Are you tired of losing your notes or struggling to keep them organized? If so, it’s time to upgrade your note-taking game with the 11 best note apps in 2023.
Related: Best To-Do List Apps 2023
Whether you want to write quick notes on the go, replace your sticky notes, or simply organize your notes, these are 11 best note-taking apps of 2023.
With the rise of technology and the ever-increasing demand for productivity, note-taking apps have become essential tools for students, professionals, and anyone in between. From simple and intuitive interfaces to robust organizational features, these are the best note taking apps that offer a range of options to suit your needs.
What are the Best Note Apps in 2023?
- Evernote
- OneNote
- Google Keep
- Simplenote
- Notion
- Bear
- Zoho Notebook
- Apple Notes
- Goodnotes
- Dropbox Paper
- Notability
Evernote
Evernote is a popular cross-platform note-taking app that has been around since 2008. It’s a powerful tool that helps you stay organized and productive, whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone who wants to keep track of your thoughts and ideas.
Evernote offers a new customizable home dashboard to check your recent notes, search for something or even create a new note.
Main Features
- Works on desktop (macOS and Windows), mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Note-taking and to-do lists
- Web clipping and saving: save articles, web pages, and screen captures
- Document and PDF storage
- Syncing across all devices: pickup everything where you left off
- Integration with other apps and services: Google Suite, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce
- Wide variety of templates such as calendars, planners, journals, etc.
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Evernote offers both free and paid plans.
- Free Plan. The free plan is generous enough and allows you to use the basic features of the app such as syncing up to 2 devices, up to 25MB max note size and 60MB monthly uploads.
- Personal Plan ($7.99/month). Personal plan allows users to sync unlimited devices, a higher max note size of 60MB and 10GB monthly uploads with home customization, ability to connect your primary Google Calendar, add due dates and reminders, etc.
- Professional Plan ($9.99/month). All features in Personal Plan with 20GB monthly uploads, ability to connect personal and workspace Google accounts, export notebooks as PDF files, integrations to Slack, Salesforce and Microsoft teams.
Takeaway
Overall, Evernote is a great tool for anyone who needs to stay organized and productive. It’s particularly useful for those who work remotely or need to access their notes and documents on the go. While it can be a bit pricey for some users, its features and integration options make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a powerful note-taking app.
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OneNote
OneNote is a powerful note-taking solution developed by Microsoft that is designed to help users organize their thoughts and ideas. It’s a powerful tool that is particularly useful for students and professionals who need to collaborate on projects and share information.
Like Evernote, OneNote allows you to store text and images in free-form document formats that you can keep private or share with others.
Main Features
- Works on desktop (macOS and Windows), mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Note-taking and to-do lists
- Drawing and handwriting tools
- Audio and video recording
- Integration with other Microsoft apps and services
- Collaborative sharing and editing
Pros and Cons
Pricing
When it comes to pricing, OneNote is free to use and comes pre-installed on most Windows devices.
- Free Plan. Comes as a free app for Windows devices.
- Personal Plan ($6.99/month). If you want to use some of its advanced features, such as audio and video recording, you will need to sign up for a Microsoft 365 subscription, which starts at $6.99 per month.
- Family Plan ($9.99/month). Best Microsoft 365 plan for up to 6 people.
Takeaway
Overall, OneNote is a great tool for students and professionals who need to collaborate on projects and share information. While it may not be as versatile as some other note-taking apps, its integration with Microsoft apps and services makes it a valuable tool for those who work within that ecosystem.
Google Keep
Google Keep is one of the best free note-taking apps on our list developed by Google that allows users to quickly jot down notes, create to-do lists, and set reminders. It’s a simple and intuitive tool that is ideal for those who need a basic note-taking app without all the bells and whistles.
Main Features
- App works on mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Note-taking and to-do lists
- Voice memos and audio recording
- Integration with other Google apps and services
- Collaborative sharing and editing
- Location-based reminders
Pros and Cons
Pricing
The best part about Google Keep is that it’s completely free to use and comes pre-installed on most Android devices. Additionally, it’s available as a free download for iOS devices and can be accessed from any web browser.
Takeaway
Overall, Google Keep is a great tool for those who need a simple and intuitive note-taking app without all the added complexity. While it may not have all the advanced features of some other note-taking apps, its integration with other Google apps and services makes it a valuable tool for those who work within that ecosystem.
Simplenote
Simplenote is a free, open-source note-taking app that aims to provide a clean and minimalist interface for users. It’s a lightweight app that’s perfect for those who want a no-frills note-taking experience.
