SecretBolt vs Privnote
Privnote is the simplest way to send a self-destructing note: open the page, type, get a link. SecretBolt is built for the cases where a secret also has to reach a script, a CI job or a shell, and where you want a record of who opened it. If you only ever send a note to a person, Privnote is a fine choice.
Side by side
| SecretBolt | Privnote | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free plan. Pro $9/mo waitlist, Team $29/mo waitlist after the pilot. | Free. |
| Account needed | No for a quick secret; a free account for more control. | No. |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM at rest on the server. An in-browser end-to-end mode is in development. | Encrypted in the browser before it is stored. |
| Passphrase | Yes. | Yes (manual password). |
| Views | 1 without an account; up to 2 per secret on Free. | Destroyed after reading. |
| Expiry | 1 hour without an account; up to 24 hours on Free. | After reading, 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days. |
| Read notification | No notification. The event log records created, viewed, expired and destroyed. | Email when the note is destroyed. |
| API | REST API with read-write or read-only keys. | Not listed. |
| Export to environment variables | Yes, /export with safe quoting. |
Not listed. |
| Files and .env | Text and .env content; up to 10 KB without an account. |
Text notes. |
“Not listed” means we did not find it on the Privnote pages linked at the bottom of this page, not that it cannot be done.
When Privnote is the better choice
- You want the content encrypted in the browser today. Privnote does this; SecretBolt's end-to-end mode is still in development (read the design).
- You need a note to wait longer than 24 hours, up to 30 days.
- You send notes only by hand and never need an API.
When SecretBolt is the shorter path
-
A teammate or a CI job needs a
.env. Create it with one API call and load it with a read-only key. See How to share a .env file securely. - You need to know it was opened. The event log shows when each secret was viewed, expired or destroyed.
- You onboard clients. Generate links from your own scripts. See How to share a password with a client.
Try it on your next handoff
The Free plan includes the API, export, passphrases and the event log. Pro and Team are not on sale yet.
Competitor details checked on October 21, 2026. Sources: