Alto and Montaigne are two services that allow you to publish your Apple Notes online, but they operate in different ways and offer distinct advantages.
So what is the difference between the two systems?
Sync times
Alto provides near-instantaneous publishing by connecting directly from your Mac to the web. Montaigne relies on Apple's iCloud sync infrastructure, which can introduce delays ranging from minutes to hours depending on iCloud's current performance.
Reliability
Because Alto publishes Notes directly from your Mac to the Web, it's more reliable. There is no dependency on the Apple iCloud sync.
Cost
Alto operates with lower overhead costs due to its direct publishing model. Montaigne's requirement for macOS cloud servers results in higher operational costs, which affects pricing.
Site creation
The site creation flow is a bit complex in Montaigne and requires a few extra steps and time. In Alto, site creation is simple.
Montaigne's advantages
Those 4 things will be better in Alto than in Montaigne. However, Montaigne has advantages over Alto in other areas:
- Cross-platform functionality across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS
- Zero-installation workflow - works with existing Apple Notes without additional software
- Enhanced security model with limited access to only shared Apple Notes
- Seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem
Choose Alto if:
- Fast publishing is your priority
- You primarily work on a Mac
- You prefer a simpler setup process
- You prefer cheaper tool
Choose Montaigne if:
- You need cross-platform support
- You prefer working without additional software
- Security and limited access are top priorities