We tested and compared the top 6 note-taking apps to help you capture ideas, organize projects, and boost productivity in 2026.
Not sure which app fits your workflow? This side-by-side comparison covers free plan limits, ideal use cases, supported platforms, and overall ratings.
| App | Free Plan | Best For | Platforms | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evernote | Limited (60 MB/month) | Power users, archiving | Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | 4.3/5 |
| Notion | Unlimited pages | Teams, databases, wikis | Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | 4.6/5 |
| Obsidian | Free for personal use | Writers, knowledge graphs | Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android | 4.5/5 |
| Apple Notes | 5 GB iCloud | Apple ecosystem users | iOS, macOS, Web | 4.4/5 |
| OneNote | Unlimited notes | Students, Microsoft users | Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | 4.2/5 |
| Google Keep | 15 GB shared | Quick notes, reminders | Web, iOS, Android | 4.0/5 |
Evernote remains one of the most established names in digital note-taking. It excels at capturing web clippings, scanned documents, and rich media in a searchable archive.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 60 MB/month, 2 devices |
| Personal | $10.99/mo | 10 GB/month, unlimited devices |
| Professional | $14.99/mo | 20 GB/month, AI features |
Notion has evolved into an all-in-one workspace where notes, databases, wikis, and project boards live together. It is ideal for teams and individuals who want a customizable productivity hub.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited pages, 7-day page history |
| Plus | $8/mo | Unlimited file uploads, 30-day history |
| Business | $15/mo | Advanced permissions, 90-day history |
Obsidian is a markdown-based note-taking app built around the idea of a personal knowledge graph. It stores files locally, giving users complete ownership of their data.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | $0 | All core features, local storage |
| Catalyst | $25 one-time | Early access, supporter badge |
| Commercial | $50/yr | Commercial use license |
| Sync | $8/mo | End-to-end encrypted sync |
Apple Notes comes pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. In 2026 it offers surprising depth with tags, smart folders, and seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 5 GB iCloud storage |
| iCloud+ 50 GB | $0.99/mo | Expanded storage |
| iCloud+ 200 GB | $2.99/mo | Family sharing support |
Microsoft OneNote mimics the familiar structure of a physical notebook with sections and pages. It integrates tightly with Office 365 and is a favorite among students and enterprise users.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 5 GB OneDrive storage |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | $6.99/mo | 1 TB storage, Office apps |
| Microsoft 365 Family | $9.99/mo | Up to 6 users, 1 TB each |
Google Keep is the minimalist choice for quick thoughts, shopping lists, and reminders. Its colorful card-based interface and tight Google Workspace integration make it effortless to use.
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 15 GB shared across Google services |
| Google One 100 GB | $1.99/mo | Expanded storage |
| Google One 2 TB | $9.99/mo | Family sharing, premium features |
For most users, Notion offers the best free plan with unlimited pages and blocks. If you prefer simplicity, Google Keep and Apple Notes are excellent zero-cost choices within their respective ecosystems.
Obsidian is better for personal knowledge management and offline privacy, while Notion excels at collaboration and structured databases. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize linking ideas or managing team projects.
OneNote is a top pick for students due to its free-form canvas, handwriting support, and math tools. Notion is also popular for organizing coursework and group projects with databases.
Evernote, Obsidian, OneNote, and Apple Notes all offer robust offline access. Notion and Google Keep require an internet connection for full functionality, though limited offline modes exist on mobile.
Obsidian stores files locally by default, offering maximum privacy. Evernote, Notion, and OneNote encrypt data in transit and at rest on their servers. For sensitive information, consider apps with end-to-end encryption or local storage.
Notion leads for team wikis and project management. OneNote works well within Microsoft-centric organizations. Google Keep is suitable for light shared lists and quick coordination.
We evaluated each app over a four-week period across macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Our scoring considered ease of use, feature depth, pricing value, sync reliability, and user reviews from verified sources. We also tested real-world workflows including meeting notes, project planning, academic research, and creative writing to ensure our recommendations reflect diverse user needs.