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

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

Over time, my be aware taking habits have advanced— from scribbling in numerous notebooks to typing furiously on my telephone 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 contemporary note-taking apps. They’re like an extension of my mind, solely far more organized.

What I’ve realized is that not all the very best be aware taking apps are created equal. Some are modern and easy, whereas others are feature-packed and designed that can assist you handle your total life. The perfect half? There’s one thing on the market for everybody, irrespective of your fashion or wants.

Should you’re trying to degree up your be aware taking sport or interested in what these be aware taking apps can supply, this listing would possibly simply be the productiveness enhance you’ve been ready for. Let’s dive into the listing of the very best be aware taking apps!

7 greatest be aware taking apps I examined and beloved!

For me, the very best 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, file 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 very best note-taking instruments are those that match seamlessly into your routine, making note-taking really feel easy somewhat than a chore. As soon as you discover the correct be aware taking software program, it’s onerous to think about the way you ever managed with out it.

Whether or not you’re somebody like me who loves to jot down issues down, or somebody trying to manage your ideas successfully, I hope my perspective helps you discover the right instrument to your wants. 

What makes the very best be aware taking apps value it? My perspective

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

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

  Should you regularly connect pictures, hyperlinks, or paperwork, see how properly the app integrates multimedia components. An intuitive textual content editor ought to will let you deal with capturing your ideas with out getting slowed down by formatting limitations. I examined the instruments primarily based on the writing and enhancing expertise they provide, how seamless the method is, and the way simply I can format my notes.

• Cross-device syncing: An amazing note-taking app ought to sync seamlessly throughout a number of gadgets, making certain you possibly can entry your notes whether or not you are utilizing a smartphone, pill, or pc. Listening to how shortly modifications made on one system mirror on one other. Delayed syncing can disrupt workflow and result in inconsistencies. I additionally checked out how properly the app performs throughout completely different working methods—some apps work higher on Apple gadgets, whereas others have stronger assist for Home windows or Android.

  A really versatile lets you take notes anyplace, with out worrying about system compatibility. Notes typically have to be accessed on the go, whether or not in your telephone, pill, or laptop computer. I regarded for the sync options of the highest apps.

• Voice and audio integration: Some note-taking apps supply built-in voice recording, making them ultimate for capturing lectures, conferences, or brainstorming periods. Should you depend on audio notes, take a look at whether or not the app lets you file 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 powerful search perform ought to have the ability to find notes utilizing key phrases, tags, and even handwritten textual content (if OCR expertise is supported). Some superior apps will let you filter outcomes by date, be aware kind, or class, making retrieval much more environment friendly. Should you regularly take in depth notes, testing how properly the search perform performs is important to make sure you gained’t waste time digging by means of previous entries. I regarded for apps with highly effective search options, like key phrase search, scanned paperwork, and filters to find notes by date, tags, or content material kind. Because the variety of notes grows, discovering what you want shortly turns into a problem.
• Media integration: I examined how properly apps deal with multimedia components like pictures, movies, sketches, and audio recordings, as these improve the flexibility of note-taking. Notes are now not restricted to textual content. The power to embed pictures, 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 assist: For many who want handwritten notes, stylus assist is a game-changer. Some apps enable for pure handwriting enter and even supply handwriting-to-text conversion. A very good handwriting-supported app ought to present clean pen strokes, customizable pen kinds, and the power to focus on and annotate straight on paperwork or PDFs. Should 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 enable for real-time collaboration, the place a number of customers can edit the identical be aware concurrently—very like Google Docs. Test whether or not the app helps completely different permission ranges, akin to “view-only” or “edit” entry. Should you typically share notes with others, see if the app permits straightforward exporting in a number of codecs like PDF, Phrase, or Markdown. Sturdy collaboration instruments be sure that teamwork and communication stay seamless.

These are the primary elements that guided my testing and analysis course of. My listing comprises choices that cater to completely different wants and budgets. Whether or not you’re a person consumer or trying to jot staff 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, akin to entry cross-off or verify packing containers
• Supply collaborative note-taking instruments or be aware sharing

*This information was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some evaluations could have been edited for readability.  

1. Notion

Should you love staying organized and having all of your notes in a single place, Notion would possibly 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 listing? Finished. An in depth undertaking tracker? Straightforward. A spot to handle your staff’s workflow, consumer databases, or perhaps a private studying listing? Notion’s obtained 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 hold of it, it’s a sport changer for positive. Notion is a kind of instruments you should utilize each personally and professionally. Right here’s a method I take advantage of Notion to trace my day by day duties. 

