I Tested 7 Best Note Taking Apps: Here’s My Hands-On Review!

I’ve always been a note-taker. Whether it’s a quick grocery list, a random idea I don’t want to forget, or a full-blown outline for a project, jotting things down feels like my way of making sense of the chaos.

Over time, my note taking habits have evolved— from scribbling in countless notebooks to typing furiously on my phone when inspiration strikes at the most inconvenient times. And while I still love the feel of pen on paper, I can’t deny the magic of modern note-taking apps. They’re like an extension of my brain, only way more organized.

What I’ve learned is that not all the best note taking apps are created equal. Some are sleek and simple, while others are feature-packed and designed to help you manage your entire life. The best part? There’s something out there for everyone, no matter your style or needs.

If you’re looking to level up your note taking game or curious about what these note taking apps can offer, this list might just be the productivity boost you’ve been waiting for. Let’s dive into the list of the best note taking apps!

7 best note taking apps I tested and loved!

For me, the best note-taking apps are like having a personal assistant in my pocket—they help me capture ideas, stay organized, and even remind me of things I’d otherwise forget. 

Some tools are incredibly versatile, letting you sketch, record audio, or collaborate with others, while others shine in their simplicity, focusing on just jotting things down quickly. What I’ve noticed is that the best note-taking tools are the ones that fit seamlessly into your routine, making note-taking feel effortless rather than a chore. Once you find the right note taking software, it’s hard to imagine how you ever managed without it.

Whether you’re someone like me who loves to write things down, or someone looking to organize your thoughts effectively, I hope my perspective helps you find the perfect tool for your needs. 

What makes the best note taking apps worth it? My perspective

Testing note-taking apps is about finding what works best for you. Some of you might need simple and fast solutions while some may prefer feature-rich apps. Figuring out which tools are worth investing time (and sometimes money) into is crucial. Here are some factors I prioritized while evaluating these tools. 

• Writing and editing experience: A note-taking app should offer a smooth and flexible writing experience. Basic text formatting options like bold, italics, bullet points, and headers should be easy to use. Some apps also support tables, checklists, and markdown formatting for more structured notes.
  
  If you frequently attach images, links, or documents, see how well the app integrates multimedia elements. An intuitive text editor should allow you to focus on capturing your thoughts without getting bogged down by formatting limitations. I tested the tools based on the writing and editing experience they offer, how seamless the process is, and how easily I can format my notes.
• Cross-device syncing: A great note-taking app should sync seamlessly across multiple devices, ensuring you can access your notes whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Paying attention to how quickly changes made on one device reflect on another. Delayed syncing can disrupt workflow and lead to inconsistencies. I also looked at how well the app performs across different operating systems—some apps work better on Apple devices, while others have stronger support for Windows or Android.
  
  A truly flexible allows you to take notes anywhere, without worrying about device compatibility. Notes often need to be accessed on the go, whether on your phone, tablet, or laptop. I looked for the sync features of the top apps.
• Voice and audio integration: Some note-taking apps offer built-in voice recording, making them ideal for capturing lectures, meetings, or brainstorming sessions. If you rely on audio notes, test whether the app allows you to record while taking notes simultaneously. Some advanced tools, like Otter.ai and Notability, even provide automatic transcription, converting speech into text. This feature is particularly useful for students and professionals who need accurate meeting minutes or lecture summaries.
• Search and retrieval efficiency: The ability to quickly find information within an app is just as important as taking notes in the first place. A strong search function should be able to locate notes using keywords, tags, and even handwritten text (if OCR technology is supported). Some advanced apps allow you to filter results by date, note type, or category, making retrieval even more efficient. If you frequently take extensive notes, testing how well the search function performs is essential to ensure you won’t waste time digging through old entries. I looked for apps with powerful search features, like keyword search, scanned documents, and filters to locate notes by date, tags, or content type. As the number of notes grows, finding what you need quickly becomes a challenge.
• Media integration: I tested how well apps handle multimedia elements like images, videos, sketches, and audio recordings, as these enhance the versatility of note-taking. Notes are no longer limited to text. The ability to embed images, sketches, videos, or audio allows users to capture ideas in whatever format suits the context, making the app more versatile and creative-friendly.
• Stylus support: For those who prefer handwritten notes, stylus support is a game-changer. Some apps allow for natural handwriting input and even offer handwriting-to-text conversion. A good handwriting-supported app should provide smooth pen strokes, customizable pen styles, and the ability to highlight and annotate directly on documents or PDFs. If you use an Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen, or another stylus, test how responsive the app is to your handwriting style.
• Collaboration and sharing: Collaboration features can be incredibly useful, especially for teams or students who work on shared notes. Some apps allow for real-time collaboration, where multiple users can edit the same note simultaneously—much like Google Docs. Check whether the app supports different permission levels, such as "view-only" or "edit" access. If you often share notes with others, see if the app allows easy exporting in multiple formats like PDF, Word, or Markdown. Strong collaboration tools ensure that teamwork and communication remain seamless.

