Basic Memory
Knowledge tools built to last
Ranked #2 in Note-taking apps with a free plan, and on 1 more ranking.
Basic Memory is an open-source knowledge base that stores data as plain Markdown files within a structured graph. It allows users to retain full ownership of their information while enabling AI tools to traverse and utilise the connected context.
At a glance
| Best for | teams using multiple AI agents |
From Basic Memory's own website.
Company facts
| Social profiles | X, YouTube |
Facilities and features
Its website also mentions:
- Published pricing
- Self-serve sign-up
- Integrations
What stands out
The product provides semantic search alongside a full-text index on your own files.
“Plain Markdown you own, with a full-text, semantic, and knowledge-graph index on top.”Basic Memory, own website
The product is open source and works with any AI tool via MCP.
“Open source, local-first, works with any AI.”Basic Memory, own website
How it ranks
Basic Memory is ranked 2nd of 10 in Note-taking apps with a free plan (Lister Score 90.0) and 3rd of 10 in Open-source note-taking apps (Lister Score 90.0).
#2 in Note-taking apps with a free plan · Lister Score 90.0
The product is open source and works with any AI tool via MCP.
How the score is made up: fit to this ranking's criteria 40; evidence on its own site 20; how complete its published information is 18; buying information on its own site 12.
“One place for your notes, decisions, and workflows. For you, your AI tools, and your team.”Basic Memory, own website
“OPEN SOURCE · 3K+ STARS · 57K DOWNLOADS/MO · FREE TO START 9 notes · 35 relations ## what it actually is”Basic Memory, own website
| Rank | Note-taking apps with a free plan | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Otter | 92.0 |
| 2 | Basic Memory | 90.0 |
| 3 | Jade Note | 90.0 |
| 4 | Memoral | 88.0 |
| 5 | Anytype | 84.0 |
| 6 | Capacities | 84.0 |
| 7 | Dexi | 84.0 |
| 8 | Zennbox | 82.0 |
| 9 | Simplenote | 78.0 |
| 10 | Stock | 78.0 |
#3 in Open-source note-taking apps · Lister Score 90.0
The product is open source and works with any AI tool via MCP.
How the score is made up: fit to this ranking's criteria 40; evidence on its own site 20; how complete its published information is 18; buying information on its own site 12.
“One place for your notes, decisions, and workflows. For you, your AI tools, and your team.”Basic Memory, own website
“Local $0 · open source Open source and offline.”Basic Memory, own website
| Rank | Open-source note-taking apps | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Affine | 92.0 |
| 2 | Notesnook | 92.0 |
| 3 | Basic Memory | 90.0 |
| 4 | Anytype | 84.0 |
| 5 | Notabase | 84.0 |
| 6 | SilverBullet | 84.0 |
| 7 | OpenKnowledge | 82.0 |
| 8 | Standard Notes | 82.0 |
| 9 | Joplin | 78.0 |
| 10 | Turtl | 74.0 |
Frequently asked questions
How does Basic Memory rank on Lister?
Basic Memory is ranked 2nd of 10 in Note-taking apps with a free plan (Lister Score 90.0) and 3rd of 10 in Open-source note-taking apps (Lister Score 90.0).