If you don’t write things down, you’ll have difficulty remembering them because this is how your brain works. It doesn’t matter how broad the scope is; it might be a single word, a brief list, or huge documents. Taking notes is a useful strategy in this regard.

However, taking notes on your notebook and pads is not what people prefer these days. Especially in the hybrid working era, more productivity, online communication, and close collaboration are needed. For Note-taking, there are multiple for this task, some individuals would make notes with apps on desktop or mobile; some developers may use developer note-taking apps to take notes while others prefer to use folders, subheadings, and bullet points.

In this article, you’ll find some of the finest note-taking apps for your Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices. Let’s get going!

Best Note Taking Apps

Best Note Taking Apps

The Best Note Taking App for Windows

The best note-taking app for Windows is Evernote. Evernote allows you to take notes orderly, making it useful for professional and personal endeavors. You can keep track of numerous elements and details by using templates, creating tasks and checklists, syncing with Google Calendar, and creating a sync between the two. Indeed, you can also make short notes using this software, but it’s not the type of program you should use only for that reason.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Evernote is user-friendly and simple, despite various customization choices and capabilities. You may use it as a tool for managing your schedule, a diary, or just as a location to save various papers and ideas for later use.

Notion Alternative - Evernote

Evernote Interface

5 Evernote Alternatives

Although Evernote is a great app, it has flaws that make people look for its alternatives. Some of the great Evernote alternatives are:

1. Microsft OneNote

If you prefer Microsoft products and don’t want to use too many third-party tools simultaneously, you’ll be pleased with what OneNote offers. The UI is similar to Evernote but retains the well-known Microsoft atmosphere. Sign in with your Microsoft account – or create one – to have quick access to the online version of the app. It’s like writing in Microsoft Word.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

OneNote contains many extras, such as collaboration tools, Android Wear, and TouchID compatibility, which may be overkill if you only want note-taking software.

Note Taking App Windows- Microsft OneNote

Note Taking App Windows- Microsft OneNote

2. Google Keep

Whereas many note-taking services emphasize sophisticated feature sets, Google Keep attempts to do the opposite, aiming for a basic cloud-based note-taking tool that allows a broad range of inputs such as text notes, checklists, audio, and photographs. Aside from that, you may create reminders for your notes to ensure that you get alerts on time. Google Keep is as straightforward as a note-taking tool can be.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

This is the app to use if you need to make notes rapidly while on the go. Simply open it, and you’ll be able to jot down notes in seconds.

Note Taking App Windows - Google Keep

Note Taking App Windows – Google Keep

3. Hive Notes

Look no further if you’re seeking a collaborative, Google-docs-style note-taking Evernote replacement that you and your team can use to plan and execute action items efficiently. Because Hive Notes is part of the Hive ecosystem, you can integrate project planning and note-taking into one platform.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Hive Notes is an easy-to-use note-taking tool that allows you to take notes in collaboration with your team. You can also sync your notes with Google docs. Moreover, it lets you take notes while taking a Zoom meeting.

Note Taking App Windows - Hive Notes for Meeting

Note Taking App Windows – Hive Notes for Meeting

Here are the 20 best calendar apps for you to complete schoolwork, and publish timelines or due dates. You can get different on your iPhone/Android/computer.

4. Notion

Notion is a program that falls between Evernote and Hive, and it is one of our favorite Evernote alternatives. You may keep notes and documents in List view inside the app, which allows you to quickly examine the most significant parts of a note and its contents. This is one of the best note-taking applications that has lately gained popularity.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It includes team wikis for storing information such as corporate policy, contact information, and engineering processes. You can also use emoticons here, making wikis a little more entertaining, which is why this application is on our list of the best Evernote replacements.