Main Features
- App works on desktop (macOS, Windows, Linux), mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Simple note-taking interface
- Sync across all devices
- Tagging and organization
- Collaboration and sharing
- Version history
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Simplenote is completely free to use, with no hidden fees or in-app purchases. There are no premium versions or subscription models to worry about, which makes it a great choice for those who want a free and open-source note-taking app.
However, Simplenote introduces the Sustainer Plan which is sort of a donation to the developer. There are no additional features or benefits that you get with this plan aside from the banner removal.
Takeaway
Overall, Simplenote is a great tool for those who value simplicity and minimalism in their note-taking app. While it may not have all the advanced features of some other note-taking apps, its clean interface, syncing capabilities, and collaboration features make it a valuable tool for anyone looking for a basic, free, and reliable note-taking app.
Notion
Notion is a popular all-in-one workspace that lets you take notes, create databases, and manage tasks all in one place. It has quickly become a favorite among professionals, students, and anyone who wants to stay organized and productive.
Main Features
- App works on desktop (macOS and Windows), mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Customizable templates for notes, tasks, and databases
- Ability to embed files, images, and videos directly into notes
- Collaborative features for team projects
- Built-in task management tools with reminders and deadlines
- Integration with popular tools like Google Drive, Slack, and Trello
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Notion has a free plan available with basic features, as well as a paid version with advanced features starting at $4 per user per month.
- Free Plan. Basic plan with collaborative workspace, integration to Slack, GitHub and more, 7-day page history and invite up to 10 guests
- Plus ($8/user/month). Everythingl in free with unlimited blocks for teams, 30-day page history and invite up to 100 guests
- Business ($15/user/month). Everything in Plus with SAML Single Sign On (SSO), private teamspaces, bulk PDF export, advanced page analytics 90-day page history and invite up to 250 guests
- Enterprise (contact support). Everything in Business with advanced security and controls, dedicated success manager, workspace analytics, unlimited page history and custom guest limit.
Takeaway
Notion is a powerful all-in-one workspace that offers the best features for note-taking, task management, and more. It’s a great choice for teams and individuals who want to stay organized and productive. While the paid version can be a bit pricey, the free version offers enough features to get started and is worth trying out.
Bear
Bear is a great note taking app that is perfect for users who prefer a simple yet powerful tool. It is known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. The app is exclusive to Apple devices and integrates seamlessly with other apps on the platform.
This app has an intuitive interface and a range of useful features that make it a great option for personal and professional use.
Main Features
- App works on desktop (macOS), mobile (iOS), tablet (iPad)
- Easy organization of notes such as cross-note links, hashtags, and support for multiple file types
- Supports multiple formats, including images, videos, and audio recordings
- Advanced formatting options
- Ability to password-protect specific notes
- Has a focus mode that helps users stay on track and eliminate distractions
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Bear is available on a freemium pricing model.
- Free Plan. Includes basic features such as creating notes, adding tags and attachments, and exporting to a variety of formats.
- Bear Pro ($1.49/month or $14.99/year). The premium version unlocks all features such as syncing between devices, over a dozen gorgeous themes, and powerful export options.
Takeaway
Overall, Bear is a great note-taking app for users who value simplicity and want a powerful tool that integrates with other Apple apps.
Zoho Notebook
Zoho Notebook is a completely free note taking app that offers an impressive range of features to help users stay organized and productive. With a sleek and intuitive interface, it is easy to use and offers a wide range of customization options.
Main Features
- App works on desktop (macOS, Windows and Linux), mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Ability to create different types of notes (text, audio, and photo)
- Create checklists, and set reminders
- Allows real-time collaboration with users, making it an excellent option for teams or groups working on projects together
Pros and Cons
Pricing
In terms of pricing, Zoho Notebook offers both a free version and a premium version.
- Free Plan. Generous features such as syncing across devices, 2GB clous storage for files, upload files up to 100MB, 30MB notecard size, secure notes with FaceID or TouchID, and many others
- Premium Plan ($1.99/month or $19.99/year). Everything in free with up to 100GB cloud storage, upload files up to 1GB, 200MB notecard size, search documents using OCR, smart tags, and many other exciting features
Takeaway
Zoho Notebook is a great option for those looking for a versatile note-taking app with a range of features, especially if they work with others and need to collaborate. While it may not be the fastest or most streamlined app on the market, it offers a lot of value for its price and is worth considering for anyone looking for a new note-taking tool.
