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!
*These collaboration tools are top-rated in their category, according to G2's Winter 2025 Grid Reports. I’ve also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you.
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.
I'll admit that finding and evaluating the best apps wasn’t a quick process — it took time, testing, and a whole lot of note-taking. (I enjoyed every bit of it!) My approach was pretty straightforward: I wanted to see if each app delivered on its promises, whether it was for casual jotting, detailed organization, or creative brainstorming. I examined features such as ease of use, customization options, device syncing, and any standout tools that could make life easier.
In cases where I couldn’t personally test a tool due to limited access, I consulted a professional with hands-on experience and validated their insights using verified G2 reviews. The screenshots featured in this article may be a mix of those captured during testing and ones obtained from the vendor’s G2 page.
I began by identifying the best note-taking apps based on G2 grid reports and user reviews. I also used AI to analyze the product reviews listed on G2, digging into real users' needs, likes, and dislikes. In the end, I walked away with a clear sense of which tools were worth the hype and which ones might not be the best fit for most users.
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. And it’s not just a personal productivity fad — the category itself is expanding fast, from USD 17.18B in 2025 and USD 44.51B by 2034 (11.15% CAGR). That growth is driving richer features, such as AI transcription, improved sync, and deeper collaboration.
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:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
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 gets a lot right, there are a few areas where users see room for improvement. The platform is incredibly flexible, but that flexibility comes with a learning curve — it takes some time to figure out the best way to structure workflows, and new users may feel overwhelmed by the endless possibilities. That said, once you’ve watched a few tutorials and experimented, it becomes a powerful tool that can be tailored to almost any need.
Offline access is another area where users see room for improvement. Notion isn’t a true offline-first app, which can be inconvenient when traveling or working in areas with poor internet. While recently accessed pages remain available, it’s not always as seamless as some would like. Still, when connected, syncing across devices is smooth and reliable, making collaboration easy.
Performance can also dip when handling very large datasets. If you go overboard with nesting pages and databases, things may start to slow down. Even so, for most day-to-day note-taking and project management, performance remains solid, and many users appreciate how much they can organize in a single platform.
“Notion has revolutionized how I organize my life, that's why I use it everyday. I love its versatility — I usually use it as a note taking, studying board, planner and I even organize my financial life - it is all my life in one place.
The ease of creating pages, linking databases and creating boards makes it incredibly intuitive. It's beautiful and I, as a designer, love to use it. After you use it for the first time, you get better at how it works and it feels more intuitive. Also, whenever I need support, I can get in touch with the team and they solve the problem in a quick and careful way.”
- Notion Review, Fabiane C.
“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.
Want to go beyond note taking? Here’s a list of my favorite project management software for 2025.
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.
Google Workspace integrates smoothly within its own ecosystem, making it easy to move between tools like Gmail, Drive, and Meet. Connecting with third-party apps (like CRMs) is possible too, though some integrations can feel a little clunky and may bring occasional compatibility issues. Still, for teams that primarily work inside Google’s ecosystem, the built-in connections keep workflows streamlined.
The learning curve is another point to consider. If you’re coming from Microsoft Office, switching over can feel a little unfamiliar at first, since some features work differently and a few advanced formatting options in Docs don’t fully match Word. That said, most users find the transition manageable, and once they adjust, the simplicity and collaboration features of Google Workspace tend to outweigh the initial differences.
“Having all of the tools in one place is really handy as I can easily integrate my documents within each other, whether it's a slides presentation, a word document or a spreadsheet. It's easy to notify my colleagues within documents, and they get alerts in their email. Attaching documents to my calendar invites make it really easy to keep everyone in the loop and consistently keep information in the same place for myself and colleagues to easily find.”
- Google Workspace Review, Alice S.
“The search functionality within Google Drive can be challenging, 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.
Check out one of the widely used Google Workspace products, Google Docs and learn more about how to get started, how to edit notes, and how to create Google Docs.
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.
“I’ve tried several AI note-taking apps. Fathom outshines them all. Many other apps struggle with poor speech-to-text accuracy or lackluster AI insights, but Fathom excels in both areas. It’s more affordable (the free version is surprisingly robust), incredibly accurate, and lightning-fast. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to adopt, and the AI insights — especially the action items — are consistently the best I’ve encountered. Fathom often captures key details and action items I would have missed on my own. I use Fathom multiple times a day, and it’s quickly become an essential tool in my workflow.”
- Fathom Review, Josh M.
“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.
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, and 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.
Some users (and I’ve noticed this myself) mention occasional slowness or bugs. For example, features like the Gantt charts don’t always load as quickly as you’d like during peak hours. That said, once they’re up and running, they provide clear visibility into timelines and dependencies, which is a big help for project planning.
