google ecosystem.
Side by side
Memos vs Google Keep
| Dimension | Memos | Google Keep |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open source (MIT) | Proprietary |
| Hosting | Self-hosted web server | Google cloud account |
| Data ownership | Your database, zero telemetry | Tied to your Google account |
| Format | Markdown-native | Plain notes & lists, no Markdown |
| Best for | Self-hosted quick capture | Zero-setup quick notes |
| Cost | Free (you host) | Free with a Google account |
Choose Memos when
- You want to own and self-host your notes instead of storing them in Google's cloud.
- You want Markdown, tags, and search over a private timeline.
- You want an open-source tool with zero telemetry.
Choose Google Keep when
- You want zero setup and instant sync across Google apps.
- You mainly jot short notes, lists, and reminders.
- You do not want to run a server.
Related features
What Memos brings.
Own your notes.
Install Memos and keep quick capture on your own server — open source, self-hosted, and free.