One other game-changer? Customized templates & automation. I don’t need to reinvent the wheel each time I arrange a brand new undertaking or workflow. I take advantage of templates that pre-fill fields, rushing up my course of dramatically. The power to create database templates is very 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 large 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 countless potentialities. I undoubtedly needed to watch tutorials to get essentially 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 lately accessed pages stay obtainable, it’s not as seamless as I’d like.

Efficiency is one other difficulty when dealing with giant quantities of information. Should 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 remember should 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 choose up and use effortlessly; I needed to watch tutorials and experiment loads 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 lately opened pages, and actual offline performance continues to be missing.

What G2 customers dislike about Notion: 

“The one downside with the offline mode in Notion is that it doesn’t work too properly, and it has a problem when my web just isn’t 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 information. The options are additionally difficult with crusing, so it makes onboarding slower for brand spanking new staff members, which in flip will get in the best way of effectivity with workflow.”

– Notion Overview, Ron H. 

2. Google Workspace

First off, the convenience of use in the case of Google Workspace is unimaginable. Every thing simply works. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides make collaboration easy. I can actually see my staff making edits in actual time, depart feedback, and monitor modifications with out ever hitting the save button. It’s all cloud-based, which implies I can entry my information from anyplace—whether or not I’m on my laptop computer, telephone, and even borrowing a buddy’s system.

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

One other huge win? Google Meet. It’s a stable 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 have to obtain further software program—simply click on a hyperlink, and I’m in.

Whereas Google Workspace integrates properly inside its personal ecosystem, connecting it to third-party instruments (like CRMs) isn’t at all times seamless. Some integrations really feel clunky, and I’ve run into occasional compatibility points.

Lastly, the training curve. Should 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 thing structured.
• Google’s note-taking instruments don’t supply superior stylus assist 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 information 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 circumstances.”

– Google Workspace Overview, Verified consumer in medical companies.  

3. Fathom 

I’ve been utilizing Fathom, and I’ve to say—it’s been a game-changer in how I seize and manage 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 objects, saving me tons of time. The search performance is extremely highly effective, permitting me to immediately discover previous discussions with out digging by means of countless information. Plus, the seamless integrations with Zoom, Groups, and GoTo make it tremendous handy to make use of in my day by day workflow.

That stated, there are some things that might be improved. Whereas I personally haven’t confronted main points, I would love a bigger display 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 digicam 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 forms of conferences with which Fathom works most successfully, I’ve recognized two essential points – first, the occasional lack of voice differentiation in giant group conferences, and second, the failure to separate voices if individuals speak concurrently. It could even be much more highly effective if its transcription accuracy might be enhanced in such circumstances.“

– Fathom Overview, Rohit W.

4. ClickUp

I have been utilizing ClickUp for some time now, and general, it has been an incredible expertise. One of many issues I respect essentially the most is how properly the product and tech groups work collectively to persistently 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 good. You’ll be able to 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 looks like the entire staff is on the identical web page, even should you’re unfold throughout the globe. 

That stated, 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 at all times load as shortly as you’d like, particularly throughout peak work hours.

The studying curve is value mentioning. Whereas the fundamentals are straightforward, mastering superior options like automation and detailed stories would possibly take a little bit of trial and error. One of many extra irritating limitations is the shortcoming so as to add each subtasks and essential duties throughout completely different sprints, which is a typical want in agile workflows. Moreover, the best way filters and the “Me Mode” work just isn’t very intuitive—it took a number of assist conversations to determine how you can correctly view solely assigned duties. Synchronization additionally doesn’t at all times replace in real-time, requiring handbook refreshes all through the day to make sure the newest model of the dashboard is seen. 

What I dislike about ClickUp: 

• One of many largest frustrations I encountered was the shortcoming to assign essential duties and subtasks to completely different sprints. For note-taking in an agile setting, this was a noticeable disadvantage since I typically manage assembly notes into completely different motion objects.
• Though I respect ClickUp’s potential 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 search out the easiest way to have a spot of simply note-taking in the course of the name. I lump them collectively underneath completely different duties I’ve opened beforehand. Typically I discover myself working from the identical 5-8 duties and simply depart notes as we go.”

– ClickUp Overview, Stephan B.

5. Microsoft OneNote

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 means of 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 power to sync throughout gadgets ensures that I at all times have entry to my notes, whether or not I am on my laptop computer, pill, or telephone.

One other main plus is its search performance. Discovering particular notes, even from years in the past, is easy because of the highly effective search instrument that scans each typed and handwritten notes. 

From a technical perspective, OneNote’s efficiency might be inconsistent. Often, it turns into sluggish and unresponsive, notably when dealing with giant notebooks with loads of embedded media. One other difficulty is the shortage of superior export choices—whereas OneNote integrates properly 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 helpful, it’s not at all times dependable, particularly when switching between a number of gadgets or working offline. There have been moments the place my modifications took longer to replace, inflicting slight workflow disruptions.
• There are occasions when OneNote turns into sluggish or throws errors like “quota exceeded,” making it tougher 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 provides primary formatting, it does not have as many options as another note-taking/ phrase processing utility.”