These are the main factors that guided my testing and research process. My list contains options that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re an individual user or looking to jot team meeting notes and collaborate, there’s a solution present. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Create editable, text-based documents
• Allow users to create and store multiple notes
• Provide limited functionality for lists, such as entry cross-off or check boxes
• Offer collaborative note-taking tools or note sharing

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Notion

If you love staying organized and having all your notes in one place, Notion might just be your new favorite thing.

As someone who uses Notion for all my note-taking and project tracking needs, I love how flexible it is. Need a to-do list? Done. A detailed project tracker? Easy. A place to manage your team’s workflow, client databases, or even a personal reading list? Notion’s got you covered. 

While it may take some time to adjust to all of Notion’s features (there’s so much you can do!), once you get the hang of it, it’s a game changer for sure. Notion is one of those tools you can use both personally and professionally. Here’s one way I use Notion to track my daily tasks. 

Another game-changer? Custom templates & automation. I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time I set up a new project or workflow. I use templates that pre-fill fields, speeding up my process dramatically. The ability to create database templates is especially useful for things like content calendars and recurring tasks.

For those of us who love text formatting, Notion supports Markdown and rich text. It even allows for code blocks with syntax highlighting, which is a huge plus for developers keeping documentation in one place. I love the fact that I can write freely and format easily without having to deal with clunky menus.

While Notion does so much right, it isn’t perfect. The learning curve is real—it takes time to figure out the best way to structure your workflow, and new users can feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities. I definitely had to watch tutorials to get the most out of it. And then there’s the offline limitation. Notion isn’t a true offline-first app, which can be frustrating when I’m traveling or working in a place with poor internet. While recently accessed pages remain available, it’s not as seamless as I’d like.

Performance is another issue when handling large amounts of data. If you go overboard with nesting pages and databases, things start to slow down. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you rely on Notion for heavy-duty project management.

What I dislike about Notion: 

• When I first started using Notion, I felt overwhelmed. It’s not the kind of tool you can just pick up and use effortlessly; I had to watch tutorials and experiment a lot before I felt comfortable.
• Notion is great when I have an internet connection, but when I’m offline, it’s frustrating. I can only access recently opened pages, and real offline functionality is still lacking.

What G2 users dislike about Notion: 

“The only problem with the offline mode in Notion is that it doesn’t work too well, and it has an issue when my internet is not too stable. It has only delayed me when I needed those notes during a meeting. The search functionality is another drawback as it fails to trace older files. The features are also complicated with sailing, so it makes onboarding slower for new team members, which in turn gets in the way of efficiency with workflow.”

- Notion Review, Ron H. 

2. Google Workspace

First off, the ease of use when it comes to Google Workspace is incredible. Everything just works. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make collaboration effortless. I can literally see my team making edits in real time, leave comments, and track changes without ever hitting the save button. It’s all cloud-based, which means I can access my files from anywhere—whether I’m on my laptop, phone, or even borrowing a friend’s device.

