I Examined 7 Finest Notice Taking Apps: Right here’s My Palms-On Overview!

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

Over time, my word taking habits have advanced— 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 recent 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 will help you handle your total life. One of the best half? There’s one thing on the market for everybody, regardless of your fashion or wants.

In case you’re trying to stage up your word taking sport or interested in what these word taking apps can supply, 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, report 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 quite than a chore. As soon as you discover the appropriate word 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 write down issues down, or somebody trying to arrange your ideas successfully, I hope my perspective helps you discover the right device 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 might choose feature-rich apps. Determining which instruments are price investing time (and generally cash) into is essential. Listed here 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. Fundamental textual content formatting choices like daring, italics, bullet factors, and headers ought to be straightforward to make use of. Some apps additionally help tables, checklists, and markdown formatting for extra structured notes.

  In case you continuously connect photos, hyperlinks, or paperwork, see how effectively the app integrates multimedia components. An intuitive textual content editor ought to permit you to concentrate on capturing your ideas with out getting slowed down by formatting limitations. I examined the instruments based mostly 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 excellent note-taking app ought to sync seamlessly throughout a number of units, making certain you’ll be able to entry your notes whether or not you are utilizing a smartphone, pill, or laptop. Being attentive to how rapidly modifications made on one gadget replicate on one other. Delayed syncing can disrupt workflow and result in inconsistencies. I additionally checked out how effectively the app performs throughout totally different working techniques—some apps work higher on Apple units, whereas others have stronger help for Home windows or Android.

  A really versatile means that you can take notes anyplace, with out worrying about gadget compatibility. Notes usually have to be accessed on the go, whether or not in your cellphone, pill, or laptop computer. I seemed for the sync options of the highest apps.

• Voice and audio integration: Some note-taking apps supply built-in voice recording, making them supreme for capturing lectures, conferences, or brainstorming periods. In case you depend on audio notes, take a look at whether or not the app means that you can report whereas taking notes concurrently. Some superior instruments, like Otter.ai and Notability, even present computerized 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 flexibility to rapidly discover data inside an app is simply as vital as taking notes within the first place. A powerful search perform ought to be capable to find notes utilizing key phrases, tags, and even handwritten textual content (if OCR expertise is supported). Some superior apps permit you to filter outcomes by date, word sort, or class, making retrieval much more environment friendly. In case you continuously take intensive notes, testing how effectively the search perform performs is crucial to make sure you gained’t waste time digging via outdated 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 effectively apps deal with multimedia components like photos, movies, sketches, and audio recordings, as these improve the flexibility of note-taking. Notes are now not restricted to textual content. The flexibility 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 many who choose handwritten notes, stylus help is a game-changer. Some apps permit for pure handwriting enter and even supply handwriting-to-text conversion. A superb handwriting-supported app ought to present clean pen strokes, customizable pen kinds, and the power to spotlight and annotate immediately on paperwork or PDFs. In case you use an Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or one other stylus, take a look at how responsive the app is to your handwriting fashion.
• Collaboration and sharing: Collaboration options could be extremely helpful, particularly for groups or college students who work on shared notes. Some apps permit 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 totally different permission ranges, similar to “view-only” or “edit” entry. In case you usually share notes with others, see if the app permits straightforward 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 elements that guided my testing and analysis course of. My record accommodates choices that cater to totally 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
• Enable customers to create and retailer a number of notes
• Present restricted performance for lists, similar to entry cross-off or examine bins
• Supply collaborative note-taking instruments or word sharing

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

In case you 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 mission monitoring wants, I really like how versatile it’s. Want a to-do record? Finished. An in depth mission tracker? Straightforward. A spot to handle your group’s workflow, consumer databases, or perhaps a private studying record? Notion’s obtained you coated. 

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 cling of it, it’s a sport changer for certain. Notion is a kind of instruments you need to use each personally and professionally. Right here’s a method I exploit Notion to trace my day by day duties. 

One other game-changer? Customized templates & automation. I don’t should 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 flexibility 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 cope with clunky menus.

Whereas Notion does a lot proper, it isn’t excellent. 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 infinite potentialities. 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 once I’m touring or working in a spot with poor web. Whereas lately accessed pages stay accessible, it’s not as seamless as I’d like.

Efficiency is one other subject when dealing with giant quantities of knowledge. In case you go overboard with nesting pages and databases, issues begin to decelerate. It’s not a deal-breaker, nevertheless it’s one thing to remember if you happen to depend on Notion for heavy-duty mission administration.

