15 Best Note Taking App for Students

There’s no doubt that note-taking is essential for students. From studying for tests to jotting down ideas during class, taking notes can be a time-saving way to stay organized. Between textbooks, lectures, and tests, it’s no wonder that students sometimes struggle to keep up. That’s where note taking apps come in. These apps allow students to take notes and make connections more easily, which can help them to better understand the material they’re studying.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best note taking apps for students. They’re perfect for anyone who needs to keep track of their thoughts and ideas and is easy to use no matter what device you’re using. So whether you’re a student at school, at work, or even at home, be sure to check out this list!

The 15 Best Note Taking Apps for Students

Here are 15 of the best note taking apps for students.

1. nTask

nTask is a note taking app that helps students take quick and easy notes. Its simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to keep track of your thoughts and ideas, without needing to waste time formatting them into perfect paragraphs. 

Plus, nTask provides a wide range of features that make it ideal for taking notes in class, studying materials, or just keeping track of personal information. You can add multiple images per note (to help visualize your thoughts), copy and paste content from other sources into your notes easily, and share your notes with others in your nTask team.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• It’s easy to use and has a simple interface.
• It’s free and doesn’t require any registration or login.
• You can add multiple notes at a time and include photos, videos, and links.
• The app automatically saves your notes so you can access them even when you’re offline.
• Best time tracking and project management
• nTask supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, and Excel sheets.
• It has a built-in timer so you can track your progress while you’re taking notes.

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• The app is only available on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).
• nTask doesn’t have an editing feature as other note-taking apps do.
• There’s no way to password-protect your notes so people who shouldn’t see them can still see them if they find them online.

Pricing

nTask offers 3 pricing plans; Premium, Business, and Enterprise. Starting from $3.

Developer	nTask Inc.
Available For	iOS, Web, & Android
Free Version	Available
Free Trial for Paid Version	07 days

2. Evernote

Evernote is a note taking app that has been popular with students for years. It’s an excellent tool for taking notes, organizing your thoughts, and accessing your notes anytime, anywhere.

One of the great things about Evernote is that it’s free to use and there are no ads or restrictions on how many notes you can save. You can also access your notes offline so that you don’t have to worry about losing them if you’re not connected to the internet.

If you’re a student who needs a note taking app that will help you organize your thoughts and stay organized, then Evernote is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• It’s easy to access and use, even on a mobile device.
• The notes are easily searchable, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
• The data is backed up regularly, so you can always recover your information if something happens to your phone.
• There are tons of templates available to help you organize your notes in the best way possible.
• The app has an extensive sharing feature that lets you easily share your notes with other students or educators.

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• The data stored in Evernote is private by default, which may not be suitable for all students. 
• It can be difficult to keep track of which notes are private and which ones are public. 
• Due to the fact that everything is saved in the cloud, Evernote can be quite resource-intensive on devices with low storage capacity.

Pricing

Evernote offers 6 pricing plans including the free plan.

Developer	Evernote Corporation
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	14 days

3. Notability

Notability is an app that offers note taking features and is basically a software application that helps you take and manage your notes conveniently. It allows you to record your thoughts as quickly and easily as possible, which makes it easier for you to remember what you’re talking about. Plus, it keeps all your notes in one place so that you can access them whenever you need them.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• Easy to use interface. 
• Lots of features that make it great for studying, including spell-checking and grammar-checking. 
• Can be accessed from any device or computer, making it convenient for taking notes during class. 
• Can store multiple notes in different categories, making it easy to find what you’re looking for later on.
• Can share notes with other students via email or social media platforms.

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• May be expensive depending on the features you want to use. 
• Some users have complained about how slow the app can be in large note taking sessions.

Pricing

Notability offers a free plan and a notability plus plan. Price varies by region.

Developer	Ginger Labs
Available For	iOS, macOS
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	No

4. Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a note taking app designed specifically for students. It’s quick and easy to use, and it has a lot of features that make it perfect for taking notes in class.

One of the biggest benefits of using Microsoft OneNote is that it keeps all your notes organized in one place. You can easily access all your notes from any device or computer, and you can even share them with other students if you want. You can also create notebooks specifically for different subjects or courses, which makes it easy to keep track of everything that you’re learning.

OneNote also has great formatting capabilities, so you can make your notes look professional and organized. It also supports collaboration features so that multiple students can work on the same note at the same time. Overall, Microsoft OneNote is a great app for students who want to stay organized and efficient while they’re taking notes in class.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• It’s easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
• It can save your notes in a variety of formats, including PDF, Word, and Excel.
• You can share your notes with others easily via email or social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
• It’s available on both desktop and mobile devices.
• It has a great search feature that makes it easy to find the information you’re looking for. 

