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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.
Side by side
The practical differences.
Compare the operating model and the daily workflow before comparing feature counts.
| 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 |
The decision
Choose for the work in front of you.
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.
Memos in detail
Inspect what matters.
Own your notes.
Install Memos and keep quick capture on your own server — open source, self-hosted, and free.