Note App Journey

What a loaded topic, I feel like this journey has been the most painful journey for me, in terms of choosing the right software for me. Every time I think I have it figured out something about it changes my mind. I feel like this issue has caused me tons of stress unfortunately. I know there is no such thing as the perfect solution, but I think I finally found a good balance for me and my flow.

One of the bigger things that has been driving my struggle lately is trying to find a solution that is free. I know there are a few good solutions out there that require a monthly subscription, but with three kids and the current economy, money is far from abundant in our house right now. We are trying to cut any subscriptions we can. I've cut out a lot of my software & streaming subscriptions. I plan on doing full review of all the apps below and maybe more. But for now here is a quick list of what I am looking for and what I use. Also a few others that are worth checking out.

Required for All

  • No monthly subscription
  • Android App or PWA
  • Web App or Desktop App

My Current Setup

This is my current app setup I am using daily.

  • Logseq (notes)
    • Scrollable Daily Journal
    • Image/PDF Support
    • Markdown Support
    • Inline Tagging/Backlinking
    • Open-Source
  • AnyType (databases (car repairs, medical records))
    • Database Sorting/Filtering
    • Image/PDF Support
    • Markdown Support
    • Tagging
    • Future Open-Source
  • Twos (to-dos)
    • Reminders
    • Image Support
    • Tagging
    • Lists
    • Great Developers

Honorable Mentions

  • Obsidian (notes & databases)
    • Inline Tagging/Backlinking
    • Non-Scrolling Daily Journal
    • Database Sorting/Filtering (plugin required)
    • Image/PDF Support
    • Markdown Support
    • Open-Source
  • Saga (notes)
    • Inline Tagging/Backlinking
    • Image/PDF Support
    • Markdown Support
    • Weak Mobile Experience
  • Journalistic (journaling & notes)
    • Inline Tagging/Backlinking
    • Scrollable Daily Journal
    • Track Dreams
    • Journal Tracker
  • Rem (notes & to-dos)
    • To-Dos
    • Scrollable Daily Journal
    • Image/PDF Support
    • Markdown Support
    • Inline Tagging/Backlinking
  • Capacities (notes & databases)
    • Inline Tagging/Backlinking
    • Non-Scrolling Daily Journal 
    • Database Sorting/Filtering
    • Image/PDF Support
    • Markdown Support