I Examined 7 Greatest Observe Taking Apps: Right here’s My Arms-On Assessment!

I’ve all the time been a note-taker. Whether or not it’s a fast grocery record, a random concept I don’t need to overlook, or a full-blown define for a mission, jotting issues down appears like my method of creating sense of the chaos.

Over time, my notice taking habits have developed— from scribbling in numerous notebooks to typing furiously on my cellphone when inspiration strikes on the most inconvenient instances. And whereas I nonetheless love the texture of pen on paper, I can’t deny the magic of contemporary note-taking apps. They’re like an extension of my mind, solely far more organized.

What I’ve realized is that not all one of the best notice taking apps are created equal. Some are modern and easy, whereas others are feature-packed and designed that will help you handle your complete life. The perfect half? There’s one thing on the market for everybody, irrespective of your type or wants.

If you happen to’re trying to degree up your notice taking sport or interested in what these notice taking apps can supply, this record would possibly simply be the productiveness increase you’ve been ready for. Let’s dive into the record of one of the best notice taking apps!

7 finest notice taking apps I examined and cherished!

For me, one of the best note-taking apps are like having a private assistant in my pocket—they assist me seize concepts, keep organized, and even remind me of issues I’d in any other case overlook. 

Some instruments are extremely versatile, letting you sketch, report audio, or collaborate with others, whereas others shine of their simplicity, specializing in simply jotting issues down rapidly. What I’ve observed is that one of the best note-taking instruments are those that match seamlessly into your routine, making note-taking really feel easy reasonably than a chore. As soon as you discover the best notice taking software program, it’s exhausting to think about the way you ever managed with out it.

Whether or not you’re somebody like me who loves to jot down issues down, or somebody trying to manage your ideas successfully, I hope my perspective helps you discover the proper software on your wants. 

What makes one of the best notice taking apps value it? My perspective

Testing note-taking apps is about discovering what works finest for you. A few of you would possibly want easy and quick options whereas some could want feature-rich apps. Determining which instruments are value investing time (and typically cash) into is essential. Listed below are some elements I prioritized whereas evaluating these instruments. 

• Writing and enhancing expertise: A note-taking app ought to supply a clean and versatile writing expertise. Primary textual content formatting choices like daring, italics, bullet factors, and headers needs to be simple to make use of. Some apps additionally help tables, checklists, and markdown formatting for extra structured notes.

  If you happen to ceaselessly connect pictures, hyperlinks, or paperwork, see how effectively the app integrates multimedia parts. An intuitive textual content editor ought to will let you concentrate on capturing your ideas with out getting slowed down by formatting limitations. I examined the instruments primarily based on the writing and enhancing expertise they provide, how seamless the method is, and the way simply I can format my notes.

• Cross-device syncing: An important note-taking app ought to sync seamlessly throughout a number of gadgets, making certain you may entry your notes whether or not you are utilizing a smartphone, pill, or laptop. Being attentive to how rapidly adjustments made on one gadget mirror on one other. Delayed syncing can disrupt workflow and result in inconsistencies. I additionally checked out how effectively the app performs throughout completely different working techniques—some apps work higher on Apple gadgets, whereas others have stronger help for Home windows or Android.

  A very versatile lets you take notes wherever, with out worrying about gadget compatibility. Notes usually must be accessed on the go, whether or not in your cellphone, pill, or laptop computer. I appeared for the sync options of the highest apps.