Apple Notes
Apple Notes is a note-taking app that comes pre-installed on Apple devices. Its simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to jot down notes, create to-do lists, and save photos and videos. It only works on Apple devices but you can also use the online version of the app thru the web browser https://icloud.com/notes.
Main Features
- App works only on Apple devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, or web browser
- Ability to organize notes with folders and tags
- Collaborate with others
- Use Siri to dictate notes
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Apple Notes is completely free to use for all Apple device owners, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for those looking for a basic yet powerful note-taking app.
Takeaway
Overall, Apple Notes is ideal for those who value simplicity and convenience over advanced features and customization options. If you’re an Apple user with access to an iPhone, iPad and Mac, I highly recommend Apple Notes for seamless sync across your Apple devices.
Goodnotes
Goodnotes is a popular digital note-taking app designed specifically for iPad and iPhone users. It allows users to create, organize and annotate notes with ease. Here are the main features, pros and cons, pricing options, and a takeaway to help users decide whether this app is right for them.
Main Features
- App works only on Apple devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, or web browser
- Handwriting recognition
- Shape recognition and automatic straightening
- Searchable handwritten notes
- Customizable templates and paper types
- Ability to import PDFs and annotate them
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Goodnotes offers a free plan and a lifetime deal.
- Free Plan. Basic plan allows users up to 3 notebooks without handwriting recognition.
- Lifetime Deal ($7.99 one-time fee). Unlocks the full version with unlimited notebooks, handwriting recognition, prioritized email support and importing documents via email.
Takeaway
Goodnotes is an excellent note-taking app for iPad and iPhone users who prefer handwriting their notes. It offers a range of customizable templates, seamless synchronization, and the ability to import and annotate PDFs. While it may be a bit pricier than other note-taking apps, it offers unique features that make it worth considering for users who prioritize handwriting recognition and organization.
Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper is a cloud-based note-taking and collaboration tool that integrates with Dropbox, making it easy to share notes and collaborate with team members. Its simple interface and intuitive design make it easy to create notes, to-do lists, and more.
Main Features
- App works on desktop (macOS, Windows and Linux), mobile (iOS and Android devices), tablet (iPad and Android) or web browser
- Real-time collaboration
- Integration with other Dropbox services
- Ability to embed videos, images, and other media
Related post: 10 Best Free Video Editing Software
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Dropbox Paper is available for free, but users can also upgrade to Dropbox Plus or Dropbox Professional for additional features and storage.
Takeaway
Dropbox Paper is a great option for teams that already use Dropbox and need a simple and efficient way to collaborate on notes and documents.
Notability
Notability is a popular note-taking app for iOS and Mac devices that offers a wide range of features to enhance your note-taking experience.
Main Features
- App works only on Apple devices: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, or web browser
- Ability to record audio and take notes simultaneously
- Handwriting recognition
- Organization tools
- PDF annotation
- Ability to sync notes across devices
Pros and Cons
Pricing
Notability offers a free and a premium plan.
- Free Plan. Basic features such as creating multimedia notes with limited edits, PDF import and annotation, audio-recording synced to notes, document scanning, multi-note side by side viewing and many others.
- Premium ($11.99/year). Everything in free plus unlimited edits and notes, handwriting conversion, iCloud sync, auto backup, math conversion, yearly planners and journals, etc.
Takeaway
Notability is a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to take notes on a regular basis and is willing to pay a premium for a high-quality note-taking experience.
11 Best Note-Taking Apps in 2023: How did we choose?
When it comes to choosing the best note-taking apps, we considered a variety of factors.
Based on these criteria, we narrowed down the best note-taking apps to those that excelled in all of these areas.
What Makes the Best Note-Taking App?
When it comes to the best apps for taking notes, there are a few key factors that come into play.
User-Friendly Interface
First and foremost, the app needs to be user-friendly with a clean, organized user interface that makes it easy to take notes quickly and efficiently.
Syncing across devices
Additionally, the app should allow for syncing across multiple devices, so that digital notes can be accessed from anywhere.
Pricing
For those on a budget, a free app is a must, and fortunately, there are plenty of great free note-taking apps available. Some of the best apps on this list include:
- Evernote
- OneNote
- Google Keep
All of these offer top-notch features such as the ability to organize notes by notebook or tag, scan documents, and add reminders.
Ultimately, the best note-taking app will depend on personal preference, but for maximum flexibility and convenience, choose an app that allows for seamless sync across all of your devices.
Features to Look for in Note-Taking Apps
When it comes to selecting the best note-taking apps to use, there are a number of features to consider. The right features for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some key features to look for in note-taking apps: