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Best Note Taking Apps in 2025: TOP 12 Options

Best Note Taking Apps
Table of Contents

Note-taking has come a long way, from scribbled notebooks to sleek digital tools that do more than just hold your ideas. In 2025, the best note-taking app for students must help with organizing, visualizing, and even acting on it.

This article rounds up the top options every student should explore. We'll dig into their standout features, drawbacks, and ideal uses, going beyond a simple list to help you find the perfect fit for your workflow. As technology keeps advancing, it's time to upgrade how you take notes and discover tools that make studying and creating smarter and simpler!

How Note Taking Apps Benefit Students

Gone are the days when students had to flip through countless pages of handwritten notes to find a single concept. The best note taking app brings efficiency, organization, and innovation into the process.

Here's how using a note taking app truly benefits students:

  • Centralized Organization: Keep notes, assignments, and research materials in one place, accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Quick Search Capabilities: Find specific information instantly using keywords, tags, or filters, saving hours of manual searching.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Integrate multimedia elements like images, diagrams, and voice memos to enrich your notes and improve understanding.
  • Automatic Syncing Across Devices: Start a note on your laptop during class and finish it on your phone while commuting.
  • Revision Made Easy: Use features like highlighters, summaries, or flashcards to focus on key points during exam prep.
  • Time Management: Combine note-taking with task management features like reminders and deadlines for a holistic study approach.
  • Collaborative Power: Share notes with peers for group projects or compare lecture notes to fill in gaps.
  • Minimized Stress: With secure backups and offline access, you'll never lose important notes, even during tech hiccups.

See related: How to make a mind map.

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What Should You Look for in Note-Taking Apps?

From premium options to free note taking apps, the right one can make or break your productivity. While flashy features may catch your eye, the true value lies in how well the app supports your academic goals.

Here's what makes the best note-taking app:

  • Seamless Synchronization: Ensure the app effortlessly syncs across all your devices for uninterrupted access.
  • Smart Organization Tools: Look for folders, tags, and sorting options that adapt to your way of studying.
  • Interactive Features: Options like handwriting recognition, AI summaries, or real-time collaboration elevate your workflow.
  • User-Friendly Design: A clutter-free interface that's intuitive to use, prevents frustration, and boosts productivity.
  • Integrations: Check for compatibility with other apps you use, like calendars, cloud storage, or task managers.
  • Flexible Templates: Pre-built templates for lectures, research, or brainstorming simplify setup and save time.
  • Robust Search Functions: Advanced filters and keyword suggestions help you locate even the most obscure notes.
  • Data Security: End-to-end encryption and secure backups ensure your work remains private and protected.

Choose an app that complements your learning style and offers tools you'll actually use!

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What is the Best App to Use to Take Notes?

Your note-taking app should feel like an extension of your mind, not a burden to manage. Here's the best note-taking app for students list, curated by our EssayPro writing service team:

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Source: https://essaypro.com/blog/best-note-taking-apps
Best Feature:
Include the ability to find text within images and documents.
Limitations:
The free plan is limited in storage (250 MB monthly uploads) and one device.
Ideal For:
Students, professionals, and teams needing a comprehensive organizational tool.

Evernote

Evernote is a versatile and robust note-taking app designed to streamline personal and professional organization. With features like notebooks for structuring content, tags for quick retrieval, and a web clipper for saving online content, it's a one-stop solution for managing information. Evernote goes beyond simple note-taking, offering tools like AI-powered search, calendar integration, and to-do lists to keep you on top of tasks. Whether you're a student, professional, or someone juggling multiple projects, Evernote's customizable interface and cloud syncing ensure your notes are accessible anytime, anywhere. From planning vacations to organizing meetings or tackling assignments, Evernote adapts to your needs with ease as the best note taking app.

Pricing:

  • Free Plan
  • Personal Plan: $14.99/month
  • Professional Plan: $17.99/month

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Best Feature:
Comprehensive features available for free, including an excellent web clipper.
Limitations:
Local storage is only offered under Windows, limited OCR capabilities, and geotagging is lacking.
Ideal For:
Users seeking a free, feature-rich note-taking app with cross-platform support.