– Microsoft OneNote Overview, Jasmine Okay.

6. Fellow

One of many issues I really like most about Fellow is the power to assign motion objects and monitor 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 loads of time when reviewing assembly outcomes. The power to combine with my calendar and collaborate with my staff in real-time can also be a giant 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 properly as a meeting-focused instrument, it generally feels extra like a private to-do listing somewhat than a fully-fledged note-taking app. For many who depend on in depth be aware group past conferences, it would really feel a bit restricted. Moreover, among 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. 
• Should you’re wanting 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 objects haven’t got clear reminders and might simply get misplaced. The AI options are cool, however their accuracy, particularly round motion objects, is low.” 

– Fellow Overview, Verified consumer in pc software program. 

7. Lark

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 staff has additionally been a game-changer—everybody can contribute to shared notes, eliminating the necessity for countless e mail chains and fragmented discussions.

That stated, 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 helpful, it doesn’t supply the identical clean 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 gadgets is not at all times immediate. There have been occasions once I’ve made updates on my laptop computer that didn’t instantly mirror on my telephone, requiring a handbook refresh. This isn’t a serious difficulty however might be annoying once I want fast entry to the newest 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 manner 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 sometimes, particularly when sharing my display.

What G2 customers dislike about Lark: 

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

One new characteristic that I’ve a giant gripe with is the default to opening docs in Lark somewhat than in a browser tab like earlier than. It makes doc group messier – it is also potential to layer open docs contained in the Lark UI, so that you’d have to “x out” of 3-4 docs inside Lark earlier than seeing the folder hierarchy once more.” 

– Lark Overview, Tim L. 

Ceaselessly requested questions on the very best be aware taking software program

Have extra questions? Discover extra solutions under.

What’s the greatest be aware taking app with a stylus? 

For stylus customers, apps that assist handwriting and drawing are ultimate. One of many be aware taking apps with stylus I’d counsel is Goodnotes. It’s a best choice for handwritten notes with glorious handwriting recognition and group instruments. Microsoft OneNote works properly with styluses just like the Apple Pencil and Floor Pen, with options like drawing, highlighting, and handwritten note-to-text conversion.

What’s the greatest be aware taking app for college students? 

College students want apps that cater to lectures, assignments, and group. After testing out among the greatest be aware taking apps, I’d say Notion is a good selection for organizing research supplies, creating databases, and collaborating on group initiatives. Microsoft OneNote, and different instruments might be examined out as properly. The perfect software program would rely in your particular wants. 

What’s the greatest be aware taking app for iPad?

The perfect note-taking app for iPad is determined by how you intend to make use of it. GoodNotes might be good for handwritten notes with the Apple Pencil, that includes pure writing, templates, and superior group.Testing out the completely different be aware taking instruments and software program listed above may help you determine which is the very best be aware taking app for iPads. 

What’s the greatest AI be aware taking app?

Most apps have built-in AI capabilities lately. Nonetheless, out of the apps I examined out, Notion and Otter.ai are those that stand out in the case of the very best AI be aware taking app. The perfect software program would rely in your particular wants. 

Can I take advantage of be aware taking apps offline? 

Many note-taking apps supply offline performance, permitting you to create and edit notes with out an web connection. Your modifications will sometimes sync when you reconnect to the web.

How do I select the correct be aware taking app for me? 

Determine your wants first—whether or not it’s easy note-taking, activity administration, or collaboration. Consider apps primarily based on ease of use, options, platform compatibility, and whether or not they align along with your workflow.

Do be aware taking apps assist multimedia?

Many trendy note-taking apps will let you add pictures, movies, audio recordings, and even sketches, making them versatile instruments for each private {and professional} use.

Time to imply it while you say “famous”

After attempting out a wide range of be aware taking instruments, I’ve realized that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for capturing and organizing concepts. Whether or not I’m jotting down fast ideas, planning initiatives, or managing my day-to-day duties, the correct app can fully remodel the best way I work. From options like cross-device syncing and multimedia assist to AI-powered transcription and collaboration instruments, every app I’ve explored has one thing distinctive to supply.

As soon as I recognized my priorities, discovering the correct app grew to become loads simpler. Should you’re not sure the place to begin, I’d suggest benefiting from the free plans many of those instruments supply to see what works for you. 

Word-taking and bettering activity administration go hand in hand. Discover the greatest activity administration software program to extend general enterprise and private productiveness.