Note-Taking for the Minimalist: Simplenote
Design is minimalist and simple.
Syncs to all your devices.
Works with most popular platforms and devices.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
May betoosimple for some users.
Text notes only; no images or other media.
Compatibility:
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Most Flexible Note-Taking App: Bear
Import notes from other apps.
Simple, easy-to-use design.
Export to various formats, including PDF and JPEG.
Available only for Mac and iOS devices.
Requires a paid plan to sync devices.
Bear is one of the most flexible, beautifully designed note-taking apps available for Apple devices.
The core version is free, but a pro subscription takes your note-taking to the next level.
A Stunningly Visual Note-Taking Experience: Zoho Notebook
Design is bright and appealing.
Text photo, audio, sketch, and file cards.
For Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and web.
Customize notebook covers with your images.
Needs more art for notebook covers.
Not geared toward collaborative note-taking.
Creative Note-Taking for the Apple Fan: Notability
Good text-formatting options.
Text wrapping with images.
Works well with Apple Pencil.
Only for iOS/iPadOS devices.
Free version has limited features.
If you like to write by hand, draw, sketch, or doodle, Notability is a must-have.
Use on the web; surfing app extensions available.
Excellent search function for notes.
Free basic plan is limited in features.
Monthly cost for premium plan is pricey.
Practically everyone who has ever looked into note-taking apps has come across Evernote.
All free accounts also get 60MB of space for uploading files to the cloud.
Use Cards to Make Note-Taking Fun and Colorful: Google Keep
Organize with customizable labels.
Set time- and location-based reminders.
Free and well-integrated with Google ecosystem.
No desktop app; notes are available on the web.
Maximum of 50 labels; no hierarchical organization.
Web clipper saves URLs only.
However, there’s no formatting flexibility, and you’re limited to 50 labels.
Syncs well across all your devices.
Lots of options for note formatting and design.
No quick customizable tagging.
Notebook, section, and pages navigation could improve.
Search isn’t as slick as Evernote or Google Keep.
A Collaborative Note-Taking App for Your Team: Dropbox Paper
Strong features for collaboration.
Clean and uncluttered look.
Add a variety of media; not just links.
More complex than a simple note-taking app.
Paper documents are separate from Dropbox folders.
Takes time to get used to.
If you already use Dropbox to store files in the cloud, check out Dropbox Paper.
It acts as a flexible workspace built to prevent distraction while helping people work together.
This app focuses on collaboration, allowing users to chat with each other in real-time while editing any document.
Best App for Taking Digital Handwritten Notes: Squid
Write notes with your finger or a stylus.
PDF markup is easy.
Not available for macOS, iOS, or Windows devices.
Not easy to sync with other devices.
Squid modernizes the old-fashioned pen and paper with digital features that enhance the note-taking experience.
Just use your finger or stylus to handwrite notes just as you would on paper.
Possibly All Apple Users Need: Notes
Handwrite notes and sketch with Apple Pencil.
Organize notes with folders and tags.
Scan documents using rig camera.
Available only for Apple devices.
Apple Intelligence features not available on all devices.
Apple’s Notes app is uncomplicated and intuitive, and has evolved to include more powerful editing features.