• Voice and audio integration: Some note-taking apps supply built-in voice recording, making them ultimate for capturing lectures, conferences, or brainstorming classes. If you happen to depend on audio notes, take a look at whether or not the app lets you report whereas taking notes concurrently. Some superior instruments, like Otter.ai and Notability, even present automated transcription, changing speech into textual content. This function is especially helpful for college kids and professionals who want correct assembly minutes or lecture summaries.
• Search and retrieval effectivity: The power to rapidly discover data inside an app is simply as necessary as taking notes within the first place. A powerful search operate ought to have the ability to find notes utilizing key phrases, tags, and even handwritten textual content (if OCR know-how is supported). Some superior apps will let you filter outcomes by date, notice kind, or class, making retrieval much more environment friendly. If you happen to ceaselessly take intensive notes, testing how effectively the search operate performs is crucial to make sure you gained’t waste time digging via previous entries. I appeared for apps with highly effective search options, like key phrase search, scanned paperwork, and filters to find notes by date, tags, or content material kind. Because the variety of notes grows, discovering what you want rapidly turns into a problem.
• Media integration: I examined how effectively apps deal with multimedia parts like pictures, movies, sketches, and audio recordings, as these improve the flexibility of note-taking. Notes are now not restricted to textual content. The power to embed pictures, sketches, movies, or audio permits customers to seize concepts in no matter format fits the context, making the app extra versatile and creative-friendly.
• Stylus help: For individuals who want handwritten notes, stylus help is a game-changer. Some apps enable for pure handwriting enter and even supply handwriting-to-text conversion. A great handwriting-supported app ought to present clean pen strokes, customizable pen kinds, and the flexibility to focus on and annotate instantly on paperwork or PDFs. If you happen to use an Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or one other stylus, take a look at how responsive the app is to your handwriting type.
• Collaboration and sharing: Collaboration options could be extremely helpful, particularly for groups or college students who work on shared notes. Some apps enable for real-time collaboration, the place a number of customers can edit the identical notice concurrently—very like Google Docs. Examine whether or not the app helps completely different permission ranges, akin to “view-only” or “edit” entry. If you happen to usually share notes with others, see if the app permits simple exporting in a number of codecs like PDF, Phrase, or Markdown. Sturdy collaboration instruments be certain that teamwork and communication stay seamless.

These are the primary elements that guided my testing and analysis course of. My record accommodates choices that cater to completely different wants and budgets. Whether or not you’re a person person or trying to jot group assembly notes and collaborate, there’s an answer current. 

To be included on this class, an answer should:

• Create editable, text-based paperwork
• Permit customers to create and retailer a number of notes
• Present restricted performance for lists, akin to entry cross-off or verify packing containers
• Supply collaborative note-taking instruments or notice sharing

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some opinions could have been edited for readability.  

1. Notion

If you happen to love staying organized and having all of your notes in a single place, Notion would possibly simply be your new favourite factor.

As somebody who makes use of Notion for all my note-taking and mission monitoring wants, I really like how versatile it’s. Want a to-do record? Executed. An in depth mission tracker? Straightforward. A spot to handle your group’s workflow, shopper databases, or perhaps a private studying record? Notion’s acquired you lined. 

Whereas it might take a while to regulate to all of Notion’s options (there’s a lot you are able to do!), when you get the hold of it, it’s a sport changer for positive. Notion is a kind of instruments you should use each personally and professionally. Right here’s a technique I exploit Notion to trace my each day duties. 

One other game-changer? Customized templates & automation. I don’t need to reinvent the wheel each time I arrange a brand new mission or workflow. I exploit templates that pre-fill fields, dashing up my course of dramatically. The power to create database templates is particularly helpful for issues like content material calendars and recurring duties.

For these of us who love textual content formatting, Notion helps Markdown and wealthy textual content. It even permits for code blocks with syntax highlighting, which is a big plus for builders conserving documentation in a single place. I really like the truth that I can write freely and format simply with out having to take care of clunky menus.

Whereas Notion does a lot proper, it isn’t good. The studying curve is actual—it takes time to determine one of the simplest ways to construction your workflow, and new customers can really feel overwhelmed by the limitless prospects. I positively needed to watch tutorials to get essentially the most out of it. After which there’s the offline limitation. Notion isn’t a real offline-first app, which could be irritating after I’m touring or working in a spot with poor web. Whereas just lately accessed pages stay obtainable, it’s not as seamless as I’d like.

Efficiency is one other problem when dealing with giant quantities of information. If you happen to go overboard with nesting pages and databases, issues begin to decelerate. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it surely’s one thing to bear in mind when you depend on Notion for heavy-duty mission administration.

What I dislike about Notion: 

• Once I first began utilizing Notion, I felt overwhelmed. It’s not the form of software you may simply decide up and use effortlessly; I needed to watch tutorials and experiment loads earlier than I felt comfy.
• Notion is nice when I’ve an web connection, however after I’m offline, it’s irritating. I can solely entry just lately opened pages, and actual offline performance continues to be missing.

What G2 customers dislike about Notion: 

“The one drawback with the offline mode in Notion is that it doesn’t work too effectively, and it has a problem when my web just isn’t too steady. It has solely delayed me after I wanted these notes throughout a gathering. The search performance is one other downside because it fails to hint older information. The options are additionally difficult with crusing, so it makes onboarding slower for brand spanking new group members, which in flip will get in the way in which of effectivity with workflow.”

– Notion Assessment, Ron H. 