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• It can be difficult to share notes with other students or professors.
• It’s not as easy to collaborate on projects as with other note taking apps.
• It’s not as easy to share files with others, and it can be time-consuming to send large files over email.

Pricing

OneNote is free to download, although you can unlock premium features with a Microsoft Office 2019 or Microsoft 365 subscription, including stickers and advanced sharing options. Microsoft 365 accounts start at $6.99 per month.

Developer	Microsoft Inc.
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	No
Free Trial for Paid Version	30 days

Related:

Evernote vs OneNote – Which One Is the Best for You?

5. Obsidian

Obsidian is designed specifically for students and features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to add, edit and organize your notes.

Obsidian also has a variety of features that will help you stay organized while you’re studying. For example, it has a flashcard system that lets you easily learn new information. It also has an annotation feature that lets you mark important points in your notes so that they’re easy to find later on. And last but not least, it has a search function that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently.

Overall, Obsidian is an excellent note taking app that will make keeping track of your studies much easier. So if you’re looking for an app that will help improve your productivity and focus, then look no further than Obsidian!

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• The app is simple to use and easy to navigate.
• It has a wide range of features, including support for text formatting, password protection, and bookmarking.
• It’s fast and responsive, making it perfect for taking quick notes during class.
• The app allows you to add multiple notes at once, which makes it easier to track your progress throughout the class session.
• There’s also a built-in timer that lets you track how long you’ve been working on each note. 

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• It doesn’t have any tools or templates for creating custom notes, which can be a limitation if you’re looking for specific help with your school work. 
• While the app is free to use, there are ads that will occasionally pop up while you’re using it.

Pricing

Obsidian offers 3 price plans. A free plan, catalyst for $25, and commercial $50

Developer	Microsoft
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	No

6. Google Keep

Google Keep is a note taking app that’s specifically designed for students. It has a variety of features that make it an ideal tool for taking notes and storing information.

One of the most important features of Google Keep is its drag-and-drop feature. This makes it easy for students to connect ideas and data from different sources, making it easier for them to create coherent thoughts. Plus, the app’s unified search feature means that they can easily find what they’re looking for.

Another great feature of Google Keep is its filter function. This allows students to focus on specific topics or details while excluding irrelevant information. This is perfect for when they need to come up with comprehensive notes quickly but don’t want to be distracted by extraneous details.

Overall, Google Keep is an excellent note taking app that will help students organize their thoughts and memories more efficiently.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• It’s easy to use.
• It’s free.
• It syncs with your Google Account so you can access your notes anywhere and anytime.
• It’s secure, so your notes are private and never shared with anyone else.
• It has a lot of features – including things like spell-checking, copying and pasting text, and attaching photos or files to your notes.

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• It can be difficult to find what you’re looking for if you don’t know where to look. 
• Some of the features are only available in certain languages or regions.

Pricing

Google Keep is free.

Developer	Google
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	It’s free

Related:

Google Keep vs Evernote: Which Is Best For You?

7. Notion

Notion is a new note taking app that allows students to organize their thoughts and ideas in a convenient, easy-to-use format. It also has features that make it perfect for studying, such as automatic highlighting and annotation of notes, as well as the ability to share notes with other students.

If you’re looking for an app that will help you stay organized while you’re studying, then look no further than Notion. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who wants to maximize their learning experience.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• The ability to save any note or article for future reference.
• The ability to annotate and highlight text, which makes it easier to find and remember important details.
• The ability to password-protect notes so that only designated people can access them.
• Synchronization between devices so that your notes are always automatically backed up.
• The ability to share notes with other people via email or social media.

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• Notion can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users because there are so many features available at once. 
• There’s no way to password-protect individual pages within the app, which makes it vulnerable to theft or vandalism.

Pricing

Notion offers 4 plans. Starting from free to enterprise. 

Developer	Notion Labs Inc.
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	You can Try it for free

8. Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is an app that helps students take notes and organize their thoughts in a more organized way. It’s perfect for students who want to improve their academic performance, as it provides them with a systematic way of organizing their thoughts and notes.

Zoho Notebook is easy to use – you simply create a new note, add any text you want, and then save it. You can also add links, images, and videos to your notes, so you can easily share them with other people. Plus, Zoho Notebook keeps all your notes completely private and secure so that you can keep your ideas confidential.

