10 Best Apps For Note Taking


Contents

The 10 Best Apps for Note Taking guide is your ultimate companion for harnessing the power of your iPhone to enhance your note-taking experience. In an age where traditional pen and paper meet digital innovation, these apps offer a diverse range of features to cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you’re a student looking to organize your class notes, a professional in need of a comprehensive productivity tool, or simply someone who values the convenience of digital note-taking, this guide has you covered. From apps that replicate the feel of writing on paper to those that offer advanced features like audio recording and cloud syncing, you’ll discover the perfect note-taking app to boost your efficiency and creativity. Say goodbye to scattered notebooks and hello to a more organized, efficient, and environmentally friendly note-taking journey with the best apps for Note Taking.

1. Nebo

Nebo is a remarkable note-taking app that stands out for its exceptional handwriting recognition capabilities. Its intuitive interface and easy-to-use tools make digital note-taking feel as natural as writing with a pen and paper.

Nebo also offers robust organization features, enabling you to create notebooks, sections, and pages for efficient note management. Moreover, it supports diagrams, sketches, and mathematical equations, making it an excellent choice for students, professionals, and creatives alike. The app’s ability to export notes in various formats, including Word and PDF, enhances its versatility.

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App Features

  • Sync your Nebo notes to view on iPhone.
  • Search your entire library, including handwriting and annotations.
  • Copy/paste content into other apps.
  • Export pages to various formats for sharing.
  • Requires access to cloud sync in Nebo and a free MyScript account.
  • Highly praised by users and tech experts.
  • Respects user privacy by not storing content without consent.
Pros

  • Seamless sync with Nebo library.
  • Comprehensive search functionality.
  • Easy copy/paste into other apps.
  • Versatile export options.

Cons

  • Requires cloud sync in Nebo and a MyScript account.
  • Limited to viewing and sharing read-only notes.

2. Notability

Notability is a highly acclaimed note-taking app that truly lives up to its name. Its smooth and responsive handwriting experience, coupled with the ability to annotate PDFs and create organized notebooks, makes it a standout choice for students and professionals alike.

The app also supports audio recording, providing a comprehensive solution for capturing and organizing your ideas, lectures, or meetings. Notability’s synchronization across multiple devices ensures that your notes are always accessible when you need them.

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App Features

  • Versatile note-taking with customizable paper templates and multi-media tools.
  • Lifelike digital pencil for natural handwriting and sketching.
  • Organize notes with customizable subjects and dividers.
  • Audio recording synced to notes for lectures and meetings.
  • Presentation mode for distraction-free sharing.
  • Multi-note multitasking with drag and drop support.
  • Import and mark-up PDFs, DOCs, PPTs, images, and more.
  • Create searchable PDFs using Document Scan.
  • Publish and share notes in the Notability Gallery.
Pros

  • Audio recording synced to notes.
  • Presentation mode for distraction-free sharing.
  • Ability to import and mark-up various document types.
  • Access to a community of shared notes and templates.

Cons

  • Some features require a paid subscription.
  • Limited cross-platform compatibility

3. Goodnotes

GoodNotes is a standout note-taking app that seamlessly bridges the gap between digital and traditional paper note-taking. With its realistic handwriting experience and a vast array of tools, it has become a favorite among students, professionals, and creatives alike.

Users can choose from various paper templates and writing utensils to create handwritten or typed notes, annotate PDFs, and sketch with precision. The app also features powerful organization capabilities, allowing users to categorize their notes into notebooks and folders for easy retrieval. Seamless iCloud integration ensures that notes are accessible across all Apple devices.

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App Features

  • Create digital notebooks with customizable paper templates.
  • Handwriting and typed text can coexist on the same page.
  • Record audio notes synced to your written content.
  • Organize and search through notes with ease.
  • Edit your text and notes effortlessly.
  • Customize paper templates, add stickers, stamps, and more for creative note-taking.
  • Present notes and content directly from the app.
  • Collaborate and share notebooks with others.
  • Export notes as PDFs and email or print them.
  • Backup notes to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and sync with iCloud across devices.
  • Summarize and perfect typed text using AI.
Pros

  • Convenient presentation capabilities.
  • Collaboration and sharing features.
  • Export notes as PDFs or print them.
  • Cloud backup and cross-device synchronization.

Cons

  • Subscription-based pricing model may not suit all users.
  • Learning curve for new users.

4. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a versatile and powerful digital notebook application that offers users a seamless way to take and organize notes, collaborate on projects, and stay organized across various devices. With its user-friendly interface, users can create notebooks, sections, and pages to structure their notes efficiently. OneNote allows you to type, draw, or even record audio notes, making it suitable for various note-taking styles. It excels in collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a shared notebook simultaneously.