Notion Interface

Notion Interface

5. Todoist

Todoist is the next application on my list that is worthy of consideration as an excellent Evernote replacement. It is a helpful tool that can keep your work and tasks well-managed. The application provides note-taking and to-do list layouts that you can use to get started in minutes. Additionally, all your data is backed up online, allowing you to access it whenever you need to from any device you choose.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

You won’t lose track of any of the essential details you need to keep in mind if you use this software since it will prevent you from writing them down.

Note Taking App Windows - Todoist

Note Taking App Windows – Todoist

The Best Note Taking App for Mac

As you may have guessed, the best note-taking app for Mac users is Apple Notes. Apple Notes, as the name implies, only works on Apple devices. It is similar to the original note-taking software in that it offers a simplistic functionality ideal for simple notes.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It’s already installed on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. All your notes are saved in iCloud for quick and simple synchronization across your devices. However, since it is linked to Siri, you may create a new note and narrate the contents while on the move.

The Best Note Taking App for Mac - Apple Notes

The Best Note Taking App for Mac – Apple Notes

Apple Notes Alternatives

1. Simplenote

Simplenote instantly syncs your notes across all of your devices, and since it’s a cross-platform notes software, you can also use it on non-Apple devices. In addition, if you ever need to use Simplenote on the web, you may do so. Note history is one of Simplenote’s finest features.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Simplenote is one of the most basic Mac note-taking programs. It’s lightweight and enables jotting down your thoughts and ideas fast and easily. You may also use it to make checklists or write notes in markdown if that’s what you want.

Note Taking App Mac - Simplenote

Note Taking App Mac – Simplenote

2. Zoho Notebook

Another Apple Notes alternative that allows you to use and store notes across various devices is Zoho Notebook. The key difference here is that notes are organized into note cards, which you may modify in terms of form – some options include text, audio, picture, checklist, and doodle.

You can safely exchange notes with pals with Zoho Notebook, and the program is free to use! There are some amazing contextual shortcuts inside the program if you have a new Mac with a Touch Bar.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It can be used to take handwritten notes. Not only does Zoho Notebook make it simple to develop ideas, but it can also be used as a collaboration tool, allowing you to save and exchange files with the remainder of the team in the blink of an eye while being completely safe.

Note Taking App Mac - Zoho Notebook

Note Taking App Mac – Zoho Notebook

3. Bear

Bear is undoubtedly one of the most attractively designed Mac notes programs. Furthermore, it is Apple-device specific, so consider it an alternative to Apple Notes: one that supports markdown, improves note organizing, and has a highly configurable and complex text editor. There is also the possibility to change themes and modify the app’s design to your liking.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Bear has automatic synchronization, which means that if you also want to use it on your iPhone or iPad, all your notes will immediately sync across your devices. Furthermore, the app has cross-note linking, which allows you to reference other notes, as well as the option to arrange them using hashtags.

Note Taking App Mac - Bear

Note Taking App Mac – Bear

Also Read: Bear vs Evernote >

4. Ulysses

Ulysses is another Mac-only note-taking tool from Apple. Not only that, but Ulysses allows you to establish objectives for your writing sessions, helping you to stay on track and produce more. We enjoy how Ulysses manages to keep its UI clean, essential, and simple to use yet gives a plethora of capabilities.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Markdown, code snippets, and direct publication to different CMS are all supported by Ulysses. It also offers a variety of export options, making it simple to move your notes across applications. All text and notes entered into Ulysses are saved to the unified library.

Note Taking App Mac - Ulysses

Note Taking App Mac – Ulysses

5. Box Notes

Box Notes, an online note-taking program, is making it simpler and quicker for teams to collaborate. Box Notes makes it simple to communicate ideas, follow progress updates, and collaborate on projects – there is no limit to your productivity. You can also access your ideas wherever you want since every Box Note is immediately accessible on the web, mobile, or desktop.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Box Notes has the same security as any other file saved in Box. Every note you make or share is protected by enterprise-grade security and complies with worldwide compliance requirements such as HIPAA and FedRAMP.

