Best App for Notes iPhone: 8 Top Picks Compared for 2024

Are you constantly juggling ideas, to-do lists, and important information on your iPhone? Finding the best app for notes on your iPhone can be a game-changer for your productivity and organization.

Whether you're a student, professional, or creative thinker, the right note-taking app can transform how you capture and manage your thoughts on the go.

In this guide, you'll discover eight top-rated note-taking apps for your iPhone. We'll walk you through their key features, pros, and cons, helping you find the perfect digital notebook that fits your unique needs.

From simple and streamlined to feature-rich and versatile, there's an app for every note-taking style. Ready to elevate your note-taking experience? Let's dive in and find the best app to keep your ideas flowing and your life organized, right at your fingertips.

What to look for in a Note Taking App

Choosing the right note-taking app can significantly enhance your productivity and organization. Here are some key features to consider when selecting the best note-taking app for your iPhone:

1. Organization: A top-notch note-taking app should offer robust organizational tools. Look for features like folders, tags, and notebooks that allow you to categorize and manage your notes efficiently. This ensures that you can quickly find and access your notes when needed.
2. Formatting: Depending on your needs, you might require various formatting options. Whether it’s bold, italic, underline, or the ability to create lists and tables, ensure the app supports the text formatting you need to make your notes clear and structured.
3. Search: A powerful search function is crucial for quickly locating specific notes. The best note-taking apps allow you to search by keyword, tag, and date, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, even in a large collection of notes.
4. Syncing: If you use multiple devices, syncing is a must-have feature. Look for an app that syncs your notes across all your devices, ensuring you can access your information from anywhere, whether you’re on your iPhone, iPad, or computer.
5. Security: Protecting your notes is essential, especially if they contain sensitive information. Consider apps that offer password protection, encryption, and other security features to keep your data safe.
6. Collaboration: If you need to share notes with others, collaboration features are vital. Look for apps that support real-time collaboration and commenting, making it easy to work with colleagues, classmates, or friends.
7. Integration: Consider how well the note-taking app integrates with other tools and services you use. For instance, can you send notes to your email or calendar? Does it work seamlessly with other productivity apps? Integration can streamline your workflow and enhance your overall productivity.

Best note-taking app for iPhone at a glance

NotePlan

• Pricing: 7 day free trial. Paid plan starting with $9.99/month
• App Store Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Tired of note-taking apps that feel like digital clutter? NotePlan transforms your iPhone into a streamlined productivity hub.

Seamlessly blend your daily to-dos, long-term goals, and fleeting thoughts into a single, organized space. Whether you're jotting down meeting minutes, brainstorming project ideas, or simply capturing a moment of inspiration, NotePlan keeps your ideas flowing effortlessly.

Embrace the power of Markdown for beautifully formatted notes that are as easy to read as they are to create. Stay on top of your schedule with integrated calendars and reminders that keep your tasks in sync with your life.

With NotePlan, you'll experience note-taking that's not just functional, but truly enjoyable – right at your fingertips.

Pros of NotePlan

• Focus on plain text notes for maximum flexibility and future-proofing.
• Seamless integration with calendars and reminders for task management.
• Markdown support for formatting and organization.
• Backlinking feature connects related notes and ideas.
• Tagging system allows for easy filtering and searching.
• Customizable themes and layouts cater to individual preferences.
• Privacy-focused with end-to-end encryption and local storage options.
• Cross-platform compatibility with macOS and iOS devices.
• Active development with regular updates and new features.
• Community-driven with helpful forums and resources.

Cons of NotePlan

• May not be ideal for users heavily reliant on multimedia content in their notes.
• No built-in optical character recognition (OCR) for scanning documents.

Apple Notes

• Pricing: Free note taking app available with Apple devices.
• App Store Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Apple Notes offers a straightforward and streamlined note-taking experience directly on your iPhone.

Organize your thoughts, jot down ideas, and create checklists within a clean interface. The app integrates seamlessly across Apple devices, ensuring your notes are accessible whenever and wherever you need them.

While not as feature-rich as some dedicated note-taking apps, Apple Notes excels in its simplicity and ease of use. It’s a reliable option for basic note-taking needs, especially if you’re already deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem. While Apple Notes can be seen as a basic notes app, it excels in its simplicity and ease of use.

If you prioritize a clutter-free environment and appreciate seamless synchronization, Apple Notes might be the perfect fit for your note-taking on the go.

Pros of Apple Notes

• Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
• User-friendly interface
• Quick and easy note creation
• Password protection for sensitive notes
• Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil
• Scanning documents directly into notes
• Collaboration with other users

Cons of Apple Notes

• Limited formatting options
• No advanced features like tags or notebooks
• Can be slow with large notes or attachments
• Lacks cross-platform support outside Apple devices
• No built-in task management features

Evernote

• Pricing: Free, starting with $14.99/mo personal plan
• App Store Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Evernote presents a versatile platform for capturing and organizing your notes, ideas, and information directly on your iPhone.

Its robust features, like rich text formatting, web clipping, and powerful search, cater to comprehensive note-taking needs. Cross-platform compatibility keeps your notes synced across devices.

While Evernote's extensive features offer flexibility, they might also introduce a steeper learning curve. When compared to other note taking apps, Evernote stands out for its robust organization and powerful search functionality.

