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

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

Over time, my notice taking habits have advanced— from scribbling in numerous notebooks to typing furiously on my cellphone 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 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 most effective notice 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, regardless of your fashion or wants.

In case you’re seeking to stage up your notice taking sport or interested by what these notice taking apps can supply, this checklist may simply be the productiveness increase you’ve been ready for. Let’s dive into the checklist of the most effective notice taking apps!

7 greatest notice taking apps I examined and liked!

For me, the most effective 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, document audio, or collaborate with others, whereas others shine of their simplicity, specializing in simply jotting issues down shortly. What I’ve seen is that the most effective note-taking instruments are those that match seamlessly into your routine, making note-taking really feel easy relatively than a chore. As soon as you discover the fitting notice taking software program, it’s laborious 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 seeking to arrange your ideas successfully, I hope my perspective helps you discover the right instrument on your wants. 

What makes the most effective notice taking apps price it? My perspective

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

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

  In case you often connect photographs, hyperlinks, or paperwork, see how nicely the app integrates multimedia components. An intuitive textual content editor ought to can help you deal with capturing your ideas with out getting slowed down by formatting limitations. I examined the instruments primarily based 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: An incredible note-taking app ought to sync seamlessly throughout a number of units, making certain you possibly can entry your notes whether or not you are utilizing a smartphone, pill, or pc. Being attentive to how shortly adjustments made on one system mirror on one other. Delayed syncing can disrupt workflow and result in inconsistencies. I additionally checked out how nicely 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 very versatile means that you can take notes wherever, with out worrying about system compatibility. Notes usually should 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 classes. In case you depend on audio notes, take a look at whether or not the app means that you can document whereas taking notes concurrently. Some superior instruments, like Otter.ai and Notability, even present automated transcription, changing speech into textual content. This characteristic is especially helpful for college students and professionals who want correct assembly minutes or lecture summaries.
• Search and retrieval effectivity: The power to shortly discover data inside an app is simply as necessary as taking notes within the first place. A robust search operate ought to be capable of find notes utilizing key phrases, tags, and even handwritten textual content (if OCR expertise is supported). Some superior apps can help you filter outcomes by date, notice sort, or class, making retrieval much more environment friendly. In case you often take intensive notes, testing how nicely the search operate performs is crucial to make sure you received’t waste time digging by 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 shortly turns into a problem.
• Media integration: I examined how nicely apps deal with multimedia components like photographs, movies, sketches, and audio recordings, as these improve the flexibility of note-taking. Notes are not restricted to textual content. The power to embed photographs, 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 permit for pure handwriting enter and even supply handwriting-to-text conversion. handwriting-supported app ought to present easy pen strokes, customizable pen types, and the flexibility to focus on 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 might 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 notice concurrently—very similar to Google Docs. Examine 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 make sure that teamwork and communication stay seamless.

These are the principle components that guided my testing and analysis course of. My checklist accommodates choices that cater to totally different wants and budgets. Whether or not you’re a person person or seeking to jot workforce 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 verify containers
• Supply collaborative note-taking instruments or notice sharing

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations could 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 undertaking monitoring wants, I really like how versatile it’s. Want a to-do checklist? Performed. An in depth undertaking tracker? Straightforward. A spot to handle your workforce’s workflow, shopper databases, or perhaps a private studying checklist? Notion’s received 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 cling of it, it’s a sport changer for certain. Notion is a kind of instruments you should use each personally and professionally. Right here’s a technique I take advantage of 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 take advantage of 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 the easiest way to construction your workflow, and new customers can really feel overwhelmed by the limitless prospects. I positively needed to watch tutorials to get probably the most out of it. After which there’s the offline limitation. Notion isn’t a real offline-first app, which might be irritating once I’m touring or working in a spot with poor web. Whereas not too long ago accessed pages stay obtainable, it’s not as seamless as I’d like.

Efficiency is one other problem 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, but it surely’s one thing to bear in mind when 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 sort of instrument 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 once I’m offline, it’s irritating. I can solely entry not too long ago 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 nicely, and it has a problem when my web is just not too secure. 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 new workforce members, which in flip will get in the best way of effectivity with workflow.”