Note Taking App Mac - Box Notes

Note Taking App Mac – Box Notes

The Best Note Taking App for Android

The best note-taking app for Android devices is Material Notes. Material Notes is a simple software that lets you make notes, to-do lists, and reminders. They are color-coded and saved inside a card-style interface to keep things structured and make it easier to access essential information. You may also use stars to highlight essential notes, which are kept in a category depending on the urgency of tasks.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It ensures that the critical information does not get into the wrong hands and establishes a four-digit pin for all your notes. Furthermore, the software enables you to effortlessly and quickly import material from other devices. Material Notes is a free download with in-app purchases for extra functionality.

The Best Note Taking App for Android - Material Notes

The Best Note Taking App for Android – Material Notes

Material Notes Alternatives

If you’re looking for Material Notes alternatives, the following tools will come in handy:

1. Keep My Notes

Keep My Notes is an Android note-taking software with various useful features. To begin, you may generate handwritten notes using a finger or a pen and notes utilizing the built-in text-to-speech capability. There are additional formatting choices to bold, underline, or italicize your notes and the ability to add audio to your notes. Even better, you can password lock notes for increased protection.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It allows you to modify the font size and color while entering text for your notes in the first place, which is quite useful. Keep My Notes is a useful small software that backs up to the cloud.

Note Taking App Android - Keep My Notes

Note Taking App Android – Keep My Notes

2. Bundled Notes

The freedom to arrange your notes in any way you choose is the finest feature of any note app, and Bundled Notes meets that criteria well, making it one of the best note applications for Android. Bundles (organized notebooks) may be created for any set of objects, such as college notes, personal thoughts, game collections, movie lists, chores, and many other things. This is one feature that distinguishes the app from others, and it is unique.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Bundled Notes is an excellent choice if you want a notes app that also functions as a web application. The program is well-designed, with an enticing UI that will hook you straight away.

Note Taking App Android - Bundled Notes

Note Taking App Android – Bundled Notes

3. Flexcil Notes & PDF Reader

With Flexcil, you don’t have to switch between tabs to take notes while studying with this software because you can choose up to four different page views for your notes in the app’s window. This makes taking notes for academic purposes easier. When necessary, you can also make notes on audio recordings. You can also download it from Google Play and enjoy it on your Android.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Flexcil is simple to use and has a simple interface. The app is constantly being updated, and new features are being added to make taking notes easier.

Flexcil Notes & PDF Reader

Flexcil Notes & PDF Reader

4. Joplin

Joplin allows you to draw diagrams and write mathematical calculations, something many note-taking applications do not. Another feature of the Joplin app is the option to personalize the appearance of your notes. This application has the unique capability of automatically saving the history of your notes for 90 days.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

Joplin is the greatest open-source, easy note-taking tool available for free. The app includes many functions and is accessible on all major app store platforms. All file kinds, including photos, videos, music, and PDFs, are supported by this program.

Joplin Note Taking & To-do App

Joplin Note Taking & To-do App

5. Upnote

Upnote is available on all platforms, allowing users to access it from any device. Yes, your notes are automatically synchronized across all of your devices. The text format may also be tailored to your tastes, allowing you to give your eyes exactly what they need.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It helps you to enhance your productivity and organize yourself. It provides a simple interface for taking notes and a variety of designs to assist you in taking notes without getting distracted by other things. Upnote’s new tag function allows you to arrange your notes as well. Moreover, it also works on all platforms.

Upnote

Upnote

The Best Note Taking App for iPhone/iPad

The best note-taking app for iPhone/iPad is Notability. Notability is generally recognized as one of the greatest iPad note-taking applications, owing to its simple UI and tremendous capabilities. Notes are no longer notes when you can include multimedia such as music and video. It combines multiple distinct kinds of note-taking applications for the iPad, allowing you to take notes, keep a diary, or use additional tools like ink and highlighter. It supports not only note-taking but also PDF annotation.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

It’s a useful tool for students and experts who spend a lot of time analyzing and working with PDF files. Templates are provided to assist you in getting started, or you can just submit your file or slide. For added convenience, the app is Pencil-compatible.