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a feature-rich note-taking application that combines the versatility of digital notebooks with advanced collaboration tools. Perfect for students, professionals, and educators, OneNote offers a canvas for handwritten notes, typed text, and multimedia content. With features like voice transcription, digital ink for sketching, and seamless integration with Microsoft 365, it caters to diverse needs, from brainstorming sessions to organized lesson planning. OneNote's collaborative environment makes it easy to share ideas and work together in real time, whether you're in a classroom, office, or creative workspace. Its AI-powered Copilot further enhances productivity by generating ideas, organizing information, and creating lists based on your prompts.

Pricing:

  • Free with 5GB storage.
  • Additional storage available with Microsoft 365 subscription.
Best Feature:
Customizable templates and robust database capabilities.
Limitations:
teeper learning curve for beginners and limited offline functionality.
Ideal For:
Teams, project managers, and advanced note-takers who love customization.

Notion

Notion redefines note-taking by combining it with project management and collaboration. With its customizable workspace, users can create pages, databases, and boards to suit their workflow. From students organizing study materials to teams managing projects, Notion is versatile and visually engaging. This note-taking app also supports real-time collaboration, integrations with tools like Slack and Google Drive, and the ability to embed media for dynamic content.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Personal plan with limited file uploads
  • Business: $15/user/month (billed annually)
Best Feature:
Seamless integration with Google Workspace.
Limitations:
Limited formatting and organizational capabilities.
Ideal For:
Quick notes, reminders, and casual users.

Google Keep

Google Keep offers a no-frills, straightforward approach to capturing ideas. With its color-coded interface and intuitive layout, users can quickly jot down notes, create to-do lists, and set reminders. It syncs seamlessly across devices and integrates effortlessly with other Google Workspace tools like Calendar and Drive, making it highly convenient for students and professionals. While its simplicity is its strength, it may lack the depth and features of more complex note-taking apps. Google Keep is perfect for users who need a reliable, fast, and free tool for basic note organization and quick idea capture.

Pricing: Free.

Best Feature:
Elegant design with markdown and export options.
Limitations:
Only available on Apple devices.
Ideal For:
Writers and Apple users.

Bear

Bear is one of the most visually stunning note-taking apps designed for macOS and iOS users. With markdown support, tagging, and cross-linking, Bear enables writers and creatives to organize their thoughts effectively. Its clean interface and focus mode provide a distraction-free environment, making it ideal for drafting articles, essays, or stories. Bear also offers powerful export options, supporting formats like PDF, HTML, and Word. While it excels in design and usability, its exclusivity to Apple devices limits accessibility for others. Bear's Pro version unlocks themes, advanced export features, and device syncing, providing a richer experience for its loyal user base.

Pricing:

  • Free: Basic features
  • Pro: $2.99/month or $29.99/year
Best Feature:
Graph view for visualizing connections.
Limitations:
Complex setup and limited mobile optimization.
Ideal For:
Researchers, academics, and knowledge workers.

Obsidian

Obsidian is a powerful knowledge management app built for deep thinkers and researchers. Focusing on local storage and markdown formatting gives users full control over their data while creating a web of interconnected notes. Its standout graph view lets users visualize relationships between ideas, making it invaluable for complex projects or academic research. The app supports extensive plugins and themes, allowing for a highly customizable experience. However, Obsidian's learning curve may be daunting for newcomers, and its mobile version is less refined. It's a go-to note taking software for anyone looking to build a personal knowledge base.

Pricing:

  • Free: Core features
  • Paid: $50
Best Feature:
Open-source with privacy-focused encryption.
Limitations:
Clunky interface and limited collaboration features.
Ideal For:
Privacy-conscious users and open-source enthusiasts.

Joplin

As one of the best note taking apps for Ipad or any other Apple tool, Joplin is a secure, open-source tool that combines flexibility with privacy. Supporting markdown formatting, it's perfect for creating rich-text notes, to-do lists, and even collaborative documents when synced with cloud services like Dropbox. Its end-to-end encryption ensures user data remains private. Joplin's interface is straightforward, but it may not have the polish of commercial apps. For those who value open-source ethics and data control, Joplin is a reliable option. Paid cloud storage options are available for those who want to use Joplin Cloud to sync notes across devices.