2. Google Workspace

First off, the benefit of use in terms of Google Workspace is unbelievable. Every thing simply works. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make collaboration easy. I can actually see my group making edits in actual time, depart feedback, and observe adjustments with out ever hitting the save button. It’s all cloud-based, which suggests I can entry my information from wherever—whether or not I’m on my laptop computer, cellphone, and even borrowing a good friend’s gadget.

Talking of entry, Google Drive is a lifesaver. It integrates completely with Gmail, making it tremendous simple to connect information, share paperwork, and manage every part. And let’s not overlook Types—in all probability one of the crucial underrated instruments within the suite. I exploit it for surveys, suggestions assortment, and even easy information entry duties.

One other massive win? Google Meet. It’s a strong video conferencing software, and because it’s constructed into Gmail and Calendar, scheduling and becoming a member of conferences is a breeze. I don’t must obtain further software program—simply click on a hyperlink, and I’m in.

Whereas Google Workspace integrates effectively inside its personal ecosystem, connecting it to third-party instruments (like CRMs) isn’t all the time seamless. Some integrations really feel clunky, and I’ve run into occasional compatibility points.

Lastly, the training curve. If you happen to’re used to Microsoft Workplace, switching over can really feel a bit bizarre at first. Some options work otherwise, and there are minor limitations (like fewer superior formatting choices in Docs in comparison with Phrase).

What I dislike about Google Workspace: 

• It’s nice for fast notes, however I’d love folders or higher tagging choices to maintain every part structured.
• Google’s note-taking instruments don’t supply superior stylus help or handwriting-to-text conversion.

What G2 customers dislike about Google Workspace: 

“The search performance inside Google Drive could be irritating, because it typically struggles with finding older information or paperwork with generic names. Moreover, the shortage of some superior options in comparison with desktop software program (e.g., Excel for energy customers) could be limiting for particular use instances.”

– Google Workspace Assessment, Verified person in medical companies.  

3. Fathom 

I’ve been utilizing Fathom, and I’ve to say—it’s been a game-changer in how I seize and manage my assembly notes. One of many greatest benefits is its extremely correct transcription, which makes reviewing conversations easy. I additionally love the way it routinely generates notes and motion gadgets, saving me tons of time. The search performance is extremely highly effective, permitting me to immediately discover previous discussions with out digging via limitless information. Plus, the seamless integrations with Zoom, Groups, and GoTo make it tremendous handy to make use of in my each day workflow.

That mentioned, there are some things that may very well be improved. Whereas I personally haven’t confronted main points, I would really like a bigger display view. There are occasional minor glitches, however nothing that has considerably disrupted my expertise.

See the underside left? That’s the place you may entry the transcript and abstract particulars! There’s a function on the high to seek for notes. 

What I dislike about Fathom: 

• I’ve observed that the app’s digicam stays on throughout conferences, which could be distracting and pointless.
• I’ve observed that fathom typically lacks voice recognition skills, which could be a problem when a number of customers are talking.

What G2 customers dislike about Fathom: 

“Relating to the forms of conferences with which Fathom works most successfully, I’ve recognized two major points – first, the occasional lack of voice differentiation in giant group conferences, and second, the failure to separate voices if individuals speak concurrently. It might even be much more highly effective if its transcription accuracy may very well be enhanced in such circumstances.“

– Fathom Assessment, Rohit W.

4. ClickUp

I have been utilizing ClickUp for some time now, and general, it has been a terrific expertise. One of many issues I admire essentially the most is how effectively the product and tech groups work collectively to constantly enhance the platform. The design is crisp, clear, and simple to navigate, which makes it a pleasure to make use of. 

First off, the process administration options are completely sensible. You may create duties and subtasks and even break issues down right into a hierarchy that works for you. There is a ton of flexibility, which suggests you may tailor it to match your workflow completely. The collaboration instruments are a game-changer. I additionally examined out the whiteboard! With options like feedback on duties, file sharing, and real-time updates, it appears like the entire group is on the identical web page, even when you’re unfold throughout the globe. 

That mentioned, some customers (and I’ve observed this myself) complain about occasional slowness or bugs. For instance, sure options—just like the Gantt charts—don’t all the time load as rapidly as you’d like, particularly throughout peak work hours.