Best Note Taking App for iPhone/iPad - Notability

Best Note Taking App for iPhone/iPad – Notability

5 Alternatives to Notability 

1. Nebo

If you have an Apple Pencil and want to utilize it with your new iPad note-taking software, Nebo provides complete pen compatibility. It uses cutting-edge AI technology to provide the choice of handwritten notes or just annotating where you see appropriate. Nebo supports 66 languages, transforming your scrawled notes into elegant notes.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

You can import a file since the software supports PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. Whatever way you want, you can simply shift from handwriting to text to dictation, even within the same word, to making transcribing a snap.

Nebo Note Taking App from iPhone/iPad

Nebo Note Taking App from iPhone/iPad

2. GoodNotes 5

GoodNotes 5 is digital note-taking software that can be used on mobile devices or the web to digitize paper notes and make them easier to manage. Teams can use it to make mind maps, annotate PDFs and PowerPoints, and set up hierarchical folder structures. It lets users make unique notepads out of standard ones by syncing their data with the iOS application.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

One of the major reasons to choose GoodNotes 5 over its rivals is the number of organizing capabilities. GoodNotes 5, by default, enables you to create Notebooks and keep anything inside them. This differs from a product like Notability or Apple Notes, where the program limits your ability to organize.

Goodnote 5 Note Taking App from iPhone/iPad

GoodNote 5 Note Taking App from iPhone/iPad

3. LiquidText

The next taking app on our list is LiquiText, which enables you to highlight the text. It generates a dynamic network diagram of all the links between your notes and the materials you’re working from, opening new ways to spot connections that conventional reading and note-taking methods miss.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

LiquidText is based more on the learning tools created for parsing PDFs and other documents. Moreover, research has also assisted LiquidText, unlike other conventional apps.

LiquidText Note Taking App from iPhone/iPad

LiquidText Note Taking App from iPhone/iPad

4. MarginNote 3

MarginNote 3 enables you to create a single set of notes from different sources or files, which is useful if you have numerous books in a series or papers where you need to merge notes. It enables you to clip notes, make flashcards or mind maps, and create study plans.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

One of the most compelling reasons to use MarginNote 3 is that much of the mind-mapping creation can be done cleanly and crisply, with straight lines and blocks that seem sharp and ordered.

Marginnote

Marginnote

5. CollaNote

Developed by Quoc Huy Nguyen, CollaNote is a free alternative to traditional note-taking software. It lets you choose the perfect layout for your new notebook from one of 76 customizable paper layouts. Additionally, both ballpoint and fountain pens are available for use with CollaNote. It will take a lot of highlighting in different places to have the same effect of reducing the brightness of your notes.

Key Features

Reasons to Choose

CollaNote is the only software we found that actively differentiates between a pen and a pencil, creating an entirely distinct writing experience.

Collanote

Collanote

Is Google Keep Better than Evernote?

Evernote is better than Google Keep. The primary difference between Google Keep and Evernote is that Evernote connects with several third-party programs, including Google Drive, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook, while Google Keep interfaces exclusively with Google Apps. Furthermore, it may be linked to thousands of other applications using Zapier.

What is the Best Note-taking App for Students?

NoteLedge is a top iOS and Android note-taking application for better study and research. The program is fantastic and has taken note-taking to the next level, providing users with a significant productivity increase. Use NoteLedge for taking notes, reviewing documents, bullet journaling, or modifying textbook pages.

Final Words

Whether it’s a study or professional life, note-taking is necessary for people in every aspect. And with the introduction of apps to take notes, this has become much easier and more creative. Moreover, we hope that you’ve found the Best Note Taking App after reading this article.

author

The Gemoo Team is committed to building products that help people effectively communicate and collaborate.