The best note taking app for most people is Notion: notes, to-do lists and databases in one place, on every device including the web, free for one person (Plus is $10 a month billed yearly). Obsidian is the best for personal knowledge and offline notes, free and stored as Markdown files you own. Microsoft OneNote is the best free app for handwriting and freeform notebooks, and Anytype is the best for privacy, with end-to-end encrypted, local-first notes. If you only use Apple devices, the free Apple Notes is often enough.
Best note taking apps in 2026
Notion
Notes, to-dos and databases on one page, shareable with anyone, on web, desktop and phone; free for one person, Plus $10 a month billed yearly.
Obsidian
Free, fast and fully offline, with notes as plain Markdown files on your device and links that build a personal knowledge base; Sync is $4 a month billed yearly.
Microsoft OneNote
Free freeform notebooks on Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android and the web, with pen, drawing and audio notes; syncs through OneDrive's 5 GB free storage.
Anytype
Notion-style pages and databases stored on your devices first, end-to-end encrypted when they sync; the app is free, sync plans from $4 a month.
Questions buyers ask
What is the best note taking app?
Notion for most people who want notes, tasks and databases in one place and to share them. Obsidian if you want private, offline notes as files you own. OneNote for free handwritten and freeform notebooks on any device, and Anytype for end-to-end encrypted notes.
What is the best free note taking app?
Obsidian and Microsoft OneNote: both are free with no note limit. Obsidian stores notes as Markdown files on your device (sync between devices is $4 a month, or set up your own), and OneNote syncs through OneDrive's 5 GB of free storage. Notion is free for one person, and Apple Notes is free on Apple devices. Evernote's free plan stops at 50 notes and 1 device.
Notion vs Obsidian for note taking?
Notion for notes you share, organize in databases or reach from any browser. Obsidian for personal notes that open instantly, work offline and stay yours as Markdown files, with backlinks for connecting ideas. Obsidian has no real-time co-editing; Notion's offline mode only covers pages you download.
Is Evernote still worth it in 2026?
Only if you rely on its web clipper and search and will pay for it. The free plan is now limited to 50 notes, 1 notebook and 1 device; Starter is $99 a year with a 1,000-note cap and 3 devices, and unlimited notes need Advanced at $249.99 a year. Notion Plus ($120 a year) or free Obsidian or OneNote cover most of the same ground for less.
What is the best note taking app for iPad and handwriting?
Goodnotes for handwriting with Apple Pencil: Free covers 3 files, Essential is $11.99 a year and Pro $35.99 a year with sync across devices and real-time collaboration. OneNote is the best free choice if you also use Windows or Android, and Apple Notes handles quick pen notes for free.
Is Apple Notes good enough?
For many people on iPhone, iPad and Mac, yes: it is free, fast, supports folders, tags, checklists, document scanning and Apple Pencil, and syncs through iCloud. Limits: no Windows or Android app (only iCloud.com in a browser), the free 5 GB of iCloud is shared with photos and backups, and exporting to other apps is limited.
What is the best note taking app for students?
OneNote is free and often included in a school's Microsoft 365, with strong pen and audio tools for lectures. Notion's Plus plan is free for one member with a school email. Goodnotes is the pick for handwritten notes and annotated PDFs on an iPad.
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