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!