11 Best Note Apps of 2023

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.

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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

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

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

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

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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 App

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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:

By considering these features when selecting a note-taking app, you can find one that best fits your needs and makes taking and organizing notes easier and more efficient.

Types of Note-Taking Apps

When it comes to the best note-taking apps currently available, there are various types and each one caters to a different need. The three most common types of note-taking apps are traditional note-taking apps, audio recording note-taking apps, and handwriting note-taking apps.

Traditional Note-Taking Apps

Traditional Note-Taking Apps

Traditional note-taking apps are the most commonly used type of note-taking apps. They allow you to create text-based notes, to-do lists, and reminders, and you can even attach files and images to your notes. These apps are best for those who prefer typing over handwriting and want to be able to quickly access their notes from anywhere.

Audio Recording Note-Taking Apps

Audio Recording Note-Taking Apps

Audio-recording note-taking apps are great for those who prefer to record lectures or meetings rather than take written notes. These apps allow you to record audio while simultaneously taking notes, making it easy to go back and review the information later. These apps are particularly useful for students, journalists, and professionals who attend frequent meetings.

Handwriting Note-Taking Apps

Handwriting Note-Taking Apps

Handwriting note-taking apps are perfect for those who prefer to take handwritten notes but want the convenience of having them on their digital devices. These apps allow you to use a stylus or your finger to write or draw directly on the screen, giving you the feel of traditional note-taking while offering the benefits of a digital app. These apps are particularly useful for artists, designers, and anyone who enjoys the process of handwriting notes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Note-Taking Apps

Note-taking apps have become increasingly popular, especially with the rise of remote learning and virtual meetings. While there are many advantages to using these apps, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered.

How to Choose the Right Note App

Choosing the right note-taking app can be a challenging task, especially with the overwhelming number of options available on the market.

To make the process easier, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences.

Platform

One important factor to consider is the platform the app is available on. Some apps are only available on certain devices or operating systems, so it’s important to make sure that the app you choose is compatible with the devices you plan to use it on.

Type of Notes

Another important consideration is the type of notes you will be taking. If you plan to take a lot of handwritten notes, then you will want to choose an app that has strong handwriting recognition and drawing tools. If you plan to take more text-based notes, then you may want to look for an app with powerful text editing and formatting tools. Some apps even offer the ability to record audio and attach it to your notes, which can be a valuable feature for students or professionals who attend lectures or meetings.

User Experience

Finally, it’s important to consider the overall user experience of the app. Look for an app that is easy to use and navigate, with a clean and intuitive interface. Consider whether you want an app with a lot of customization options, or whether you prefer a more streamlined and straightforward approach.

Ultimately, the key to choosing the right note-taking app is to find one that fits your specific needs and preferences, and that you feel comfortable using on a regular basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a note-taking app?

Note-taking is one of the most essential tasks to keep and organize a bunch of things such as ideas, inspiration, schedule, to-do list, journal, swipe files and so on.

A note-taking app is a software application designed to create, organize, and store digital notes. These apps can be used for a variety of purposes such as jotting down ideas, taking meeting notes, recording lectures, and organizing to-do lists.

Are note-taking apps free to use?

Many note-taking apps offer a basic version for free, but some features may require a subscription or one-time purchase. It’s important to research the pricing options before choosing a note-taking app to ensure that it meets your needs and budget.

Can I use note-taking apps on multiple devices?

Most note-taking apps are cloud-based, meaning that your notes can be accessed from any device with internet access. Some apps also offer the ability to sync across devices, ensuring that all of your notes are always up-to-date.

Are note-taking apps secure?

Most note-taking apps use encryption to protect your data and offer password protection for added security. However, it’s important to research the security features of a note-taking app before using it to ensure that it meets your privacy needs.

Can I share notes with others using a note-taking app?

Many note-taking apps offer collaboration features, allowing users to share notes and work together in real-time. This can be useful for group projects, meeting notes, and other collaborative efforts.

Can I attach files to my notes using a note-taking app?

Many note-taking apps offer the ability to attach files such as images, PDFs, and documents to your notes. This can be useful for organizing related materials and creating a more comprehensive set of notes.

Are there any accessibility features available in note-taking apps?

Most note-taking apps offer a variety of accessibility features such as text-to-speech, voice recording, and the ability to adjust font sizes and colors. It’s important to research the accessibility features of a note-taking app before choosing one to ensure that it meets your individual needs.

What is the best note-taking app?

When it comes to finding the best note-taking app, there are plenty of options available for users. However, the best note-taking app ultimately depends on the individual’s preferences and needs.

Evernote tops the list of best note-taking apps. It allows users to create notes and organize them into notebooks for easy access. Some other popular note-taking apps include OneNote, Google Keep, and many others.

Evernote is available on various platforms, including desktop and mobile devices, and it offers a free-to-use plan with limited features, as well as a paid subscription plan. Despite its popularity, some users may find Evernote too complicated or unnecessary for their needs. Ultimately, the best note-taking app will be the one that fits the user’s needs and preferences the most.

Which note-taking app is right for you?

Choosing the right note-taking app can make a huge difference in your productivity and organization.

There are many note apps available, but Evernote is one of the most popular and widely used. It allows you to create and organize notes, to-do lists, and reminders all in one place. However, Evernote may be overwhelming for some users due to its many features and complex interface.

If you’re looking for a simpler option, you may want to consider apps like Simplenote or Google Keep. These note-taking apps offer a straightforward interface and basic functionality, which may be more suitable for those who don’t require a lot of advanced features.

Ultimately, the right note-taking app for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, and it’s important to take the time to research and try out different options until you find one that works best for you.

Final Thoughts

Note apps have become essential tools for both personal and professional use. With their wide range of features, users can easily create and organize notes, collaborate with others, and access their notes from any device.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just looking for a way to stay organized, there’s a note-taking app out there for you. With their user-friendly interfaces and intuitive design, these apps are easy to use and can help you increase your productivity and save time. So why not give one of these top 10 note-taking apps for 2023 a try? You might just find that it’s the perfect solution for all your note-taking needs.

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Written byDaveril Dabuco
Hi there! I'm Daveril Dabuco, the man behind Juan Investor, one of the top personal finance blogs in the Philippines. I’m passionate about investing and digital marketing. When I’m not blogging, I’m either tinkering with my clients’ Facebook ads or beachbumming. You can read more about me.

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