The 5 Best Note Taking Apps of 2022
There is nothing worse than writing down a note and leaving it behind or losing it in a pile of paper. With note-taking software, you can take your notes wherever you go or access them from any computer. Find the one for you with these best note-taking apps.
This list of note-taking apps is in no particular order, as there’s one here for every platform or preference. You’ll find the essential features you need in every app, so instead we’ll point out the notable features that put the app on our list.
For Apple device users: Apple Notes
For a free note-taking app that comes pre-installed on iPhones, iPads and Macs, Apple Notes is the way to go. You can sync your notes across devices, so you’re always up to date.
RELATED: How (and why) to switch to Apple Notes
Dops: Create folders and subfolders for each Internet account you connect to Notes such as iCloud, Gmail or Exchange. It allows you to easily keep all your notes organized by account, for business or personal projects.
Password-protected notes: For extra security, you can lock and password protect certain notes. You can then keep the note away from prying eyes and only open it with your Notes password, device password or Touch ID.
Scan and insert documents: For notes related to documents or images, you can insert the item directly into Notes. Scan a document, take a photo, or sketch a drawing from your iPhone or iPad to include it in your note.
Additional features include pinning and sharing notes, a helpful search, bulleted, numbered and checklists, grouping by date, import and export options, and Quick Notes.
While you won’t find Apple Notes for Android, Windows, or Linux, you can use the app if you have an Apple ID by visiting Notes on iCloud.com.
For Microsoft and Windows users: OneNote
If you are looking for applications for Windows to take notes, then Microsoft OneNote is a good choice. Although not limited to Windows, OneNote gives you an easy-to-use interface and robust features.
RELATED: The beginner’s guide to OneNote in Windows 10
Notebooks: What’s nice about Microsoft OneNote is that you can use notebooks to organize your notes. It allows you to use the application for business, school or household notes with a simple way to switch between notebooks.
Page templates: For a boost on a new note, you can use pre-made page templates. You’ll find OneNote templates for class lectures, meeting notes, and to-do lists in addition to blank decorative options. Simply choose a template, customize it to your liking and let the note take.
Transcription and dictation: If you record a speech, meeting or lecture, you can upload recordings and then transcribe them in OneNote. Plus, you can dictate and transcribe right in the app to keep your own audio notes.
Additional features include customizable labels, video recording, drawing tools, translations, password protection, and integration with Outlook tasks.
Microsoft OneNote comes with Windows 10 and 11, is included in the Microsoft Office suite, is in the Microsoft Store, and is also available for platforms such as Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Google Keep is a handy note-taking tool for those who use Google’s other productivity apps. It’s accessible from the side panel in those apps on the web, giving you quick access to your notes whenever you need them.
RELATED: How to use Google Keep for frustration-free notes
Time and location memories: Choose from a quick reminder such as later today, tomorrow or at home. Alternatively, select a specific date and time or a location such as work or school. You will see your reminder pop up when the date and time arrives or when you reach your destination.
Switch to Google Docs: Maybe you have a note with tasks for a project, contacts for a report, or an event itinerary. You can copy the note to Google Docs with just a few clicks. Then go directly from Keep to your Google Doc.
Associates: Add collaborators to work on a Google Keep note with others. You can then see the date and time a colleague edits the note, as well as view the changes immediately.
Additional features include a dedicated place to view all note reminders, customizable labels, note background colors and images, check boxes, and image upload capability.
You can use Google Keep on its website, from the sidebar in apps like Docs, Sheets, and Calendar, or download it on Android, iPhone, or iPad. Also check out the Google Keep extension for Chrome.
For Feature Freaks: Evernote
Evernote has been at the top of many notes lists for years. The company continues to add new features and improve existing ones to make Evernote reliable, complete and solid note-taking software.
RELATED: How to migrate from Evernote to OneNote
Templates for meeting notes: For a quick and easy way to capture meeting notes, use an Evernote template. You can start with a blank template or connect to Google Calendar to automatically add the event details.
Shortcuts: Similar to the Favorites feature you see in apps, Evernote gives you Shortcuts. Star notes that you need frequently and then quickly access them from the Shortcuts panel.
Work chat: If you’re collaborating on notes, you can hold a Work Chat right in Evernote. Share any note or notebook, open the chat panel and discuss what you need without leaving Evernote.
Additional features include date and time reminders, multiple notebooks, sharing via many methods, inserting items from Google Drive, creating and adding tags, and more.
Use Evernote on its website, Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad, as well as with browser extensions and app integrations. Evernote is free for up to two devices and offers paid plans for more devices and features.
If bells and whistles aren’t what you need in a note-taking app, Simplenote might just be the ideal option for you. For a completely minimalist note taker, you can just type and go.
RELATED: What is Markdown, and how do you use it?
Markdown support: If you’re used to writing in markdown, Simplenote can capture and preview your notes with it. Just enable the Markdown option for a note, type it using headings, bold, italics, or lists, then preview the note when you’re done.
Checklists: For project tasks, items to buy or contacts to invite, use the checklist option in Simplenote. Type each list item, press Enter or Return after each one, and you’ll have a nice and tidy checklist.
Import and export: Whether you’re switching from another note-taking app or want to save a backup of your notes, you can use both import and export options in Simplenote.
Additional features include sharing with other Simplenote users, a customizable display for line length, view, sorting, and theme, creating and adding tags, and a helpful search function.
Simplenote is available for free on Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux as well as the web.
With these great note-taking apps, hopefully there’s at least one on the list that’s perfect for you. For more productivity tools, check out our picks for the best to-do list apps.
