Memos
Free (self-hosted) / $5-10/mo (managed hosting)Lightweight, open-source memo and note-taking app with privacy-first design and easy deployment.
Why founders use Memos
The Good
The Bad
The Verdict
Memos is a minimalist open-source note-taking app built for speed and simplicity. Unlike Google Keep's cloud-based lock-in, Memos prioritizes privacy by storing notes locally with optional self-hosting or managed hosting. It's perfect for indie hackers who want a distraction-free tool for capturing quick thoughts, to-dos, and memos without the bloat of Notion.\n\nThe platform features tagging, searching, Markdown support, a clean interface, and one-click Docker deployment. With easy self-hosting on Railway or other platforms (often $5-10/month), it combines the simplicity of Google Keep with the data ownership of Joplin. Active development and community support make it a compelling alternative for personal and team note-taking.