Overall, Zoho Notebook is an excellent app for students who want to get organized and improve their academic performance. It’s available for free on the App Store or Google Playstore.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• Easy to use and virtually everyone can use them. 
• They’re affordable, and you don’t need a lot of storage space for them. 
• You can share your notes with other people, which makes collaboration easier. 
• They’re private by default, so you don’t have to worry about others seeing your notes. 
• You can use them for school work, personal development, or anything else that requires note-taking. 

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• Some people feel that they’re less efficient than other types of notepads. 
• If you lose your device or it gets stolen, your notes are gone with it.

Pricing

Free to use.

Developer	Zoho Developer
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	It’s Free

Looking for more apps like Zoho? Check this out:

25 Best Zoho Alternatives to Use

9. Bear

Bear is a new note taking app that’s revolutionizing the way students take notes. It’s simple, organized and easy to use, and it has a wide range of features that make it perfect for any student.

One of the best things about Bear is its organizational system. It has a grid system that makes it easy to see where each note belongs in your document, and its outline feature makes it easy to see where each section in your document begins and ends.

Apart from its note taking features, Bear also has a variety of other features that are perfect for students. For example, it can keep track of your study habits and schedule, create digital flashcards, share documents with classmates and stay up-to-date with the latest news and events related to your subject matter.

So if you’re looking for an innovative note taking app that will make taking notes easier than ever before, then you should definitely give Bear a try!

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• A user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate
• Markdown support to make your notes look stylish and professional
• A built-in search function to help you find what you’re looking for quickly
• Automatically saves your latest notes so you never lose any information
• Import/export functionality so you can easily import your notes into other apps or formats

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• The app is only available on iOS devices, which may limit its appeal to some users.
• There is no way to export your notes into other formats, such as PDF or Word, which can make them difficult to use or share with others.

Pricing

The Bear Pro subscription has two options:

• $1.49 monthly, which offers a one-week free trial
• $14.99 annually, which has a one-month free trial

Developer	Shiny Frog
Available For	iOS, macOS
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	You can Try for free

10. SimpleNote

SimplyNote is an app designed specifically for student use. It allows users to take notes and make annotations directly on PDFs, Word documents, and images. It also has a built-in timer that helps students track their progress and stay on track with their deadlines.

Overall, SimplyNote is an excellent note-taking app that makes studying more efficient and organized for students. It’s perfect for those who are struggling to keep up with their academic workloads

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• It’s simple to use, and all you need is a pen and paper to start using it.
• The interface is clean and easy to understand.
• It has a wide range of features that are perfect for taking notes.
• It saves your notes in different formats so you can easily access them later on. 
• The app is free, which makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious students. 

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• There may be times when the app crashes or doesn’t work properly, which can be frustrating. 
• The app doesn’t offer many customization options, which can sometimes be limiting.

Pricing

Simple note is free but you can upgrade to premium for $10 per year.

Developer	Automattic Inc
Available For	iOS, macOS, Android, Windows
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	No

11. Apple Notes

Apple Notes is a note taking app that’s designed specifically for students. It has all the features that students need to take notes, including font size and color customization, automatic saving of all changes, and the ability to annotate PDFs and images.

One of the best things about Apple Notes is its integration with other Apple products. For example, you can use it to take notes in class or during lectures and then sync them automatically to your other devices. Additionally, you can access your notes from any computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. 

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• The app is easy to use and navigate.
• It has a clean and modern design, making it easy to focus on your notes.
• It’s available on all types of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and phones.
• It auto-syncs with your cloud account so you can access your notes anywhere you go.
• It has a timer that helps you stay on track by limiting the time you spend on each note. 
• And it supports handwriting recognition so you can easily input your notes in the app without having to type them in.

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• It can be difficult to find and use certain features when you’re in a hurry.
• Additionally, it can be expensive compared to other note taking apps out there.

Pricing

Free to use

Developer	Apple Inc.
Available For	iOS, macOS
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	It is free

12. Penbook

Penbook is an ideal note-taking app for students of any grade. It enables users to create a digital notebook with several themes, colors, and features that make it easy for students to make visually appealing notes to help them better in their studies.

The application is available on iOS and Mac devices. It can help you to make daily or monthly planners to jot down your ideas and dreams you have. Moreover, you can easily export the digital book in PDF format.

