Note-taking apps have become especially popular because of their ability to make us more efficient. However, like pretty much every other mobile tool we have, there’s a myriad of these apps available now, and you need to make a choice.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! For your consideration, here are the 10 best note-taking apps on the market:
1. Evernote
Evernote has continued to be the leader as far as note-taking apps are concerned. The cross-platform app makes it easy to take notes and clip articles from the Internet, with a collection of features and add-ons that make the entire noting process as seamless as possible.
The biggest benefit of Evernote, of course, is the fact that it supports pretty much any file format — PowerPoint, PDF, and many more. What’s more, if you add a Google Docs link, the app even creates a Google Drive file and changes the URL to the doc’s name.
You also get a scanner on the app, which helps to scan documents and serves as a great alternative to photocopying. The app even makes it possible to save web articles stuck behind a paywall for later use.
However, there are also some cons: Evernote doesn’t provide enough space for organization, and since it doesn’t support Markdown, it could slow your writing down. You could also end up paying a pretty penny to enjoy service to the app.
2. OneNote
OneNote is a free, cross-platform note-taking app from Microsoft, and it is among the forerunners in note-taking apps, giving Evernote some competition.
OneNote is completely free, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Since it’s capable of all Evernote can do, without the accompanying cost, that’s certainly a big plus. Also, it provides more formatting options and a greater editing spectrum than Evernote.
Sadly, the same issues that befall Evernote are present here as well; organization is subpar, and the interface isn’t great. Even with all the premium features it has available, these issues could sour the experience.
Read more about the difference between Evernote and OneNote here: Evernote vs OneNote: Which Improves Your Productivity Better?
3. Apple Notes
If you don’t have a device running on a software designed by Apple Inc., then there’s no need to stick around for this number on the list. If you do use an Apple device, however, you’ll probably be able to attest to the awesome formatting and organization features that this note-taking app provides.
Apple Notes is entirely free, and it makes it possible to edit cross-platform via a web browser, so PC users can still take advantage of it. You also get nested lists of hierarchical folders, and accessibility across all your Apple products.
Sadly, the lack of a hybrid Markdown is a con here — that and the app’s unavailability on other platforms.
Available on iOS
4. Bear
Bear provides an excellent user experience, as well as the required support for Markdown — which, in a sense, puts it up there with our overall best note-taking apps like Evernote and OneNote. The interface is also intuitive, and the organization system makes for a great experience overall.
Of course, the hybrid Markdown editor has to be perhaps the biggest benefit of this. Bear formats all text as you type, meaning you don’t need to wait to see what your Markdowns will look like after writing. You also get a nifty archive feature here, which takes a note out of organization and search without deleting it.
Sadly, not everyone is able to make use of the app yet, as it’s still just available on macOS and iOS operating systems
Available on iOS
5. Standard Notes
Standard Notes is perhaps the most security-focused note-taking app on the market. If security is your main concern, this app might be right for you. Everything you write is encrypted and for your viewing alone. The text editor is simple and plain, so you don’t get anything outlandish, and the search is also rather powerful, so you get what you’re looking for faster.
Sadly, the app is unable to host or insert images and pictures, and you won’t be able to drag and drop notes between tags and folders, making it one of the more basic options overall.
6. Notion
The note-taking experience you get on Notion is powerful and technical, unlike what you get anywhere else.
Notion is great because you get a flexible template engine that provides for easily-duplicated pages. Notes here are also databases, meaning that you get greater updating and editing capabilities. The hierarchical organization is awesome, and you also get a hybrid Markdown editor.
Sadly, Notion’s issues come with the account structure. You get 1,000 free blocks off the free plan account, but you’ll use them up quickly. So, if you don’t upgrade, you’re not getting much here.
7. Google Keep
Google Keep is a basic, cross-platform note taker that works seamlessly with other tools from the company. It’s free, available on every platform, and people who appreciate simplicity in the note-taking app interface and experience will love it.
Sadly, hierarchical organization is missing here. You only get one tag level, and for some, this is a bit of a turn off.
8. Slite
In terms of Markdown editing, nothing beats Slite. You also get a sleek table of contents view that allows you to easily zoom and jump to a specific heading in the doc. It’s also free for students, with up to 50 shared notes a month and unlimited private pages.
However, the hierarchy here is nested, so while you can nest collections infinitely, you can only sort by recency. The app is also slower than a lot of others, and while the editing is great, UI here is terribly sluggish.
9. Ulysses
For people looking to take notes and write long essays, Ulysses is the top choice. Its organization is one of the best on the market, thanks to its multi-level hierarchical organization. The app is your companion throughout your writing process — from research to content development.
However, perhaps the biggest selling point this app has is the ability to publish directly to WordPress. Once you’re done with writing and editing, you can format your document and upload it to WP straight from Ulysses.
Sadly, this note-taking app comes at the steep cost of $5 per month, and, just like Bear, only those with iOS and macOS can make use of it.
Available on iOS
10. Typora
Typora provides a customizable experience, and it works on all major operating systems. The app is free, and it comes with the desired hybrid Markdown editor. You also get Focus Mode, which dims text you’re not working on for better concentration. Typora also provides a lot of themes, as well as the table of contents mode.
However, the Typora app doesn’t store notes, and it doesn’t have a mobile app itself, which is a drawback.
Available from Typora
The Bottom Line
There are countless note-taking apps available to users. The trick is to find the one that’s right for you. This list can help you do just that.
Whether you’re looking for the best organization features, the most customizable experiences, or the best bang for your buck, you’ll find a note-taking app that fits your needs. Finding the best note-taking app for you is sure to help you stay organized in your personal or professional life!
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Featured photo credit: Adolfo Félix via unsplash.com
