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

I’ve at all times been a note-taker. Whether or not it’s a fast grocery record, a random concept I don’t wish to overlook, or a full-blown define for a undertaking, jotting issues down seems like my approach of creating sense of the chaos.

Over time, my word taking habits have developed— from scribbling in numerous notebooks to typing furiously on my telephone when inspiration strikes on the most inconvenient occasions. 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 the very best word taking apps are created equal. Some are glossy and easy, whereas others are feature-packed and designed that can assist you handle your whole life. The very best half? There’s one thing on the market for everybody, irrespective of your type or wants.

If you happen to’re seeking to degree up your word taking recreation or inquisitive about what these word taking apps can provide, this record may simply be the productiveness enhance you’ve been ready for. Let’s dive into the record of the very best word taking apps!

7 finest word taking apps I examined and cherished!

For me, the very 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, file audio, or collaborate with others, whereas others shine of their simplicity, specializing in simply jotting issues down rapidly. What I’ve seen is that the very best note-taking instruments are those that match seamlessly into your routine, making note-taking really feel easy fairly than a chore. As soon as you discover the precise word taking software program, it’s onerous 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 seeking to manage your ideas successfully, I hope my perspective helps you discover the proper software to your wants. 

What makes the very best word taking apps price it? My perspective

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

• Writing and modifying expertise: A note-taking app ought to provide a clean and versatile writing expertise. Fundamental 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 photos, hyperlinks, or paperwork, see how properly the app integrates multimedia parts. An intuitive textual content editor ought to mean you can deal with capturing your ideas with out getting slowed down by formatting limitations. I examined the instruments based mostly on the writing and modifying expertise they provide, how seamless the method is, and the way simply I can format my notes.

• Cross-device syncing: A fantastic note-taking app ought to sync seamlessly throughout a number of gadgets, making certain you possibly can entry your notes whether or not you are utilizing a smartphone, pill, or pc. Listening to how rapidly adjustments made on one system replicate on one other. Delayed syncing can disrupt workflow and result in inconsistencies. I additionally checked out how properly 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 system compatibility. Notes typically must be accessed on the go, whether or not in your telephone, pill, or laptop computer. I seemed for the sync options of the highest apps.

• Voice and audio integration: Some note-taking apps provide built-in voice recording, making them superb for capturing lectures, conferences, or brainstorming periods. If you happen to depend on audio notes, check whether or not the app lets you file 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 students 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 vital as taking notes within the first place. A robust search perform ought to be capable of find notes utilizing key phrases, tags, and even handwritten textual content (if OCR know-how is supported). Some superior apps mean you can filter outcomes by date, word sort, or class, making retrieval much more environment friendly. If you happen to ceaselessly take intensive notes, testing how properly the search perform performs is crucial to make sure you received’t waste time digging by means of previous entries. I seemed for apps with highly effective search options, like key phrase search, scanned paperwork, and filters to find notes by date, tags, or content material sort. Because the variety of notes grows, discovering what you want rapidly turns into a problem.
• Media integration: I examined how properly apps deal with multimedia parts like photos, movies, sketches, and audio recordings, as these improve the flexibility of note-taking. Notes are not restricted to textual content. The power to embed photos, 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 favor handwritten notes, stylus help is a game-changer. Some apps enable for pure handwriting enter and even provide handwriting-to-text conversion. An excellent handwriting-supported app ought to present clean pen strokes, customizable pen kinds, and the flexibility to spotlight and annotate instantly on paperwork or PDFs. If you happen to use an Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or one other stylus, check how responsive the app is to your handwriting type.
• Collaboration and sharing: Collaboration options might 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 word concurrently—very similar to Google Docs. Test whether or not the app helps completely different permission ranges, equivalent to “view-only” or “edit” entry. If you happen to typically share notes with others, see if the app permits simple exporting in a number of codecs like PDF, Phrase, or Markdown. Robust collaboration instruments be sure that teamwork and communication stay seamless.

These are the primary components that guided my testing and analysis course of. My record comprises choices that cater to completely different wants and budgets. Whether or not you’re a person person or seeking 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
• Enable customers to create and retailer a number of notes
• Present restricted performance for lists, equivalent to entry cross-off or verify containers
• Supply collaborative note-taking instruments or word sharing

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

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

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

Whereas it could take a while to regulate to all of Notion’s options (there’s a lot you are able to do!), when you get the grasp of it, it’s a recreation changer for certain. Notion is a type of instruments you should utilize each personally and professionally. Right here’s a technique I exploit Notion to trace my every day duties. 

One other game-changer? Customized templates & automation. I don’t should reinvent the wheel each time I arrange a brand new undertaking or workflow. I exploit templates that pre-fill fields, rushing 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 protecting documentation in a single place. I really like the truth that I can write freely and format simply with out having to cope with 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 best 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 might 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 difficulty when dealing with massive quantities of information. If you happen to go overboard with nesting pages and databases, issues begin to decelerate. It’s not a deal-breaker, nevertheless it’s one thing to remember in the event you depend on Notion for heavy-duty undertaking administration.

What I dislike about Notion: 

• After I first began utilizing Notion, I felt overwhelmed. It’s not the type of software you possibly can simply decide up and use effortlessly; I needed to watch tutorials and experiment so much 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 downside with the offline mode in Notion is that it doesn’t work too properly, and it has a difficulty when my web is just not too steady. It has solely delayed me after I wanted these notes throughout a gathering. The search performance is one other disadvantage because it fails to hint older recordsdata. 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 Evaluate, Ron H. 