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• They’re easy to take with you wherever you go.
• They’re portable, so you can take them with you to class or work, and then jot down ideas or notes while you’re on the go.
• It’s free, which makes it ideal for budgeting purposes.
• You can use them for any subject, not just math or science.
• They have a lot of benefits over other note taking methods, such as online note taking and whiteboard drawing.
• Import/Export the PDF of the notebook
• Add to-do pages
• Cover page designs included
• Shape recognition

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• Not all pen book notebooks are compatible with all app platforms.
• Some features may not be as user-friendly as others

Pricing

Available on App Store for free but you can upgrade to premium.

Developer	User Camp
Available For	iOS, macOS
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial for Paid Version	No

13. NoteLedge

NoteLedge is perfect for students who need to keep up with their classes and assignments. It eliminates the need for bulky textbooks and other reference materials, making it easier for you to focus on what’s important. Plus, the notebook design makes it easy to see everything at once without having to scroll down endlessly.

If you’re in high school or college, then NoteLedge is definitely worth trying out! It’s free to use and there are no ads or hidden costs – so there’s nothing stopping you from giving it a try today!

Pros

Here are some of its pros:

• A beautiful user interface that’s easy to use and navigate
• Customizable notes templates that make it easy to organize your thoughts
• The ability to annotate your notes with comments, highlights, and more
• Integration with several online education platforms, including Blackboard Learn and Sakai
• Push notifications that alert you when there are new messages or updates in your notes

Cons

Some of the cons include:

• It doesn’t have any built-in features that help you create beautiful visuals or graphs.

Pricing

Creativity 365: $9.99/month, $19.99/3 months, or $59.99/year – Free trial available.

Developer	Kdan Mobile Software Inc.
Available For	iOS, macOS, Windows, Android
Free Version	No
Free Trial for Paid Version	Yes

14. Typora

Typora is a note-taking app that stands out from the rest with its powerful and versatile features designed specifically for students. Its seamless user interface allows students to create, organize, and edit notes with ease, making it a useful tool for managing study materials. Typora’s markdown support is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing students to format their notes quickly and efficiently. 

The app’s real-time preview feature eliminates switching between edit and preview modes, resulting in a smoother writing experience. With its clean interface, cross-platform compatibility, and customizable themes, Typora provides a distraction-free environment for students to focus on their studies.

Pros:

• Markdown support: Typora’s markdown support is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for students to format their notes. Markdown is a lightweight markup language that allows users to create rich text documents using plain text syntax.
• Live Preview: Unlike other markdown editors, Typora offers a real-time preview, allowing students to see their formatted notes as they type. This feature eliminates switching between edit and preview modes, resulting in a smoother writing experience.
• Clean Interface: Typora’s minimalistic interface keeps distractions at bay, providing a focused environment for students to concentrate on their notes. The app’s design is clean and uncluttered, making navigating simple.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Typora is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing students to access their notes across multiple devices and platforms.
• Customizable themes: Students can personalize their note-taking experience with various pieces, allowing them to choose the appearance that best suits their preferences.

Cons:

• Limited collaboration features: Typora lacks real-time collaboration tools, making it less suitable for group projects or team-based work.
• No mobile app: Typora does not offer a mobile app, limiting its accessibility for students who rely on their smartphones or tablets for note-taking.
• Limited cloud sync options: While it’s possible to sync Typora with cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive, the process can be cumbersome and requires manual setup.

Pricing 

Typora offers a free version of the app with all features unlocked. There is no paid version or free trial available. However, the developer accepts donations to support the ongoing development of the app.

Developer	Abner Lee
Available For	Mac, Windows, and Linux
Free Version	Yes
Free Trial	N/A

15. Ulysses

Ulysses is a sophisticated note-taking app that offers a comprehensive set of features designed to support the productivity of students, writers, and academics. Its minimalistic and intuitive interface provides a distraction-free environment for writing, allowing users to focus solely on their work. The app’s Markdown support feature makes it easier for students to create well-formatted notes and research papers. 

Additionally, Ulysses’ organization system simplifies the workflow, keeping all notes in one place and reducing clutter. The app is also cross-platform compatible, which means users can access their notes across multiple devices, providing them with flexibility and convenience.

Ulysses’ publishing feature allows users to export their notes and research papers to various formats, enabling them to share their work with others or publish it for academic or professional purposes. Here are the pros and cons of using Ulysses:

Pros:

• Distraction-free writing environment: Ulysses’ minimalistic interface provides a distraction-free writing environment, allowing students to focus on their studies without distractions. The app’s clean interface reduces clutter and simplifies the workflow.
• Markdown support: Ulysses supports Markdown, a lightweight markup language that allows users to format text quickly and efficiently. This feature is handy for students who want to create well-formatted notes and research papers.
• Organization: Ulysses’ organization system allows students to keep their notes and research papers in one place, reducing clutter and simplifying workflow. Students can use the app’s organization features to categorize their notes and keep them organized.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Ulysses is available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, making it easy for students to access their notes across multiple devices. This feature is handy for students who work on different devices.
• Publishing: Ulysses’ publishing feature enables students to export their notes and research papers to various formats, including PDF, HTML, and ePub. This feature makes it easy for students to publish their research papers and essays.