Speaking of access, Google Drive is a lifesaver. It integrates perfectly with Gmail, making it super easy to attach files, share documents, and organize everything. And let’s not forget Forms—probably one of the most underrated tools in the suite. I use it for surveys, feedback collection, and even simple data entry tasks.

Another big win? Google Meet. It’s a solid video conferencing tool, and since it’s built into Gmail and Calendar, scheduling and joining meetings is a breeze. I don’t need to download extra software—just click a link, and I’m in.

While Google Workspace integrates well within its own ecosystem, connecting it to third-party tools (like CRMs) isn’t always seamless. Some integrations feel clunky, and I’ve run into occasional compatibility issues.

Lastly, the learning curve. If you’re used to Microsoft Office, switching over can feel a bit weird at first. Some features work differently, and there are minor limitations (like fewer advanced formatting options in Docs compared to Word).

What I dislike about Google Workspace: 

• It’s great for quick notes, but I’d love folders or better tagging options to keep everything structured.
• Google’s note-taking tools don’t offer advanced stylus support or handwriting-to-text conversion.

What G2 users dislike about Google Workspace: 

“The search functionality within Google Drive can be frustrating, as it sometimes struggles with locating older files or documents with generic names. Additionally, the lack of some advanced features compared to desktop software (e.g., Excel for power users) can be limiting for specific use cases.”

- Google Workspace Review, Verified user in medical services.  

3. Fathom 

I’ve been using Fathom, and I have to say—it’s been a game-changer in how I capture and organize my meeting notes. One of the biggest advantages is its highly accurate transcription, which makes reviewing conversations effortless. I also love how it automatically generates notes and action items, saving me tons of time. The search functionality is incredibly powerful, allowing me to instantly find past discussions without digging through endless files. Plus, the seamless integrations with Zoom, Teams, and GoTo make it super convenient to use in my daily workflow.

That said, there are a few things that could be improved. While I personally haven’t faced major issues, I would like a larger screen view. There are occasional minor glitches, but nothing that has significantly disrupted my experience.

See the bottom left? That’s where you can access the transcript and summary details! There’s a feature at the top to search for notes. 

What I dislike about Fathom: 

• I’ve noticed that the app’s camera remains on during meetings, which can be distracting and unnecessary.
• I’ve noticed that fathom sometimes lacks voice recognition abilities, which can be an issue when multiple users are speaking.

What G2 users dislike about Fathom: 

“When it comes to the types of meetings with which Fathom works most effectively, I’ve identified two main issues – first, the occasional lack of voice differentiation in large group meetings, and second, the failure to separate voices if participants talk simultaneously. It would also be even more powerful if its transcription accuracy could be enhanced in such circumstances.“

- Fathom Review, Rohit W.

4. ClickUp

I've been using ClickUp for a while now, and overall, it's been a great experience. One of the things I appreciate the most is how well the product and tech teams work together to consistently improve the platform. The design is crisp, clean, and easy to navigate, which makes it a pleasure to use. 

First off, the task management features are absolutely brilliant. You can create tasks and subtasks and even break things down into a hierarchy that works for you. There's a ton of flexibility, which means you can tailor it to match your workflow perfectly. The collaboration tools are a game-changer. I also tested out the whiteboard! With features like comments on tasks, file sharing, and real-time updates, it feels like the whole team is on the same page, even if you're spread across the globe. 

That said, some users (and I’ve noticed this myself) complain about occasional slowness or bugs. For example, certain features—like the Gantt charts—don’t always load as quickly as you’d like, especially during peak work hours.

The learning curve is worth mentioning. While the basics are easy, mastering advanced features like automation and detailed reports might take a bit of trial and error. One of the more frustrating limitations is the inability to add both subtasks and main tasks across different sprints, which is a common need in agile workflows. Additionally, the way filters and the "Me Mode" work is not very intuitive—it took multiple support conversations to figure out how to properly view only assigned tasks. Synchronization also doesn’t always update in real-time, requiring manual refreshes throughout the day to ensure the latest version of the dashboard is visible. 