The learning curve is also worth noting. The basics are easy to grasp, but mastering advanced features such as automation and detailed reports may take some trial and error. On top of that, the inability to add both subtasks and main tasks across different sprints has been flagged as a limitation, especially in agile workflows. Filters and the “Me Mode” can also feel unintuitive at first, and synchronization sometimes requires a manual refresh to see the latest version of the dashboard. Still, most users agree that once set up properly, the platform offers powerful tools for managing complex projects and keeping everyone aligned.
“ClickUp has been an enormous help in tracking project progress and task completion. I like that it has different views and custom fields that you can use. ClickUp has been a very versatile tool we've been using as an applicant tracking system, a CRM, and a note-taking tool, among others.”
- ClickUp Review, Ronna T.
“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.
As much as I love taking notes, I also like making it look aesthetic. Check out my team’s review for the best graphic design software to include in your workflows.
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 generally performs well, though some users note occasional slowdowns when handling very large notebooks with lots of embedded media. It’s not a constant issue, but something to keep in mind for heavier use cases. Another point raised is the lack of advanced export options. While OneNote integrates smoothly within the Microsoft ecosystem, exporting notes into other formats can feel a bit limited at times. Still, for users who primarily stay within Microsoft tools, the built-in compatibility usually covers most needs.
“I think the best feature of Microsoft OneNote is the flexibility and ease of use in organizing notes across different platforms. The flexibility to create many notebooks, sections, and pages creates a highly structured but highly adaptable means of structuring information. In addition, notes can be accessed on any device with the help of integration with other Microsoft tools and the cloud-based syncing feature-just making everything so much easier. I also really appreciate the rich media support, which allows me to attach images, audio files, and even files directly into my notes.”
- Microsoft OneNote Review, Sidrah K.
“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.
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.
“I love how Fellow allows for agendas, meeting notes, and action items to be carried over to the next meeting. Previously, our work teams all had different systems. It was difficult to track where we were in our progress. We were always scrambling to find the previous meetings' agendas, notes, or action items. Keeping the information all in one place for recurring meetings gives peace of mind and is a huge time saver. Now in meetings, we say, "It's on the Fellow" and everyone nods their head and we can keep going.”
- Fellow Review, Beverly V.
“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.
Note taking apps are great at helping you with keeping minutes of the meeting and other important details. Here are some meeting management software you can check out!
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, formatting options are somewhat limited, which can feel restrictive when trying to customize notes beyond the basics. Still, for straightforward documentation, the simplicity keeps things clean and easy to manage. The mobile app is also handy, though not quite as smooth as the desktop version — some actions, like quickly accessing saved notes, can feel slightly clunky.
Syncing across devices works reliably in most cases, but it isn’t always instant. A manual refresh is sometimes needed to see the latest updates. Even so, once refreshed, notes sync consistently and remain accessible across platforms.
One area with room for improvement is the lack of split-screen or full-screen modes for notes. Having these options would make multitasking easier, especially when referencing slides or other documents. That said, Lark’s overall collaboration strengths often outweigh these limitations, making it a practical choice for team-based note-taking.
“Lark is amazing at collaboration and task management. Furthermore, the app is constantly upgrading, adding more integrations with the most popular and commonly used SaaS platforms on the market. This tool is so great because it synthesizes all the other tools in the market into one platform, with amazing video conferencing as good as Zoom, Slack-like messaging service, Jira-like project management, Notion-like document collaboration, Google Sheets-like spreadsheet software, and so much more with the best UI/UX I have ever experienced with a product. I have migrated all my personal, school, and work-related management and tasks to Lark and feel so much more productive with everything in one place for the price of little-to-nothing!”
- Lark Review, Eashan S.
“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.
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notion and Microsoft OneNote consistently rank highly for professional workflows thanks to flexible structure (Notion) and enterprise familiarity/integration (OneNote). Choose Notion for databases and templates; OneNote for notebook-style depth inside Microsoft 365.
Google Workspace/Keep and Microsoft OneNote are rock-solid for instant availability on phone, tablet, and desktop. Notion syncs well online; just note its limitations when fully offline.
ClickUp is excellent for project notes tied to tasks, sprints, and whiteboards. Notion is a close second if you want relational databases and wiki-style hubs.
For enterprise security/compliance, Microsoft (OneNote in Microsoft 365) and Google (Workspace/Keep) are strong choices with admin controls, governance, and encryption.
Notion supports images, files, embeds, and code blocks; Fathom adds meeting recordings, transcripts, and AI summaries that slot neatly into your notes.
Notion offers powerful filtering, relations, and properties; Fellow excels at searching across meeting agendas, decisions, and action items.
If you want collaboration without a big bill, Lark is a popular budget-friendly pick; ClickUp’s lower tiers can also work well for small teams.
Microsoft OneNote is reliable for true offline notebooks; Notion allows offline access to recently opened pages with sync on reconnection.
Google Workspace integrates natively across Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and Meet; Notion connects with Slack, Trello, Asana, and more via native and third-party integrations.
Notion leads with reusable database/page templates and a thriving community marketplace, great for repeatable workflows.
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.
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.
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