re:note vs Memex
Memex is an open-source browser extension focused on web annotations, highlights, and social bookmarking. It lets you highlight text on any page, add margin notes, and organize pages into collections called Spaces. re:note takes a simpler approach: structured notes in the browser side panel with stacks, reminders, a rich text editor, and optional on-page highlights.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | re:note | Memex |
|---|---|---|
| Browser side panel | Yes | Sidebar |
| Page-attached notes | Yes | Yes |
| Rich text editor | Yes | Basic |
| Text highlighting on page | Yes (opt-in) | Yes |
| Margin-style inline annotations | No | Yes |
| Installs without site access | Yes | No |
| Task lists / checklists | Yes | No |
| Color-coded stacks | Yes | Spaces & tags |
| Reminders | Yes | No |
| PIN lock | Yes | No |
| CSV export | Yes | Markdown export |
| Domain filtering | Yes | No |
| Full-text search | Yes | Yes |
| Social sharing | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free | Freemium |
Where re:note Wins
Simpler Mental Model
Memex is feature-rich: highlights, annotations, page notes, spaces, tags, collections, sharing, and social features. It can feel overwhelming if all you want is to jot down a note. re:note has a clean, focused interface: open the side panel, write your note, assign a stack. Done.
Task Lists and Checklists
re:note's rich editor includes task lists — perfect for creating interview scorecards, project checklists, or to-do items attached to specific pages. Memex focuses on annotation and doesn't include checklist functionality.
Reminders
re:note lets you set time-based reminders on any note. You'll get a browser notification when it's time to revisit. Memex doesn't have a built-in reminder system.
PIN Lock for Privacy
If you're taking notes on sensitive topics (salary negotiations, confidential research, competitive analysis), re:note lets you lock notes behind a PIN. Memex has no note-level privacy features.
Completely Free
re:note is free with all features unlocked. Memex has a free tier but limits some features (like syncing and backup) to paid plans.
Where Memex Wins
Deeper Highlighting Workflow
Memex is built around highlighting: you highlight specific text and attach an annotation to each highlight. This is incredibly useful for academic research, content review, and close reading. re:note can also highlight text and pin images once you turn on Web Annotations, but highlights feed into your side panel notes rather than being the centre of the tool.
Inline Annotations
Beyond highlights, Memex allows margin-style annotations tied to specific parts of a page. This spatial context can be valuable when reviewing detailed documents or long articles.
Social Sharing and Collaboration
Memex Spaces can be shared with others. You can collaboratively annotate and discuss web content with colleagues or a research group. re:note is a personal, private tool.
Open Source
Memex is open-source, which means you can inspect the code, contribute, and self-host if privacy is a top concern.
Choose re:note if you want a clean, structured note-taking experience with task lists, reminders, stacks, and a rich editor — all in the side panel, with highlights only if you opt in.
Choose Memex if your primary workflow involves highlighting and annotating specific text on web pages, and you value open-source software and collaborative features.
Try re:note for free
Install from the Chrome Web Store and see the difference a purpose-built side panel notes extension makes.
Add to Chrome — It's Free