What I dislike about ClickUp: 

• One of the biggest frustrations I encountered was the inability to assign main tasks and subtasks to different sprints. For note-taking in an agile environment, this was a noticeable drawback since I often organize meeting notes into different action items.
• Although I appreciate ClickUp’s ability to integrate with other apps, some integrations were difficult to set up. I struggled with certain configurations.

What G2 users dislike about ClickUp: 

“Struggle to find the best way to have a spot of just note-taking during the call. I lump them together under different tasks I have opened previously. Often I find myself working from the same 5-8 tasks and just leave notes as we go.”

- ClickUp Review, Stephan B.

5. Microsoft OneNote

One of the things I love most about Microsoft OneNote is its flexibility—it allows me to structure my notes exactly how I want, whether through freeform note-taking, embedded media, or a well-organized notebook layout. The integration with other Microsoft tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook makes my workflow much smoother, and the ability to sync across devices ensures that I always have access to my notes, whether I'm on my laptop, tablet, or phone.

Another major plus is its search functionality. Finding specific notes, even from years ago, is effortless thanks to the powerful search tool that scans both typed and handwritten notes. 

From a technical perspective, OneNote’s performance can be inconsistent. Occasionally, it becomes slow and unresponsive, particularly when handling large notebooks with a lot of embedded media. Another issue is the lack of advanced export options—while OneNote integrates well within the Microsoft ecosystem, exporting notes into other formats can sometimes be cumbersome and limited. 

What I dislike about Microsoft OneNote: 

• While the cloud-based sync is useful, it’s not always reliable, especially when switching between multiple devices or working offline. There have been moments where my changes took longer to update, causing slight workflow disruptions.
• There are times when OneNote becomes sluggish or throws errors like "quota exceeded," making it harder to work smoothly.

What G2 users dislike about Microsoft OneNote: 

“What I dislike about Microsoft Onenote is the lack of advanced formatting options. While does offers basic formatting, it doesn't have as many features as some other note-taking/ word processing application.”

- Microsoft OneNote Review, Jasmine K.

6. Fellow

One of the things I love most about Fellow is the ability to assign action items and track them effortlessly. Having all my meeting notes in one place, with clear follow-ups, has significantly improved my workflow. The built-in templates are another major plus—they make structuring my notes much easier, ensuring that I don’t miss critical points during discussions.

Another standout feature is the AI-powered transcription and summaries. They are surprisingly accurate and save me a lot of time when reviewing meeting outcomes. The ability to integrate with my calendar and collaborate with my team in real-time is also a big advantage. It’s a great way to keep everyone on the same page without juggling multiple apps.

While it works well as a meeting-focused tool, it sometimes feels more like a personal to-do list rather than a fully-fledged note-taking app. For those who rely on extensive note organization beyond meetings, it might feel a bit limited. Additionally, some of the more advanced features, like private notes and deeper integrations, are locked behind the paid plans, making the free version somewhat restrictive.

I've encountered minor sync issues and occasional lag when handling larger sets of notes. 

What I dislike about Fellow: 

• I found that there are occasional bugs or syncing delays, which can sometimes be frustrating. 
• If you’re looking to use it for non-meeting notes, it’s a bit more limited in flexibility. Luckily I was using it for work.

What G2 users dislike about Fellow: 

“How people use it. People tend to add notes as talking points in the default template which are never checked off. Action items don't have clear reminders and can easily get lost. The AI features are cool, but their accuracy, especially around action items, is low.” 

- Fellow Review, Verified user in computer software. 

7. Lark

One thing I love about taking notes in Lark is  that I can create structured notes with bullet points, headings, and attachments, making it easy to document meeting summaries, to-do lists, and project ideas. The ability to collaborate in real-time with my team has also been a game-changer—everyone can contribute to shared notes, eliminating the need for endless email chains and fragmented discussions.