Pricing:

  • Free: Core features
  • Joplin Cloud: $1.99/month
Best Feature:
Versatile organization tools with a robust editor.
Limitations:
Exclusivity to UpNote's ecosystem; lacks extensive team collaboration features.
Ideal For:
Writers, professionals, and students needing organized, distraction-free note-taking.

UpNote

UpNote is a polished and user-friendly note-taking app designed for seamless organization and creative productivity. Its versatile structure allows you to categorize notes using hashtags, nested notebooks, pinned notes, and keyword filters for precise navigation. The app's rich text editor supports markdown, multiple fonts, and highlights, making it ideal for detailed note-taking. Users can write offline with automatic syncing across devices, ensuring uninterrupted access. Features like distraction-free Focus Mode, sticky windows, and web clipper extensions elevate efficiency. UpNote also emphasizes security with passcode locks. Premium users can unlock advanced options with affordable monthly or lifetime subscriptions.

Pricing:

  • $1.99/month
  • $39.99 lifetime access
Best Feature:
The seamless combination of note-taking and spaced-repetition flashcards for long-term retention.
Limitations:
The free plan has restrictions on file uploads and PDF annotations, which may limit advanced usage.
Ideal For:
Students, professionals, and lifelong learners who want a structured approach to knowledge management.

RemNote

RemNote is a cutting-edge knowledge management platform that blends neuroscience principles with advanced web technology to transform how people learn, think, and collaborate. Founded in 2020 at MIT, the app is designed to help users create, organize, and retain knowledge effectively. Its standout features include the integration of note-taking with flashcards, PDF annotation, and an AI-powered suite for personalized learning. Whether you're a student preparing for exams or a lifelong learner building your knowledge base, RemNote offers tools to make the process seamless and efficient. With a thriving community and continuous innovation, RemNote redefines learning in the digital age.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Pro Plan: $8/month;
  • Pro with AI: $18/month
Best Feature
Simple, distraction-free design with fast syncing.
Limitations:
Limited formatting and multimedia capabilities.
Ideal For:
Minimalists and users needing quick note capture.

Simplenote

As the best note-taking app for students, Simplenote is designed for users who value speed and simplicity in note-taking. Its minimalist interface keeps distractions at bay, allowing for quick note entry and easy access. Syncing is seamless across devices, ensuring your ideas are always at your fingertips. Simplenote lacks advanced features like multimedia support or formatting tools, but it excels at being lightweight and fast. It's especially suited for users who need a straightforward, no-frills platform for capturing thoughts and lists. The app is entirely free, making it an excellent choice for students and anyone needing a basic tool for note organization.

Pricing: Free.

Best Feature:
Visually appealing interface with multimedia support.
Limitations:
Limited team collaboration features.
Ideal For:
Creative users and those in the Zoho ecosystem.

Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook combines functionality with visual appeal, offering a notebook-style interface where users can organize notes creatively. It supports multimedia content like audio notes, images, and sketches, making it ideal for students and professionals. The app allows seamless syncing across devices and integrates with Zoho's ecosystem for additional productivity. Customizable covers and color-coded cards add a personal touch. While feature-rich, Zoho Notebook is best suited for individual use as it lacks robust team collaboration tools. It's completely free, making it an accessible and stylish choice for those seeking a well-rounded note-taking app.

Pricing:

  • Free
  • Paid: €19,99/year
Best Feature:
Seamless integration across Apple devices with an intuitive interface.
Limitations:
Poor compatibility with Android and Windows ecosystems.
Ideal For:
Casual and occasional note-takers who are already within the Apple ecosystem.