First off, the benefit of use in relation to Google Workspace is unimaginable. All the things simply works. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make collaboration easy. I can actually see my group making edits in actual time, depart feedback, and monitor adjustments with out ever hitting the save button. It’s all cloud-based, which suggests I can entry my recordsdata from wherever—whether or not I’m on my laptop computer, telephone, and even borrowing a buddy’s system.

Talking of entry, Google Drive is a lifesaver. It integrates completely with Gmail, making it tremendous simple to connect recordsdata, share paperwork, and manage the whole lot. And let’s not overlook Varieties—most likely one of the crucial underrated instruments within the suite. I exploit it for surveys, suggestions assortment, and even easy knowledge entry duties.

One other large 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 have to obtain additional software program—simply click on a hyperlink, and I’m in.

Whereas Google Workspace integrates properly inside its personal ecosystem, connecting it to third-party instruments (like CRMs) isn’t at all times 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 in another way, 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 the whole lot structured.
• Google’s note-taking instruments don’t provide superior stylus help or handwriting-to-text conversion.

What G2 customers dislike about Google Workspace: 

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

– Google Workspace Evaluate, Verified person in medical providers.  

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 robotically 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 by means of limitless recordsdata. Plus, the seamless integrations with Zoom, Groups, and GoTo make it tremendous handy to make use of in my every day workflow.

That stated, there are some things that could possibly 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 possibly can entry the transcript and abstract particulars! There’s a function on the prime to seek for notes. 

What I dislike about Fathom: 

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

What G2 customers dislike about Fathom: 

“With regards to the varieties of conferences with which Fathom works most successfully, I’ve recognized two foremost points – first, the occasional lack of voice differentiation in massive group conferences, and second, the failure to separate voices if individuals discuss concurrently. It might even be much more highly effective if its transcription accuracy could possibly be enhanced in such circumstances.“

– Fathom Evaluate, Rohit W.

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

First off, the activity administration options are completely sensible. You’ll be able to 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 possibly can 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 seems like the entire group is on the identical web page, even in the event you’re unfold throughout the globe. 

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

The studying curve is price mentioning. Whereas the fundamentals are simple, mastering superior options like automation and detailed stories may take a little bit of trial and error. One of many extra irritating limitations is the lack so as to add each subtasks and foremost duties throughout completely different sprints, which is a typical want in agile workflows. Moreover, the way in which filters and the “Me Mode” work is just not very intuitive—it took a number of help conversations to determine how you can correctly view solely assigned duties. Synchronization additionally doesn’t at all times replace in real-time, requiring guide refreshes all through the day to make sure the most recent model of the dashboard is seen. 

What I dislike about ClickUp: 

• One of many greatest frustrations I encountered was the lack to assign foremost duties and subtasks to completely different sprints. For note-taking in an agile setting, this was a noticeable disadvantage since I typically manage assembly notes into completely different motion gadgets.
• Though I admire ClickUp’s capacity 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 best ways to have a spot of simply note-taking in the course of the name. I lump them collectively below completely different duties I’ve opened beforehand. Typically I discover myself working from the identical 5-8 duties and simply depart notes as we go.”

– ClickUp Evaluate, Stephan B.

One of many issues I really like most about Microsoft OneNote is its flexibility—it permits me to construction my notes precisely how I need, whether or not by means of 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 at all times have entry to my notes, whether or not I am on my laptop computer, pill, or telephone.

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

From a technical perspective, OneNote’s efficiency might be inconsistent. Sometimes, it turns into sluggish and unresponsive, significantly when dealing with massive notebooks with lots of embedded media. One other difficulty is the shortage of superior export choices—whereas OneNote integrates properly 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 beneficial, it’s not at all times 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 more durable 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 presents primary formatting, it would not have as many options as another note-taking/ phrase processing utility.”

– Microsoft OneNote Evaluate, Jasmine Okay.

One of many issues I really like most about Fellow is the flexibility to assign motion gadgets and monitor 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 important 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 properly as a meeting-focused software, it typically feels extra like a private to-do record fairly than a fully-fledged note-taking app. For individuals who depend on intensive word group past conferences, it would really feel a bit restricted. Moreover, a number of the extra superior options, like non-public 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 trying 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 folks use it. Individuals have a tendency so as to add notes as speaking factors within the default template that are by no means checked off. Motion gadgets haven’t got clear reminders and might simply get misplaced. The AI options are cool, however their accuracy, particularly round motion gadgets, is low.” 

– Fellow Evaluate, Verified person in pc software program. 

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 undertaking 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 e-mail chains and fragmented discussions.

That stated, there are a couple of limitations. Formatting choices are considerably restricted, which might be irritating after I wish to customise my notes past the fundamentals. Moreover, whereas Lark’s cellular app is beneficial, it doesn’t provide 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 at all times on the spot. There have been occasions after I’ve made updates on my laptop computer that didn’t instantly replicate on my telephone, requiring a guide refresh. This isn’t a serious difficulty however might be annoying after I want fast entry to the most recent model of my notes.

One factor that actually stood out (sadly, not in a great way) is the shortage of split-screen or full-screen modes for notes. It might make multitasking approach 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 sometimes, 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 fairly than in a browser tab like earlier than. It makes doc group messier – it is also potential to layer open docs contained in the Lark UI, so that you’d have to “x out” of 3-4 docs inside Lark earlier than seeing the folder hierarchy once more.” 

– Lark Evaluate, Tim L. 

Notice-taking and enhancing activity administration go hand in hand. Discover the finest activity administration software program to extend general enterprise and private productiveness.