The ability to integrate multimedia elements, like images and links, enhances the note-taking experience. Cross-platform compatibility ensures that your notes are accessible from Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. While the free version offers robust features, Microsoft 365 subscribers enjoy additional benefits, including advanced sharing options and offline access.

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App Features

  • OneNote is a versatile digital notepad for capturing thoughts and ideas.
  • Sync notes across devices via OneDrive for easy access anywhere.
  • Capture a variety of content, including photos of whiteboards and documents.
  • Organize and secure notes with powerful tools, including password protection.
  • Sync colorful sticky notes across devices.
  • Collaborate and share notes in the cloud.
  • Integrated with Microsoft Office for enhanced functionality.
  • Monthly Microsoft 365 subscriptions available for additional features.
  • Data privacy and terms apply as per Microsoft’s policies.
Pros

  • Versatile digital notepad for capturing ideas.
  • Seamless synchronization across devices.
  • Organizational tools for efficient note management.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office for enhanced functionality.

Cons

  • Requires a Microsoft Account.
  • Some advanced features may require a Microsoft 365 subscription.

5. ZoomNotes

ZoomNotes is a comprehensive note-taking app that offers a wide array of features tailored to meet the needs of students, professionals, and creatives alike. Its versatility shines through with support for typed and handwritten notes, sketching, document annotation, and multimedia integration.

Users can organize their notes with customizable notebooks and folders, ensuring efficient information management. ZoomNotes stands out with its exceptional zooming capabilities, allowing users to zoom in for precise detail work or zoom out for a bird’s-eye view of their content. It also offers synchronization options across various cloud services and supports various styluses for a seamless writing experience.

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App Features

  • ZoomNotes is a comprehensive note-taking app with versatile features.
  • It supports handwritten notes, annotations on documents, and digital planning.
  • You can create custom digital planners and use sub-pages for organization.
  • Features include bookmarks, links, split-screen view, and calendar events.
  • It offers a huge zoom range and whiteboard mode.
  • Layers, symbol libraries, and image editing tools are available.
  • You can add typed text, record sounds, and share documents easily.
  • It’s a great tool for presentations and offers numerous customization options.
Pros

  • Comprehensive note-taking with versatile features.
  • Supports handwritten notes, annotations, and digital planning.
  • Customizable digital planners and sub-pages for organization.
  • Offers features like bookmarks, links, split-screen view, and calendar events.

Cons

  • Some features may have a learning curve for new users.
  • It may not be as user-friendly as simpler note-taking apps.

6. Penbook

Penbook offers a delightful digital note-taking experience, making it a versatile choice for both casual users and professionals. Its intuitive interface provides a range of writing tools, including pens, pencils, and highlighters, which simulate the real-life writing experience impressively. Users can choose from various paper templates and customize their notebooks to suit their needs.

Penbook’s multi-touch gestures and smooth ink flow make handwriting and sketching a breeze. Additionally, it supports pressure sensitivity for compatible styluses, enhancing precision. The app also offers advanced features like shape recognition, image and text insertion, and easy organization through folders and tags. While it caters to different writing styles, the absence of some collaborative features might disappoint users seeking extensive collaboration capabilities.

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App Features

  • Penbook is a digital note-taking app compatible with Apple Pencil and other styluses.
  • It offers over 400 customizable stationery types for diverse note-taking needs.
  • Users can import PDFs for annotation and snap strokes to perfect shapes.
  • The Live Paper feature provides interactive stationery options, including planners and trackers.
  • Customizable notebook covers and easy note sharing are available.
  • Some advanced features require a premium subscription, but there’s a generous free version.
  • Penbook Premium offers additional stationery options and regular app updates.
  • The app offers a 7-day free trial for the yearly subscription.
  • Subscriptions can be managed and canceled through Apple ID account settings.
Pros

  • Diverse stationery options.
  • Interactive Live Paper feature.
  • PDF import for annotation.
  • Shape recognition.

Cons

  • Premium subscription required.
  • Yearly billing model.

7. Evernote

Evernote is a versatile and highly regarded note-taking app that excels in organizing your digital life. With a user-friendly interface, it allows you to capture and manage various types of content, including notes, documents, images, web clippings, and more. Its robust search capabilities enable effortless retrieval of information, and the ability to tag, categorize, and cross-reference notes enhances organization.

Evernote’s real strength lies in its cross-platform compatibility, seamlessly syncing your data across devices, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The free version offers essential features, while the premium subscription unlocks additional functionalities like offline access and advanced search.

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App Features

  • Organize your tasks and set reminders with Tasks.
  • Connect Evernote with Google Calendar to sync your schedule.
  • Customizable Home dashboard for quick access to relevant information.
  • Powerful search functionality, including text recognition in images and handwritten notes.
  • Cross-device synchronization for seamless access and work continuity.
  • Paperless options for scanning receipts and documents.
  • Collaboration features for business and team use, including shared Spaces.
  • Educational benefits like organizing lecture notes and assignments in separate notebooks.
Pros

  • Versatile note-taking with various content types.
  • Task management with due dates and reminders.
  • Integration with Google Calendar for schedule alignment.
  • Customizable Home dashboard for quick access.

