Taking quick notes on the go in an app sounds easy – but it’s not. Even deciding on the right app is a difficult one, as everyone places importance on different factors.
Note-taking apps: These are the best
The requirements for a good note-taking app are different for everyone. Some like rather many functions, others attach more importance to clarity. These and other criteria were taken into account in the selection of the five best note-taking apps, so there should be something for everyone.
The all-rounder: OneNote
The name should be familiar to everyone: OneNote is an app from the Microsoft company for creating notes. While it was only included in the Microsoft 365 subscription until a few years ago, it is now available for free and shines with an intuitive user interface. The app is not only available for iOS and Android, but also for Windows.
- Structure: The app OneNote organises the notes in so-called notebooks and also otherwise bases the structure on the analogue version: Within the notebooks there are sections, which in turn are divided into different pages. This system makes it very easy to keep track of all notes
- Strengths: In addition to classic keyboard input, freehand input is also possible, which is especially helpful when using a tablet. The checkbox function makes it easy to create to-do lists and tick off completed tasks. Furthermore, in addition to audio files, image files can also be inserted and even documents can be scanned with the mobile phone camera. In addition, individual pages of the notebooks can be exported as PDFs or text documents. Once you have understood the structure of the app, it is intuitive to use. Thanks to automatic synchronisation, you can work on your notes from several devices.
- Weaknesses: Collaborating with other people is unfortunately not possible, also not available is the ability to export entire notebooks
- Conclusion: The app is very extensive in terms of functions and is not only suitable for quick notes, but also for transcripts and the like. The use of OneNote is recommended for people who already have a Microsoft account anyway and want to access their notes from multiple devices. In addition, the very clear app lends itself to people who take a lot of notes.
The Minimalist: Simplenote
Simplenote is the note-taking app from the Automattic company. It scores with a simple design and few distractions, as it only has the most important functions. The app is also available for iOS, Android, Windows and other operating systems.
- Building: All notes created in the app appear on the home screen as soon as you open it. There is no kind of folder, but there are so-called keywords, which are used to structure and search for certain texts.
- Strengths: Simplenote has the function of pinning notes so that you can find them again more quickly. This app also has the option of creating to-do lists. In addition, Simplenote has a “collaborate” function that allows several people to work on the same document.
- Weaknesses: Due to the lack of folders, the app can quickly become confusing, especially if you don’t add keywords to your notes. In addition, freehand input is not possible, and neither images nor audio files can be inserted. In order to be able to edit the font colour and type, you also have to activate the Markdown function, which works similarly to HTML and thus requires some practice.
- Summary: Thanks to the minimalist user interface, the app is perfectly attuned to high productivity, but anyone who wants to do more than just write text will quickly come up against the app’s limits. It is therefore suitable for short notes and efficient work; those who value other functions should rather use one of the other apps.
The functional miracle: Notebook
The Notebook app from Zoho Corporation shines with a myriad of practical functions even without a Pro account. This app is also available for both Android and iOS.
- Structure: Similar to OneNote, there are notebooks that serve as folders for different pages (called note cards in Notebook).
- Strengths: In the app, audio files and scanning of documents are possible in addition to text and freehand input. Besides to-do lists, there are also tools that set this app apart from others: The user can insert tables, code blocks can be inserted and there is a practical timestamp function. Entire notebooks can be exported as folders and even protected with a password if desired. Thanks to synchronisation, work can be done from several devices, and there is also a sharing function.
- Weaknesses: Due to the countless functions located above the keyboard in edit mode, it is somewhat complicated to use. In addition, the page view in particular is less attractive than in OneNote, for example.
- Conclusion: The countless functions require a little practice, but then there are no limits to editing. Anyone who values a wide range of functions should definitely try this app.
The Practical One: Evernote
Evernote, the note-taking app from the company of the same name, should also be familiar to many. Through a great many functions, it fulfils the user’s every wish and can be used as an app on Android smartphones, Apple devices and online.
- Construction: As with OneNote and Notebook, Evernote organises itself in the form of notebooks that contain individual notes.
- Strengths: There are very many ways to format text in the app. These include font colour, font type, highlighting and so on. In addition, there is freehand input and very practical templates, for example for teaching notes. Also available are an option to scan documents, the possibility to create bullet points and to-do lists, and tables, audio and code blocks are also possible. Collaborative work on notes is also available thanks to the sharing function.
- Weaknesses: In text entry mode, there are three different editing bars, two of which are directly above the keyboard. This makes it easy to get confused or accidentally activate the wrong function.
- Summary: The Evernote app is very practical due to a variety of functions and templates for every occasion. However, you have to get used to the user interface first. But if you want to use the app regularly and to process a lot of notes, this is the right place to go.
The classic: Google Notes
Google Notes should also be familiar to everyone and be the most obvious choice for many Android users, since you can hardly avoid Google apps with this operating system anyway. Nevertheless, in addition to Android devices, the app can also be used on Apple devices and online.
- Structure: Google works with so-called labels to sort notes, which take on the function of folders.
- Strengths: The app can be used immediately without a tutorial after signing in with a Google account. In addition, both text and freehand input are possible, and synchronisation means you can also work from multiple devices. Inserting pictures as well as audio recordings is also guaranteed, and to-do lists can also be created. Collaborative work is possible through sharing via a Google account or email.
- Weaknesses: Google Notes is less intuitive than other notes apps from this list, some icons are not self-explanatory. In addition, no editing of text, such as colour or font, is possible and sorting by labels requires some practice to avoid losing notes.
- Conclusion: Those who are already used to Google programmes such as Gmail or Google Drive should quickly find their way around Google Notes. However, those who are looking for text editing functions will unfortunately not find what they are looking for here.