Apple Notes

Apple Notes is the go-to option for users in Apple's ecosystem, offering seamless integration across macOS, iOS, and the web through iCloud. It has evolved from a basic tool into a competent, feature-rich note-taking app. Users can organize notes with tags, collaborate via sharing, and enjoy powerful search capabilities. Features like document scanning, handwritten notes, math-solving, and audio transcription make it versatile for everyday needs. While its AI tools are not as advanced as some competitors, its reliability and ease of use make it a solid choice. Plus, its free availability for up to 5GB of iCloud storage is a major advantag.

  • Free for 5GB iCloud storage.
  • $0.99/month for 50GB, with additional storage tiers available.

Searching for student tools that actually work? This online homework planner should be at the top of your list.

Tips for Effective Note Taking by EssayPro

It often becomes overwhelming to balance efficiency and retention while taking notes. If you're using note taking apps and facing challenges, here are 4 tips to help you get the most out of your chosen app.

  1. "I keep forgetting to review or use my notes after writing them."
    • Set regular reminders: Use the app's notification or reminder feature to revisit important notes.
    • Link notes to your tasks: Integrate your notes with a to-do list or calendar app to make them actionable.
    • Create summary notes: Condense longer notes into short summaries for quick reference later.
    • Review weekly: Set aside 10–15 minutes weekly to organize, review, and refresh your memory with older notes.
  2. "I don't know how to make my notes engaging or memorable."
    • Incorporate visuals: Consider using some aesthetic note taking apps that offer images, diagrams, or sketches to make complex ideas more digestible.
    • Use color coding: Highlight or tag notes with specific colors to create visual cues.
    • Try mind mapping: For brainstorming or complex topics, use apps with mind-mapping features to connect ideas visually.
    • Add personal touches: Use emojis or stickers to mark priorities or identify recurring themes.
  3. "I always feel like my notes are incomplete."
    • Prepare in advance: Before a class, meeting, or research session, outline key topics or questions you expect to cover.
    • Leave gaps: Leave space in your notes to add missing details after reviewing materials or recordings.
    • Use bullet points: Focus on capturing the main ideas and expand on them later when you have more time.
    • Collaborate: If possible, share notes with peers or colleagues to fill in gaps together.
  4. "Switching between devices makes managing notes confusing."
    • Choose a cross-platform app: Opt for apps that sync seamlessly across devices like Evernote, Notion, or OneNote.
    • Enable offline access: Ensure your app lets you access and edit notes without an internet connection.
    • Use cloud syncing: Make sure automatic syncing is turned on to avoid losing progress when switching devices.
    • Label devices: For apps that track edits by device, label them (e.g., "Work Laptop" or "Phone") to stay organized.

In Wrapping Up

The best note taking apps are all about efficiency, accessibility, and creativity. With a variety of apps catering to different needs, you can find the perfect tool to match your workflow.If you're unsure where to start, here are five top picks from our list:

  1. Notion – Best for versatility and customization.
  2. Evernote – A classic with powerful search and organization features.
  3. Obsidian – Ideal for deep thinkers and those who love linking ideas.
  4. OneNote – Perfect for students and professionals with its robust features.
  5. Google Keep – Great for simple, quick notes with easy syncing.

With these apps at your fingertips, note-taking becomes more than a task. It is a seamless part of your learning or working process!

Source: https://essaypro.com/blog/best-note-taking-apps

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Source: https://essaypro.com/blog/best-note-taking-apps
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Mia
November 1, 2024
Eye of the Tiger gonna help me pass calc? Sure, I’ll give it a shot but not holding my breath here 💀
Lucy
October 30, 2024
Nice choice of songs! I know almost all of them and the playlist for studying is epic! Florence and the Machine - Dog Days Are Over is a cray cray :)
Sofia
October 30, 2024
Absolutely loving this playlist! 🎧 Big thanks for putting this together – totally recommend this to anyone needing that extra motivation boost! 🙌
Katty
October 30, 2024
The song that motivates me the most is MÅNESKIN - Honey!
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Adam Jason

Adam Jason

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

What was changed:
Sources:

Note-Taking Apps: So Many Choices — Which Is Best for You? (2023). Legal Management. https://www.alanet.org/legal-management/2021/september/columns/note-taking-apps-so-many-choices-which-is-best-for-you

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