What note-taking app works across Windows, Android, iPad without subscriptions?

[Paisley51]

I’ve been trying to find a good note-taking app that works across my Windows laptop, Android phone, and iPad, but I keep hitting a wall. Every option I try either lacks a true desktop client for Windows or forces me into a subscription model just to sync between three devices, which feels excessive for simply organizing my text notes and checklists.

[Andrew31]

I hear you I spent months trying to find something that works on Windows Android and iPad without a drip feed of subscriptions and I kept hitting gaps around desktop feel and syncing.

[Noah32]

One option I tried was Joplin it lets you use your own cloud for free syncing and it has a decent Windows desktop feel once you get past the rough mobile apps.

[CamilaL]

Sometimes I wonder if the real issue is not the app but how you structure notes for easy search and quick checklists a simple notebook style without bells and whistles might be enough.

[Jonathan99]

Are you sure you need one tool for all three devices or could two simpler setups cover most of what you do?