– Notion Overview, Ron H. 

First off, the convenience of use on the subject of Google Workspace is unbelievable. Every little thing simply works. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make collaboration easy. I can actually see my workforce making edits in actual time, go away feedback, and observe adjustments with out ever hitting the save button. It’s all cloud-based, which implies I can entry my recordsdata from wherever—whether or not I’m on my laptop computer, cellphone, and even borrowing a pal’s system.

Talking of entry, Google Drive is a lifesaver. It integrates completely with Gmail, making it tremendous straightforward to connect recordsdata, share paperwork, and arrange every part. And let’s not overlook Kinds—most likely one of the underrated instruments within the suite. I take advantage of it for surveys, suggestions assortment, and even easy information entry duties.

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

Whereas Google Workspace integrates nicely 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. 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 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 might 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) might be limiting for particular use instances.”

– Google Workspace Overview, Verified person in medical companies.  

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 largest 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 by 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 mentioned, there are some things that could possibly be improved. Whereas I personally haven’t confronted main points, I would love a bigger display screen 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 characteristic on the prime to seek for notes. 

What I dislike about Fathom: 

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

What G2 customers dislike about Fathom: 

“In terms of the kinds 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 contributors speak concurrently. It could even be much more highly effective if its transcription accuracy could possibly 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 admire probably the most is how nicely 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 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 implies 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 workforce is on the identical web page, even when you’re unfold throughout the globe. 

That mentioned, 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 shortly 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 experiences 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 major duties throughout totally different sprints, which is a typical want in agile workflows. Moreover, the best way filters and the “Me Mode” work is just not very intuitive—it took a number of help conversations to determine the right way to correctly view solely assigned duties. Synchronization additionally doesn’t all the time replace in real-time, requiring handbook 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 largest frustrations I encountered was the lack to assign major 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 admire ClickUp’s capacity to combine with different apps, some integrations had been tough to arrange. I struggled with sure configurations.

What G2 customers dislike about ClickUp: 

“Wrestle to seek out the easiest way to have a spot of simply note-taking throughout the name. I lump them collectively below totally different duties I’ve opened beforehand. Typically I discover myself working from the identical 5-8 duties and simply go away 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 would like, whether or not by 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 flexibility 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 instrument that scans each typed and handwritten notes. 

From a technical perspective, OneNote’s efficiency might be inconsistent. Sometimes, it turns into sluggish and unresponsive, notably when dealing with giant notebooks with quite a lot of embedded media. One other problem is the shortage of superior export choices—whereas OneNote integrates nicely 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 beneficial, 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 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 affords fundamental formatting, it would not have as many options as another note-taking/ phrase processing software.”

– Microsoft OneNote Overview, Jasmine Okay.

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 crucial factors throughout discussions.

One other standout characteristic is the AI-powered transcription and summaries. They’re surprisingly correct and save me quite a lot of time when reviewing assembly outcomes. The power to combine with my calendar and collaborate with my workforce in real-time can also be an enormous 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 nicely as a meeting-focused instrument, it generally feels extra like a private to-do checklist relatively 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, 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 may 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. 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 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 Overview, 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 straightforward to doc assembly summaries, to-do lists, and undertaking concepts. The power to collaborate in real-time with my workforce has additionally been a game-changer—everybody can contribute to shared notes, eliminating the necessity for limitless e mail chains and fragmented discussions.

That mentioned, there are a couple of limitations. Formatting choices are considerably restricted, which might be irritating once I wish to customise my notes past the fundamentals. Moreover, whereas Lark’s cellular app is beneficial, it doesn’t supply the identical easy expertise because the desktop model—sure actions, like shortly accessing saved notes, can really feel barely clunky.

One other draw back is that syncing throughout units is not all the time instantaneous. There have been occasions once I’ve made updates on my laptop computer that didn’t instantly mirror on my cellphone, requiring a handbook refresh. This isn’t a serious problem however might be annoying once 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 could make multitasking method 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 screen.

What G2 customers dislike about Lark: 

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

One new characteristic that I’ve an enormous gripe with is the default to opening docs in Lark relatively 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 must “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 greatest activity administration software program to extend general enterprise and private productiveness.