What I dislike about Notion: 

• After I first began utilizing Notion, I felt overwhelmed. It’s not the type of device you’ll be able to simply decide up and use effortlessly; I needed to watch tutorials and experiment quite a bit earlier than I felt snug.
• Notion is nice when I’ve an web connection, however once I’m offline, it’s irritating. I can solely entry 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 effectively, and it has a problem when my web is just not too steady. It has solely delayed me once 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 Overview, Ron H. 

First off, the benefit of use with regards to Google Workspace is unbelievable. Every little 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 monitor modifications with out ever hitting the save button. It’s all cloud-based, which suggests I can entry my recordsdata from anyplace—whether or not I’m on my laptop computer, cellphone, and even borrowing a pal’s gadget.

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

One other huge win? Google Meet. It’s a stable video conferencing device, 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 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 educational curve. In case you’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 the whole lot 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 generally 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) could be limiting for particular use circumstances.”

– Google Workspace Overview, 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 arrange my assembly notes. One of many greatest benefits is its extremely correct transcription, which makes reviewing conversations easy. I additionally love the way it mechanically 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 infinite recordsdata. Plus, the seamless integrations with Zoom, Groups, and GoTo make it tremendous handy to make use of in my day by day workflow.

That stated, there are some things that might be improved. Whereas I personally haven’t confronted main points, I would love 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’ll be able to entry the transcript and abstract particulars! There’s a function on the high to seek for notes. 

What I dislike about Fathom: 

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

What G2 customers dislike about Fathom: 

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

– Fathom Overview, Rohit W.

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

First off, the activity administration options are completely sensible. You possibly can 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’ll be able to 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 if you happen to’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 all the time load as rapidly as you’d like, particularly throughout peak work hours.

The studying curve is price mentioning. Whereas the fundamentals are straightforward, 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 shortcoming so as to add each subtasks and predominant duties throughout totally different sprints, which is a standard 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 the way 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 predominant duties and subtasks to totally different sprints. For note-taking in an agile atmosphere, this was a noticeable disadvantage since I usually arrange assembly notes into totally different motion gadgets.
• Though I respect ClickUp’s means to combine with different apps, some integrations have been tough to arrange. I struggled with sure configurations.

What G2 customers dislike about ClickUp: 

“Wrestle to seek out one of the best ways to have a spot of simply note-taking throughout the name. I lump them collectively beneath totally 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 Overview, 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 via freeform note-taking, embedded media, or a well-organized pocket book format. The combination with different Microsoft instruments like Phrase, Excel, and Outlook makes my workflow a lot smoother, and the power to sync throughout units 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 due to the highly effective search device that scans each typed and handwritten notes. 

From a technical perspective, OneNote’s efficiency could be inconsistent. Often, it turns into sluggish and unresponsive, notably when dealing with giant notebooks with loads of embedded media. One other subject is the shortage of superior export choices—whereas OneNote integrates effectively throughout the Microsoft ecosystem, exporting notes into different codecs can generally 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 units or working offline. There have been moments the place my modifications 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 fundamental formatting, it does not have as many options as another note-taking/ phrase processing utility.”

– Microsoft OneNote Overview, Jasmine Ok.

One of many issues I really like most about Fellow is the power 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 loads of time when reviewing assembly outcomes. The flexibility 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 device, it generally feels extra like a private to-do record quite than a fully-fledged note-taking app. For many who depend on intensive word group past conferences, it would really feel a bit restricted. Moreover, among 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 generally be irritating. 
• In case you’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. 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 may simply get misplaced. The AI options are cool, however their accuracy, particularly round motion gadgets, is low.” 

– Fellow Overview, Verified person in laptop 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 straightforward to doc assembly summaries, to-do lists, and mission concepts. The flexibility to collaborate in real-time with my group has additionally been a game-changer—everybody can contribute to shared notes, eliminating the necessity for infinite e mail chains and fragmented discussions.

That stated, there are a couple of limitations. Formatting choices are considerably restricted, which could be irritating once 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 units is not all the time prompt. There have been instances once I’ve made updates on my laptop computer that didn’t instantly replicate on my cellphone, requiring a guide refresh. This isn’t a serious subject however could be annoying once I want fast entry to the newest 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 could make multitasking approach simpler, particularly once 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 quite than in a browser tab like earlier than. It makes doc group messier – it is also attainable 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 Overview, 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.