Work · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Thought Train

Stop using sticky notes to remember what you're doing 📒 🚫

Thought Train is a Mac app that stores quick notes in the menubar for easy access without cluttering the desktop. Users can maintain a list of thoughts and highlight multiple notes to scroll through them… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Thought Train launched in 2018; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   Ideaflow▲429

   Instant thought capture app with voice, AI & more

   2023 · ideaflow.io · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Lazy▲928

   One ⌘ shortcut to capture anything straight to Notion

   2023 · lazy.so · its alternatives →

3. 3
   TalkNotes▲854

   Turn your thoughts into actionable notes, fast

   2023 · talknotes.io · its alternatives →

4. 4
   DeskMinder▲623

   Create quick desktop reminders with just one click

   2025 · deskminder.appps.od.ua · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Scratchpad▲382

   Quick notes, always available

   2024 · sindresorhus.com · its alternatives →

6. 6
   Paper 3.0▲779

   The new sticky note

   2015 · its alternatives →

7. 7
   The new mymind iOS app▲444

   The mobile extension of your mind just got better

   2024 · mymind.com · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Notebag▲298

   A keyboard-focused note-taking app that gets out of your way

   2020 · notebag.app · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Brainio▲190

   Brainio combines rich-text notes with visual mind maps. Organize your thoughts, link ideas, and collaborate in real time across desktop and web.

   2020 · brainio.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    Brain;Notes▲61

    Scrapbook-like notepad app using sticky notes for iPadOS

    2022 · brainnotes.magickworx.com · its alternatives →

11. 11
    MindNode 5▲306

    Visual brainstorming on your Mac, iPhone and iPad

    2017 · mindnode.com · its alternatives →

12. 12
    BrainFlow▲89

    Turn your rambling thoughts into coherent notes

    Jun 2026 · brainflow.tech · its alternatives →

13. 13
    ThoughtsAI▲12

    Capture, Organise and Understand

    2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Quick Note▲149

    Colorful sticky notes for Mac

    2024 · quicknoteapp.com · its alternatives →

15. 15
    Thought Plan▲203

    Super convenient tool to write down your thoughts & ideas

    2014 · thoughtplan.com · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Mindly ▲177

    Capture anything in seconds with automatic organization

    2025 · mindly-ai.com · its alternatives →

17. 17
    Mind Depot▲98

    macOS tool designed to capture and organize information

    2023 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Moodnotes 2.0▲149

    Capture your mood and improve your thinking habits

    2016 · bendingspoons.com · its alternatives →

19. 19
    Smart Notes by MindPal▲146

    The working memory for your AI second brain

    2023 · mindpal.space · its alternatives →

20. 20
    Thoughtwriter▲85

    A privacy-focused journal and mood tracker

    2021 · its alternatives →

21. 21
    SwipeNote▲67

    Rediscover your ideas

    Dec 2025 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

22. 22
    Mindkit▲64

    All in one tasks-habit tracker and more

    2021 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

23. 23
    Fleeting Notes▲63

    Capture and connect your thoughts

    2022 · fleetingnotes.app · its alternatives →

24. 24
    AudioJot▲94

    Privacy friendly fleeting thoughts smart diary

    2025 · audiojot.ai · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →