Looking for the best note taking app that can make a huge difference in productivity, organization, and learning outcomes? With our list of best note taking app for students, we present you with specialty options like AI-powered summarization tools, flashcard creation, and PDF tools, so students can find the right solution to keep their notes neat, searchable, and synced across devices. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Toggle#1 Notion – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.8/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 10M+
Subscription: Notion Plus – $8/month
Unique Feature: AI-powered note-taking tools with collaborative databases and custom tools
Pros:
- Versatile note-taking tool with excellent collaboration features
- Supports audio notes, code snippets, mind maps, and multimedia embedding
- Enables users to create notes with ease using templates and advanced features
- Powerful AI-powered summarization tools and technical features
- Organize notes into folders, databases, or project boards for student workflows
- Great for academic tasks, personal users, and professional planning
- Seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar and Google Docs for scheduling calendar events
Cons:
- Limited tools for handwritten notes and drawing tools
- No Apple Pencil or curve tool support – less ideal for visual notetakers
- Offline access requires prior setup and syncing
#2 Microsoft OneNote – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.6/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 100M+
Subscription: Free with Microsoft 365 (optional features with $6.99/month plan)
Unique Feature: Infinite canvas with drawing tools, PDF tools, and Math Assistant
Pros:
- Powerful handwriting applications with Apple Pencil and stylus support
- AI-powered note-taking tools include math conversion, Smart Lookup, and audio recordings
- Excellent for Medical students, law students, and STEM students
- Real time syncs across devices with cloud service and supports multiple file types
- Can add audio lectures, video tutorials, and annotate with markup tools
- Great for complex or simple note taking in class and organizing lectures
Cons:
- Tool interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for beginners
- Lacks AI-powered flashcard generator for flashcard creation
- Some advanced AI capabilities are behind the Microsoft 365 paywall
#3 Apple Notes – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.5/5
Available on: iOS, macOS, Apple Watch
Downloads: Pre-installed on Apple devices
Subscription: Free
Unique Feature: Deep integration with Apple Pencil and Apple Watch
Pros:
- Great for quick notes and digital note creation
- Supports simple note, handwritten notes with unlimited color options and layering options
- Integrates with Google Drive, Google Calendar, and iCloud
- Option to organize notes into folders with onboard organization tools
- Includes audio recording features and background colors customization
Cons:
- Only available within the real time Apple ecosystem – not cross-platform
- Limited collaborative features compared to Notion or OneNote
- Lacks comprehensive feature set for technical work and academic tools
- Apple Pencil might be expensive, but enhances the experience exponentially
#4 Obsidian – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.7/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Downloads: 1M+
Subscription: Catalyst License (One-time $25), Commercial: $50/year
Unique Feature: Markdown-based note-taking tool with graph view and local storage
Pros:
- Full control with offline access and notes into folders
- Powerful for academic tasks, technical features, and code snippets
- Supports plugins for AI-powered note-taking tools and flashcard creation
- Customizable with themes, hex codes, and specialty options
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users unfamiliar with Markdown
- Limited drawing tools, not ideal for handwriting applications
- No real-time collaboration or cloud service by default (optional via Obsidian Sync)
#5 Notesnook – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.4/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 100K+
Subscription: Notesnook Pro – $4.49/month
Unique Feature: End-to-end encryption with open-source app transparency
Pros:
- Note-taking app focused on user privacy with zero-tracking in real time
- Clean UI with tool interface tailored for simple note writing
- Supports audio notes, custom tools, PDF tools, and markup tools
- Great budget-friendly option with secure syncing and offline access
Cons:
- Limited advanced features for technical work and academic tools
- Fewer integrations compared to Google Docs or Notion
- No support for Apple Pencil, slippery glass, or handwriting applications
#6 Zoho Notebook – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.3/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 5M+
Subscription: Free, $1.99/month for Pro
Unique Feature: Card types for visual notetaking (Text, Audio, Checklist, Photo, Sketch, etc.)