That said, there are a few limitations. Formatting options are somewhat restricted, which can be frustrating when I want to customize my notes beyond the basics. Additionally, while Lark’s mobile app is useful, it doesn’t offer the same smooth experience as the desktop version—certain actions, like quickly accessing saved notes, can feel slightly clunky.

Another downside is that syncing across devices isn't always instant. There have been times when I’ve made updates on my laptop that didn’t immediately reflect on my phone, requiring a manual refresh. This isn’t a major issue but can be annoying when I need quick access to the latest version of my notes.

One thing that really stood out (unfortunately, not in a good way) is the lack of split-screen or full-screen modes for notes. It would make multitasking way easier, especially when I’m referencing slides or other documents. 

What I dislike about Lark: 

• I found that there were some challenges with organizing or working on notes within other workflows (e.g., importing/exporting notes or collaborating with non-Lark users).
• While I love the integrated communication features, video conferencing tends to lag occasionally, especially when sharing my screen.

What G2 users dislike about Lark: 

“I'd say there are some unintuitive interactions - although minor.

One new feature that I have a big gripe with is the default to opening docs in Lark rather than in a browser tab like before. It makes doc organization messier - it's also possible to layer open docs inside the Lark UI, so you'd need to "x out" of 3-4 docs inside Lark before seeing the folder hierarchy again.” 

- Lark Review, Tim L. 

Frequently asked questions about the best note taking software

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

What is the best note taking app with a stylus? 

For stylus users, apps that support handwriting and drawing are ideal. One of the note taking apps with stylus I’d suggest is Goodnotes. It is a top choice for handwritten notes with excellent handwriting recognition and organization tools. Microsoft OneNote works well with styluses like the Apple Pencil and Surface Pen, with features like drawing, highlighting, and handwritten note-to-text conversion.

What is the best note taking app for students? 

Students need apps that cater to lectures, assignments, and organization. After testing out some of the best note taking apps, I’d say Notion is a great choice for organizing study materials, creating databases, and collaborating on group projects. Microsoft OneNote, and other tools can be tested out as well. The best software would depend on your specific needs. 

What is the best note taking app for iPad?

The best note-taking app for iPad depends on how you plan to use it. GoodNotes can be perfect for handwritten notes with the Apple Pencil, featuring natural writing, templates, and advanced organization.Testing out the different note taking tools and software listed above can help you decide which is the best note taking app for iPads. 

What is the best AI note taking app?

Most apps have integrated AI capabilities these days. However, out of the apps I tested out, Notion and Otter.ai are the ones that stand out when it comes to the best AI note taking app. The best software would depend on your specific needs. 

Can I use note taking apps offline? 

Many note-taking apps offer offline functionality, allowing you to create and edit notes without an internet connection. Your changes will typically sync once you reconnect to the internet.

How do I choose the right note taking app for me? 

Identify your needs first—whether it’s simple note-taking, task management, or collaboration. Evaluate apps based on ease of use, features, platform compatibility, and whether they align with your workflow.

Do note taking apps support multimedia?

Many modern note-taking apps allow you to add images, videos, audio recordings, and even sketches, making them versatile tools for both personal and professional use.

Time to mean it when you say “noted”

After trying out a variety of note taking tools, I’ve realized that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for capturing and organizing ideas. Whether I’m jotting down quick thoughts, planning projects, or managing my day-to-day tasks, the right app can completely transform the way I work. From features like cross-device syncing and multimedia support to AI-powered transcription and collaboration tools, each app I’ve explored has something unique to offer.

Once I identified my priorities, finding the right app became a lot easier. If you’re unsure where to start, I’d recommend taking advantage of the free plans many of these tools offer to see what works for you. 

Note-taking and improving task management go hand in hand. Explore the best task management software to increase overall business and personal productivity.