The studying curve is value mentioning. Whereas the fundamentals are simple, mastering superior options like automation and detailed studies would possibly take a little bit of trial and error. One of many extra irritating limitations is the shortcoming so as to add each subtasks and major duties throughout completely different sprints, which is a typical want in agile workflows. Moreover, the way in which filters and the “Me Mode” work just isn’t very intuitive—it took a number of help conversations to determine easy methods to correctly view solely assigned duties. Synchronization additionally doesn’t all the time replace in real-time, requiring guide refreshes all through the day to make sure the newest model of the dashboard is seen. 

What I dislike about ClickUp: 

• One of many greatest frustrations I encountered was the shortcoming to assign major duties and subtasks to completely different sprints. For note-taking in an agile atmosphere, this was a noticeable downside since I usually manage assembly notes into completely different motion gadgets.
• Though I admire ClickUp’s capability to combine with different apps, some integrations have been troublesome to arrange. I struggled with sure configurations.

What G2 customers dislike about ClickUp: 

“Battle to seek out one of the simplest ways to have a spot of simply note-taking throughout the name. I lump them collectively below completely different duties I’ve opened beforehand. Usually I discover myself working from the identical 5-8 duties and simply depart notes as we go.”

– ClickUp Assessment, Stephan B.

5. Microsoft OneNote

One of many issues I really like most about Microsoft OneNote is its flexibility—it permits me to construction my notes precisely how I would like, whether or not via freeform note-taking, embedded media, or a well-organized pocket book structure. The mixing with different Microsoft instruments like Phrase, Excel, and Outlook makes my workflow a lot smoother, and the flexibility to sync throughout gadgets ensures that I all the time have entry to my notes, whether or not I am on my laptop computer, pill, or cellphone.

One other main plus is its search performance. Discovering particular notes, even from years in the past, is easy because of the highly effective search software that scans each typed and handwritten notes. 

From a technical perspective, OneNote’s efficiency could be inconsistent. Often, it turns into gradual and unresponsive, significantly when dealing with giant notebooks with lots of embedded media. One other problem is the shortage of superior export choices—whereas OneNote integrates effectively throughout the Microsoft ecosystem, exporting notes into different codecs can typically be cumbersome and restricted. 

What I dislike about Microsoft OneNote: 

• Whereas the cloud-based sync is helpful, it’s not all the time dependable, particularly when switching between a number of gadgets or working offline. There have been moments the place my adjustments took longer to replace, inflicting slight workflow disruptions.
• There are occasions when OneNote turns into sluggish or throws errors like “quota exceeded,” making it tougher to work easily.

What G2 customers dislike about Microsoft OneNote: 

“What I dislike about Microsoft Onenote is the shortage of superior formatting choices. Whereas does provides primary formatting, it does not have as many options as another note-taking/ phrase processing software.”

– Microsoft OneNote Assessment, Jasmine Okay.

6. Fellow

One of many issues I really like most about Fellow is the flexibility to assign motion gadgets and observe them effortlessly. Having all my assembly notes in a single place, with clear follow-ups, has considerably improved my workflow. The built-in templates are one other main plus—they make structuring my notes a lot simpler, making certain that I don’t miss essential factors throughout discussions.

One other standout function is the AI-powered transcription and summaries. They’re surprisingly correct and save me lots of time when reviewing assembly outcomes. The power to combine with my calendar and collaborate with my group in real-time can also be a giant benefit. It’s a good way to maintain everybody on the identical web page with out juggling a number of apps.

Whereas it really works effectively as a meeting-focused software, it typically feels extra like a private to-do record reasonably than a fully-fledged note-taking app. For individuals who depend on intensive notice group past conferences, it’d really feel a bit restricted. Moreover, among the extra superior options, like personal notes and deeper integrations, are locked behind the paid plans, making the free model considerably restrictive.

I’ve encountered minor sync points and occasional lag when dealing with bigger units of notes. 

What I dislike about Fellow: 

• I discovered that there are occasional bugs or syncing delays, which might typically be irritating. 
• If you happen to’re wanting to make use of it for non-meeting notes, it’s a bit extra restricted in flexibility. Fortunately I used to be utilizing it for work.

What G2 customers dislike about Fellow: 

“How individuals use it. Folks have a tendency so as to add notes as speaking factors within the default template that are by no means checked off. Motion gadgets do not have clear reminders and might simply get misplaced. The AI options are cool, however their accuracy, particularly round motion gadgets, is low.” 

– Fellow Assessment, Verified person in laptop software program. 

