Quick Overview
RemNote is a knowledge management app that combines notes with flashcards and spaced repetition. It's popular among medical students and lifelong learners. Mayinab is a modern study app that also merges notes and flashcards, but with a chat-style interface, SM-2 algorithm, and a strong focus on privacy, offline access, and simplicity.
Both apps try to solve the same problem: why use two apps when notes and flashcards belong together? Let's see how they compare.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mayinab 🍵 | RemNote |
|---|---|---|
| Spaced repetition | ✓ SM-2 algorithm | ✓ Custom SRS |
| Offline mode | ✓ 100% offline | ~ Limited offline |
| Price | ✓ Free forever | ✗ $8/mo for Pro |
| Ads | ✓ Zero ads | ✓ No ads |
| Note types | ✓ 7 types | ~ Text + flashcards |
| Note-taking style | ✓ Chat timeline | ✓ Outliner / document |
| Markdown + LaTeX | ✓ Built-in | ✓ Built-in |
| Privacy | ✓ Local data, no tracking | ✗ Cloud-first, account required |
| Desktop split-view | ✓ Resizable | ✓ Sidebar + editor |
| Drawing pad | ✓ Built-in | ✗ Not available |
| Knowledge graph | ✗ No | ✓ Knowledge map |
| Platforms | ✓ All (Win/Mac/Linux/Mobile) | ✓ Web + Desktop + Mobile |
Spaced Repetition: SM-2 vs Custom SRS
Both apps have built-in spaced repetition, which already sets them apart from pure note-taking tools. But the implementation differs.
Mayinab uses the SM-2 algorithm, the same proven system used by Anki. Each flashcard has an individual ease factor that adapts based on your recall performance. It's simple, reliable, and well-studied.
RemNote uses its own custom spaced repetition algorithm. It works well for many users, but it's a proprietary system that isn't as extensively researched as SM-2. RemNote also integrates SRS directly into its outliner, turning any text into a flashcard with :: syntax.
Mayinab takes a different approach: flashcards are a dedicated note type with a clear front/back structure. This keeps your notes and flashcards visually distinct while living together in the same timeline.
Pricing: Free vs Freemium
Mayinab is 100% free. All features are included: spaced repetition, 7 note types, Markdown, LaTeX, offline mode, themes, and more. The only paid option is Vault (encrypted cloud backup) starting at $1.50/month, but it's entirely optional.
RemNote has a free tier, but it's limited. The Pro plan costs $8/month (or $6/month annually) and unlocks features like PDF annotation, image occlusion, unlimited daily reviews, priority support, and more. Many power-user features are behind the paywall.
For students on a budget, Mayinab gives you everything from day one at no cost.
Offline Support
Mayinab works 100% offline by default. Your data is stored locally on your device. You never need an internet connection to study, create cards, or review.
RemNote is primarily a cloud-based tool. While the desktop app offers some offline functionality, the web version requires internet. If you rely on the web app or need guaranteed offline access in all situations, RemNote can be unreliable.
Privacy & Data
Mayinab stores all data locally on your device. No account is required. There's zero tracking, zero analytics, zero data collection. Optional encrypted cloud backup uses AES-256 encryption.
RemNote requires an account and stores your data on their cloud by default. Your notes, flashcards, and study data live on RemNote's servers. For students handling sensitive study material or who value data ownership, this is a significant consideration.
Note-Taking Approach
This is where the two apps differ most philosophically.
RemNote uses an outliner-based approach inspired by tools like Roam Research. Notes are structured as nested bullet points, and you can turn any line into a flashcard. It also features backlinks and a knowledge graph for connecting ideas.
Mayinab uses a chat-style timeline. You add different note types (text, flashcard, checklist, image, audio, video, file) to a conversation-like flow. It's more visual and intuitive, especially for students who find outliners overwhelming.
If you love linking ideas and building a knowledge graph, RemNote has the edge. If you want a simple, beautiful, linear flow for class notes and study material, Mayinab feels more natural.
When RemNote Is Better
- Knowledge graph: Backlinks and knowledge maps for connecting concepts across subjects.
- Outliner power users: If you love nested bullet-point organization, RemNote is built for that.
- PDF annotation: RemNote Pro lets you annotate PDFs and create flashcards from highlights.
- Image occlusion: Built-in image occlusion for anatomy diagrams and similar content (Pro only).
When Mayinab Is Better
- Budget-conscious students: 100% free, all features included. No $8/month paywall.
- Offline-first studying: Works without internet, always. No cloud dependency.
- Privacy: Local data, no account, no tracking.
- Simplicity: Chat-style interface is easier to learn than an outliner system.
- Media-rich notes: 7 note types including audio, video, drawing pad, and file attachments.
- Proven SRS: SM-2 algorithm, the same system trusted by millions of Anki users.
- Desktop power features: Resizable split-view, command palette, keyboard shortcuts.
🍵 Verdict
RemNote is excellent for students who love outliners and knowledge graphs. If you want to build a deeply interconnected web of knowledge with backlinks and visual maps, RemNote's approach is powerful, especially with the Pro plan.
Mayinab is better for students who want simplicity, privacy, and no paywall. SM-2 spaced repetition, 7 note types in a chat timeline, full offline support, and zero cost. If you want notes + flashcards without the complexity of an outliner or the price tag of a subscription, Mayinab is the smarter choice.