Jotter vs Google Keep
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
Jotter is the better app overall, scoring 9.1 to 8.3. Jotter wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Google Keep on 0, with 2 tied.
iPhone and iPad users who want a quick, private notepad with handwriting
Android users and families who want quick shared lists and simple notes
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Jotter | Google Keep |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Productivity & Notes | Productivity & Notes |
| Category rank | #3 of 17 | #15 of 17 |
| Developer | The Big Head | |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | — | ✓ |
| Web | — | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Jotter better than Google Keep?
Jotter is the better app overall, scoring 9.1 to 8.3. Jotter wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Google Keep on 0, with 2 tied.
Which is cheaper, Jotter or Google Keep?
Jotter: Free, no subscription or ads; an optional tip unlocks nothing. Google Keep: Free; uses your Google account's 15 GB of free storage. On value for money, Jotter scores higher.
Do Jotter and Google Keep work on the same devices?
Only Google Keep runs on Android, Web.
Which is more private, Jotter or Google Keep?
Jotter scores higher on privacy (9.5/10). No account and no Jotter server: notes sync only through your own iCloud. Handwriting, photo text and voice notes are read on the device. No ads, analytics or tracking; App Store label: Data Not Collected.
Strengths and weaknesses
Jotter
- No titles, folders or save buttons to slow you down
- Handwriting and photo text are searchable, read on the device
- Free, no account, synced through your own iCloud
- iPhone and iPad only, with no Mac, Android or web app
- No backlinks, plugins or collaboration
Jotter is built around one idea: open it and start typing. The first line names the note and it saves as you go. Checklists, Apple Pencil handwriting, scans and voice notes live in the same note, and search reads the text inside pictures and handwriting on the device. Notes sync through your own iCloud with no account, and every note exports as Markdown. It lacks the backlinks and plugins of Obsidian, but as a free, private everyday notepad it is quick and pleasant.
Full Jotter review
Google Keep
- Free, with no ads
- Works on Android, iPhone and any web browser
- Shared shopping lists update in real time
- No folders or tables, and only basic formatting
- Notes aren't end-to-end encrypted
- Keep Live is Android-only and needs a paid Google AI plan
Google Keep is the sticky-note wall of notes apps. Jot a thought, tick off a shopping list, snap a photo or record a voice memo, and it syncs to Android, iPhone and the web in seconds. Shared lists update live for everyone, and reminders pop up at the right time or place. It's free with no ads. Formatting is basic, there are no folders, and your notes aren't end-to-end encrypted.
Full Google Keep review
