I’m on a budget and need a reliable note-taking app for my iPad. There are so many options out there that it’s overwhelming. I prefer something that has good organization features and is user-friendly. Plus, it would be great if it supported handwriting and syncing across devices. Any recommendations?
I’ve tried a bunch of note-taking apps for the iPad, and my top pick is Microsoft OneNote. Here’s why IMHO it stands out:
- Price: It’s completely free with pretty much no caveats.
- Organization: The notebook-section-page structure is super intuitive. You can create as many notebooks as you need, and then sections and pages within those notebooks. This makes it easy to keep different subjects and projects organized.
- User-friendly: It has a very clean interface that’s easy to navigate. You don’t waste time hunting for features, which is awesome when you’re in the middle of class or a meeting.
- Cross-platform: It syncs seamlessly across your devices. So you can take notes on your iPad and later access them on your PC or phone.
- Handwriting: Great for handwritten notes if you’re using Apple Pencil. Plus, the handwriting recognition is pretty accurate, so you can search your handwritten notes.
- Features: Loads of features like audio recording, tags, and the ability to insert files and images. You’re also able to collaborate with others in real-time, which can be super useful for group projects.
Compared to some other apps like Notability or GoodNotes, which are excellent but not free, OneNote gives you a lot for zero cost. If you’re on a budget, you really can’t go wrong with it. Sure, there’s a learning curve, but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’re looking for other alternatives that are also free, Apple Notes is another solid option, especially since it’s pre-installed on iPads. It’s more basic than OneNote but offers good integration into the Apple ecosystem.
Would definitely recommend giving OneNote a shot. It just ticks so many boxes!
I have to agree with @codecrafter on a lot of those points about Microsoft OneNote—it’s a powerhouse, especially for free. However, I think it’s worth mentioning that there are other free options that might suit different needs or preferences. Apple Notes, for instance, is incredibly integrated within the Apple ecosystem. If you’re already deep into Apple’s infrastructure, you’ll appreciate how smoothly Apple Notes syncs across all your iOS devices. It might not be as feature-rich as OneNote, but for straightforward, clean note-taking, it’s hard to beat.
Another noteworthy mention is Evernote. While its free tier has become somewhat limited compared to its premium tiers, it still offers a solid experience for basic note-taking and organization. You get some decent tagging and search functionalities, though the free version limits device syncing to two devices.
If you’re looking for something more minimalistic, Bear is another free app to consider. It’s specifically designed to be clean and user-friendly with a focus on markdown support. It’s perfect for text-heavy notes and also supports some neat organization features through tags.
For those who are inclined toward collaborative tools, Google Keep might be an interesting option. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea due to its simpler interface and limited formatting options, but it shines in quick and collaborative note-taking. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other Google services.
It’s also worth pointing out Notion, which isn’t traditionally thought of as a note-taking app per se, but offers a robust free tier and is great for those who like a lot of structure and customization in their note-taking process. It allows you to create complex databases, task lists, and more, making it a very versatile tool if you’re willing to spend a bit of time learning its quirks.
So, while OneNote is phenomenal and offers just about everything you might need in a note-taking app, don’t discount these other options. Each has its unique strengths that might align better with specific requirements or preferences. sometimes a simpler setup like Google Keep or Apple Notes can be faster and more user-friendly if your needs aren’t too complex.
While Microsoft OneNote and Apple Notes have their strong points, I’d argue that Evernote deserves another look, especially for those who need robust organization. Sure, its free tier has some limitations like syncing across only two devices and capped monthly uploads, but it’s super feature-rich even at that level. The tagging system is phenomenal for keeping everything categorized. It also supports various types of content, from text to voice memos and photos, making it versatile.
Another contender I’d suggest checking out is Notion. Although it’s often seen as more of a project management tool, its note-taking functionalities are top-notch too. The free tier allows unlimited pages and blocks, and its database capabilities give you an unmatched level of customization. If you’re willing to invest some time to master it, Notion can do wonders for how you manage your notes.
Bear, as @chasseurdetoiles mentioned, is excellent for text-heavy notes with its markdown support, but let’s not gloss over its shortcomings—the free version lacks cross-device sync, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Google Keep is good for quick, collaborative notes, but its simplicity might feel restrictive if you need more advanced features.
Still, for straightforward, all-around utility, OneNote does cover a lot of bases. The notebook-section-page structure makes it easy to stay organized, and it’s hard to beat the cross-platform synchronicity. The learning curve @codecrafter mentioned is real, but once you’re past that, it’s incredibly powerful. Handwriting support with the Apple Pencil is another big plus, although I find the experience slightly more fluid on GoodNotes, but it’s not free, so there’s that trade-off.
If budget is really tight and you’re looking for something more minimal, Google Keep or even Simplenote can be great choices. Simplenote, while basic, offers cross-device syncing without any frills, perfect for markdown lovers.
In conclusion, while OneNote ticks many boxes, and Apple Notes is great for those deep in the Apple ecosystem, don’t discount Evernote or Notion. Each has its strengths and could be a better fit depending on your needs. For minimal setup, Google Keep or Simplenote are worth a shot.