Cons

  • User interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
  • Limited free storage for basic users.

8. MarginNote

MarginNote is a powerful note-taking and study tool that stands out for its innovative approach to digital note organization. It excels in helping students and professionals extract, annotate, and connect information from various sources such as textbooks, PDFs, and web pages.

With its mind mapping capabilities and versatile annotation tools, MarginNote enables users to create visually engaging and structured notes. The app’s ability to synchronize notes across multiple devices and support for handwriting recognition further enhance its usability. While its feature-rich interface might seem overwhelming initially, it offers a comprehensive solution for those looking to streamline their note-taking and study workflows.

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App Features

  • MarginNote 3 is a feature-rich reading and study app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
  • It integrates PDF/EPUB reading with powerful study tools for annotation, mind mapping, and flashcards.
  • Ideal for students, educators, researchers, and professionals to organize and connect knowledge effectively.
  • Features a clean, redesigned UI with improved performance and support for Apple Pencil.
  • Provides various reading modes, handwriting support, and auto OCR for scanned PDFs.
  • Enables emphasis and cloze note-taking, image occlusion flashcards, and multi-document support.
  • Offers mind maps, document tabs, and split views for efficient knowledge management.
  • Includes iCloud sync, categories, and a 14-day free trial for exploring its capabilities.
  • MarginNote 3 is a versatile tool to enhance your reading and note-taking experience.
Pros

  • Multi-platform support (Mac, iPad, iPhone).
  • Clean and redesigned user interface.
  • Handwriting and Apple Pencil support.
  • iCloud sync for accessibility across devices.

Cons

  • Learning curve for new users.
  • Some advanced features require a premium subscription.

9. Noteshelf

Noteshelf is a versatile note-taking app that offers an excellent digital note-taking experience. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive toolset, it caters to a wide range of users, from students to professionals. You can seamlessly combine handwritten notes with typed text, import PDFs for annotation, and create organized notebooks for various subjects or projects.

The app supports Apple Pencil and offers a smooth and natural writing experience. It also features a variety of paper templates and the ability to customize them to suit your preferences. The syncing capabilities with popular cloud services ensure your notes are accessible across multiple devices. However, some advanced features are locked behind a subscription paywall, and the free version has limitations.

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App Features

  • Diverse note-taking options including lists, checklists, and audio capture.
  • AI-generated handwritten notes through Noteshelf AI.
  • Personalization options for toolbars, paper types, covers, emojis, and stickers.
  • Extensive template library with over 200 templates.
  • Focus mode for distraction-free note-taking.
  • Efficient organization with groups, bookmarks, tags, and content views.
  • Cross-device sync via iCloud and Evernote.
  • Handwritten note search in multiple languages.
  • Automatic backup to various cloud services.
  • Presentation mode for engaging presentations.
  • Access to visual libraries for note illustrations.
Pros

  • Diverse note-taking options and templates.
  • AI-generated handwritten notes with Noteshelf AI.
  • Extensive personalization features.
  • Efficient organization and quick access to notes.

Cons

  • Some features are limited in the free version.
  • Premium features require a one-time fee.

10. CollaNote

CollaNote is a versatile note-taking app that excels in both simplicity and functionality. With a clean and intuitive interface, it offers a seamless note-taking experience for users across various devices. The app allows you to create, edit, and organize notes effortlessly, whether you prefer typing or handwriting.

CollaNote’s standout feature is its real-time collaboration capabilities, making it ideal for team projects and remote work. Users can collaborate on documents, share ideas, and make edits together in real time, enhancing productivity and teamwork. It supports various file formats, including text, images, and drawings, giving you the flexibility to create content-rich notes.

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App Features

  • Versatile toolset with 25 pens and brushes
  • Enhanced writing precision with a cutting-edge ink engine
  • Smart dark mode for optimal visibility in any lighting
  • Calming writing ASMR for a soothing note-taking experience
  • Audio recording and playback synced with handwritten notes
  • Note security with password protection
  • PDF integration for annotating and signing PDFs
  • Real-time collaboration with unlimited participants
  • Over 150 paper designs and templates
  • Media-rich notes with images, text, stickers, and more
Pros

  • Cutting-edge ink engine for precise writing.
  • Smart dark mode for comfortable note-taking.
  • Calming ASMR writing experience.
  • Audio recording synced with notes.

Cons

  • Privacy Concerns
  • Subscription Costs


Eleanor Martinez is someone who understands statistics in and out. She has been a student and researcher who has worked with statistics for over six years now. She took up this role at AirServer App as it would give her the perfect opportunity to do two things she loves the most: statistics and writing.

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