7. Lark

One factor I really like about taking notes in Lark is  that I can create structured notes with bullet factors, headings, and attachments, making it simple to doc assembly summaries, to-do lists, and mission concepts. The power to collaborate in real-time with my group has additionally been a game-changer—everybody can contribute to shared notes, eliminating the necessity for limitless electronic mail chains and fragmented discussions.

That mentioned, there are just a few limitations. Formatting choices are considerably restricted, which could be irritating after I need to customise my notes past the fundamentals. Moreover, whereas Lark’s cell app is helpful, it doesn’t supply the identical clean expertise because the desktop model—sure actions, like rapidly accessing saved notes, can really feel barely clunky.

One other draw back is that syncing throughout gadgets is not all the time instantaneous. There have been instances after I’ve made updates on my laptop computer that didn’t instantly mirror on my cellphone, requiring a guide refresh. This isn’t a significant problem however could be annoying after I want fast entry to the newest model of my notes.

One factor that basically stood out (sadly, not in a great way) is the shortage of split-screen or full-screen modes for notes. It might make multitasking method simpler, particularly after I’m referencing slides or different paperwork. 

What I dislike about Lark: 

• I discovered that there have been some challenges with organizing or engaged on notes inside different workflows (e.g., importing/exporting notes or collaborating with non-Lark customers).
• Whereas I really like the built-in communication options, video conferencing tends to lag often, particularly when sharing my display.

What G2 customers dislike about Lark: 

“I might say there are some unintuitive interactions – though minor.

One new function that I’ve a giant gripe with is the default to opening docs in Lark reasonably than in a browser tab like earlier than. It makes doc group messier – it is also doable to layer open docs contained in the Lark UI, so that you’d must “x out” of 3-4 docs inside Lark earlier than seeing the folder hierarchy once more.” 

– Lark Assessment, Tim L. 

Ceaselessly requested questions on one of the best notice taking software program

Have extra questions? Discover extra solutions under.

What’s the finest notice taking app with a stylus? 

For stylus customers, apps that help handwriting and drawing are ultimate. One of many notice taking apps with stylus I’d counsel is Goodnotes. It’s a best choice for handwritten notes with wonderful handwriting recognition and group instruments. Microsoft OneNote works effectively with styluses just like the Apple Pencil and Floor Pen, with options like drawing, highlighting, and handwritten note-to-text conversion.

What’s the finest notice taking app for college kids? 

College students want apps that cater to lectures, assignments, and group. After testing out among the finest notice taking apps, I’d say Notion is a good selection for organizing research supplies, creating databases, and collaborating on group initiatives. Microsoft OneNote, and different instruments could be examined out as effectively. The perfect software program would rely in your particular wants. 

What’s the finest notice taking app for iPad?

The perfect note-taking app for iPad is dependent upon how you intend to make use of it. GoodNotes could be good for handwritten notes with the Apple Pencil, that includes pure writing, templates, and superior group.Testing out the completely different notice taking instruments and software program listed above can assist you determine which is one of the best notice taking app for iPads. 

What’s the finest AI notice taking app?

Most apps have built-in AI capabilities nowadays. Nevertheless, out of the apps I examined out, Notion and Otter.ai are those that stand out in terms of one of the best AI notice taking app. The perfect software program would rely in your particular wants. 

Can I exploit notice taking apps offline? 

Many note-taking apps supply offline performance, permitting you to create and edit notes with out an web connection. Your adjustments will sometimes sync when you reconnect to the web.

How do I select the best notice taking app for me? 

Determine your wants first—whether or not it’s easy note-taking, process administration, or collaboration. Consider apps primarily based on ease of use, options, platform compatibility, and whether or not they align along with your workflow.

Do notice taking apps help multimedia?

Many trendy note-taking apps will let you add pictures, movies, audio recordings, and even sketches, making them versatile instruments for each private {and professional} use.

Time to imply it while you say “famous”

After attempting out quite a lot of notice taking instruments, I’ve realized that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for capturing and organizing concepts. Whether or not I’m jotting down fast ideas, planning initiatives, or managing my day-to-day duties, the best app can utterly remodel the way in which I work. From options like cross-device syncing and multimedia help to AI-powered transcription and collaboration instruments, every app I’ve explored has one thing distinctive to supply.

As soon as I recognized my priorities, discovering the best app grew to become loads simpler. If you happen to’re uncertain the place to begin, I’d advocate making the most of the free plans many of those instruments supply to see what works for you. 

Observe-taking and bettering process administration go hand in hand. Discover the finest process administration software program to extend general enterprise and private productiveness.