Cons:

• Subscription-based model: Ulysses uses a subscription-based model, which can be expensive for students on a tight budget. The app’s pricing plans can be a barrier for students who want to use the app long-term.
• Steep learning curve: Ulysses has a steep learning curve, which can be challenging for students who are not tech-savvy. Students may need to learn how to use the app effectively.
• Limited collaboration features: Ulysses lacks real-time collaboration tools, making it less suitable for group projects or team-based work. Students who collaborate with others may need to use a different app.

Pricing 

The free trial of Ulysses offers access to all app features for 14 days. After the trial period ends, users must purchase a subscription to continue using the app.

Developer	The Soulmen GbR
Available For	Mac, iPad, and iPhone
Free Version	No
Free Trial	Yes, 14 days free trial

What makes a good note taking software?

When you start looking for note taking software, you will realize that there are not one or two but hundreds of options available on the internet. The rise of remote working has also given rise to the popularity of note taking software.

However, when searching for a tool suitable for your need, you must make sure that it offers advanced solutions and top-notch features. Here is a list of must-have features of a good note taking tool:

• Easy to use – Whether you are an individual user or part of a team, choose a tool that has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. An app that is difficult to use will take up your precious time and effort, meanwhile, little will get done.
• Easily Accessible – Good software will offer mobile apps to make sure that users are easily able to access the app any time they want.
• Easy on The Budget – The tool of your choice should provide good value for money. Its features should align with your goals and its budget, within your limits. Any tool that requires more will put a strain on your budget.
• Top-notch Security – The notes you save on your app may be of a sensitive nature. In such cases, having a tool that safeguards your data is a must. Look for tools that offer high-level security or two-factor authentication to make sure your data is safe and secure.  

What to look for when choosing a note taking app?

Before downloading and subscribing to the note taking application for any use, consider these factors, so that you can select the best suited solution for use:

• Organization: Look for an app that allows you to organize your notes efficiently. It should have a system that enables you to categorize, tag, or label your notes for easy retrieval.
• User interface: An excellent note-taking app should have a user-friendly interface for easy navigation and minimal distractions.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Look for an app compatible with multiple platforms, such as iOS, Android, and Windows, to allow seamless access and synchronization across different devices.
• Search functionality: An app with a robust search function will enable you to locate specific notes quickly.
• Collaboration: If you need to work on group projects or team-based assignments, consider an app with real-time collaboration tools that allow for easy sharing and editing of notes.
• Security: Look for an app that offers security features, such as password protection or encryption, to ensure your notes are safe and secure.
• Pricing: Consider the pricing structure of the app and whether it is within your budget. Some apps offer free versions with limited features, while others require a subscription fee to unlock premium features.

What’s the best free note taking app for smartphones?

When it comes to the best free note taking app for smartphones, you have tons of options. All, however, do not deliver value and some may be a hoax. Before you sign up for any free tool make sure that it is authentic and will offer the functions it claims. 

While some tools offer simple note taking, others offer more elaborate features and advanced functions. Whether you want a simple tool or an advanced one, the choice is yours to make. 

While searching for a tool can be a tough feat, however, you have nothing to worry about. Fortunately, for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best free note taking apps for smartphones, take a look:

• Google Keep
• Microsoft OneNote
• Simplenote
• Zoho Notebook

All of these apps are available on iPhone as well as Android smartphones.

Besides these apps, there are others that are not entirely free but offer free versions of their apps for individual use. These versions offer limited features and users have to scale up to priced plans to access advanced features.

Nevertheless, the free features are also beneficial in many ways. Some of these tools are:

• Evernote
• Notion
• Obsidian

FAQs

Conclusion

So, there you have it! We reviewed the 15 best note-taking apps for students that help them to store their notes efficiently and make it easy for the organization. All the apps we talked about come with different features and options but they also deliver high-level performance. Some of these apps even allow you to customize their features so that you can get a better experience while using them.

With this list, we tried our best to include not only useful but also quick note taking tools for students in one place. Keep reading through the articles and pick any app that suits your needs the most!