Pros:
- Great for creating sticky notes, mind maps, and digital notebook cards
- Includes flashcard creation and AI-powered flashcard generator (Pro version)
- Organize notes using colors, notebooks, and custom tools
- Syncs with Google Drive and offers quick access to recent notes
Cons:
- Lacks collaborative features found in Notion or OneNote
- Less ideal for academic tools and technical features
- No AI-powered summarization tools or advanced AI capabilities
#7 SimpleNote – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.2/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 5M+
Subscription: Free
Unique Feature: Lightweight, distraction-free note-taking tool with real-time syncing
Pros:
- One of the excellent option among quick note apps – extremely fast and responsive for quick notes and basic writing
- Syncs seamlessly across devices for quick access
- Supports collaboration features like shared notes
- Ideal for users who value speed over advanced features
Cons:
- Only supports basic features, no drawing tools or handwriting applications
- No support for audio notes, file types, or PDF tools
- Lacks onboard organization tools like tags, folders, or custom layouts
#8 Evernote – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.3/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 100M+
Subscription: Evernote Personal – $14.99/month
Unique Feature: Rich note-taking app with calendar events, file attachments, and audio recordings
Pros:
- Organize notes into folders, tag them, and set reminders
- Supports audio notes, video tutorials, images, PDFs, and more
- Excellent for active learning, academic tools, and ultimate task management
- Syncs with Google Calendar and offers real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Limited tools for drawing tools and handwritten notes
- Pricey subscription compared to budget-friendly options
- Recent changes have limited the free plan’s range of features
Must Read: Best Free Apps For iPad in 2025
#9 Capacities – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.5/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Web
Downloads: Web-based platform
Subscription: Pro – $10/month
Standout feature: Networked notes with visual notetaker capabilities and object-based structure
Pros:
- Unique structure to link ideas and concepts visually, great for student workflows
- Organize content into objects (Notes, People, Projects) and apply custom properties
- Excellent for technical work, notes in class, concept of handwriting, and learning outcomes
- Allows custom tools like templates, calendar linking, and object filtering
Cons:
- Lacks drawing tools, handwriting applications, and audio recording features
- Not available on mobile devices (currently desktop & web only)
- Might be too structured for casual note-takers needing quick notes
#10 Joplin – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.4/5
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Downloads: 1M+
Subscription: Joplin Cloud – $5.99/month
Standout feature: Fully open-source app with end-to-end encryption and Joplin Cloud
Pros:
- Excellent notetaking tool with Markdown support and full data ownership
- Great for technical features, code snippets, notes in class, and file types
- Supports plugins for AI-powered note-taking tools and flashcard creation
- Offline use supported; notes can sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud
Cons:
- Lacks drawing tools, Apple Pencil support, and handwriting applications
- Less polished UI than commercial apps like Evernote or Notion
- Collaboration features are limited unless paired with Joplin Cloud
- No integration with Google Docs
#11 Google Keep – Best Note Taking App
Rating: 4.5/5
Available on: Android, iOS, Web
Downloads: 1B+
Subscription: Google Keep is Free (uses Google Drive storage)
Standout feature: Sticky note-like interface with Google ecosystem integration
Pros:
- Google Keep is perfect for quick notes or notes in class, checklists, and setting location/time-based reminders
- Fully integrated with Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Google Docs
- Google Keep also allows adding audio notes, background colors, images, and labels
- Great for capturing ideas on the go and organizing notes with ease
Cons:
- With Google Keep, there are limited features for advanced AI capabilities, drawing tools, and academic tools
- No folders in Google Keep interface – organization is tag-based only
- Not ideal for long-form content, handwritten notes, or detailed technical documents
FAQs
Is Evernote still good in 2025?
Yes, Evernote is still a great Note Taking App in 2025, especially after they were acquired by acquired by Bending Spoons, an Italian iOS and Android app development company.
What is the best app for students to take notes?
There are many note taking app in the market, such as Notion, Evernote, OneNote, and more. Check out our article for “Best Note Taking App for Students in 2025”
Which note-taking method is best for students?
The best note taking app method for students depends on their learning style, subject, and academic goals. However, based on efficiency, retention, and structure, the top three methods are:
Cornell Method – Best for Active Learning & Review
- Structure: Divides the page into cues, notes, and summary sections.
- Why it works: Encourages reviewing and summarizing information shortly after class.
- Best for: Academic subjects like history, biology, psychology.
Outline Method – Best for Organized Thinkers
- Structure: Hierarchical bullet points (main topics > subtopics > details).
- Why it works: Keeps ideas organized and clear, useful during lectures.
- Best for: Law students, STEM students, or anyone who processes in logical order.
Mind Mapping – Best for Visual Learners
- Structure: Central idea in the middle, branches radiating for subtopics.
- Why it works: Helps with visualizing relationships between ideas.
- Best for: Creative subjects, brainstorming, and concept-heavy topics like biology or philosophy.
What is the most used note-taking app?
The most used note taking app globally is Keep Notes, while Notion is most liked by students globally.