If you seek simplicity, Evernote's complexity could feel overwhelming. However, if you value robust organization, advanced features, and cross-platform accessibility, Evernote could be your ideal digital notebook on your iPhone.

Pros of Evernote

• Robust organization with notebooks and tags
• Web clipper for saving online content
• Powerful search functionality
• Handwritten notes with stylus support
• Cross-platform synchronization
• Integration with third-party apps
• Offline access to notes

Cons of Evernote

• Can be overwhelming for simple note-taking
• Subscription required for full features
• Steep learning curve for new users
• Occasional sync issues reported
• User interface could be more intuitive
• Can be slow with large notes or attachments

OneNote

• Pricing: OneNote is available with a paid subscription of Microsoft 365.
• App Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5

OneNote provides a digital canvas for capturing your notes, ideas, and information in a free-form manner on your iPhone.

Organize your thoughts with flexible page layouts, handwritten notes, and multimedia integration. Seamless integration with Microsoft Office enhances productivity.

While OneNote integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, users who rely on Google apps might find Google Keep to be a better fit.

While OneNote’s free-form structure fosters creativity, it might also introduce a less structured environment compared to traditional note-taking apps.

If you prioritize linear organization, OneNote's flexibility could feel less intuitive. However, if you thrive in a visual, open-ended note-taking experience, OneNote could be your ideal digital notebook on your iPhone.

Pros of OneNote

• Flexible note organization with notebooks and sections
• Free-form canvas for note-taking and drawing
• Handwritten notes with stylus support
• Powerful search across notebooks
• Integration with Microsoft Office suite
• Collaboration with other users in real-time
• Cross-platform synchronization

Cons of OneNote

• Can be overwhelming for simple note-taking
• Interface can feel cluttered
• Occasional sync issues reported
• Less intuitive on smaller iPhone screens
• Limited offline functionality compared to some apps
• Search can be slow with large notebooks

Notion

• Pricing: Free plan. Paid plan starting with $10/mo for personal plan
• App Store Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Notion offers a highly customizable workspace for organizing not just your notes but your entire digital life on your iPhone.

Its modular blocks empower you to create databases, task lists, wikis, and more within a single app. Notion’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to your unique workflow. Notion's powerful database features allow you to link and organize all the notes in a way that suits your workflow.

While Notion's versatility is its strength, it also demands an investment of time to learn and configure effectively. Its open-ended nature might feel overwhelming if you seek a simple note-taking solution.

However, if you crave a powerful, all-in-one workspace to manage your information and projects, Notion could be the transformative tool you've been looking for on your iPhone.

Pros of Notion

• All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and wikis
• Highly customizable with templates and blocks
• Rich media support for images, videos, and embeds
• Real-time collaboration with team members
• Cross-platform synchronization
• Offline access to notes

Cons of Notion

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Can be overwhelming with too many features
• Mobile app can be slow and less intuitive
• Limited offline functionality compared to some apps
• Search can be less effective with complex databases

Bear

• Pricing: Free plan. Paid plan starting with a $2.99/mo
• App Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Bear provides a focused and elegant environment for capturing your notes and thoughts on your iPhone.

Its minimalist interface and Markdown support promote distraction-free writing, while tagging and linking features facilitate organization. Cross-platform syncing ensures your notes are accessible across devices.

For users who prefer a straightforward, cloud-based solution, Google Keep offers similar simplicity with the added benefit of integration with other Google services.

While Bear's streamlined design enhances focus, its feature set might feel limited compared to more comprehensive note-taking apps. If you prioritize advanced features or complex workflows, Bear's simplicity could be a constraint.

However, if you value a clean, writer-friendly interface and prioritize distraction-free note-taking, Bear could be the ideal companion for your iPhone.

Pros of Bear

• Clean and minimalist interface
• Focus on writing and markdown support
• Tagging system for easy organization
• Cross-note linking for connecting ideas
• Beautiful themes and typography options
• Export options in various formats
• Fast and responsive even with large notes

Cons of Bear

• Subscription required for advanced features
• No web clipper for saving online content
• Limited collaboration features
• Less robust for complex projects or databases
• No dedicated mobile app for iPad

GoodNotes

• Pricing: Free Plan available. Paid plan starting from $9.99/month
• App Store Rating: 4.8 out of 5

GoodNotes transforms your iPhone into a digital notebook, empowering you to capture handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and sketch ideas with precision.

GoodNotes excels in taking notes by hand, offering a realistic pen and paper feel on your iPhone.

Its realistic pen and paper feel, coupled with organizational features like folders and notebooks, replicates the traditional note-taking experience.

While GoodNotes excels in replicating the tactile feel of pen and paper, its focus on handwriting and PDF annotation might feel limiting if your note-taking primarily involves typing or web-based content.

If you prioritize a digital notebook experience and value the freedom to handwrite, sketch, and annotate, GoodNotes could be the ideal app for your iPhone.

Pros of GoodNotes

• Excellent handwriting and drawing experience
• Customizable notebooks and templates
• PDF annotation and form filling
• OCR for searching handwritten text
• Presentation mode for sharing notes
• Multi-window support for multitasking
• iCloud sync across Apple devices

Cons of GoodNotes

• Primarily designed for iPad, limited features on iPhone
• No web clipper for saving online content
• Limited collaboration features compared to some apps
• Focus on handwritten notes, may not suit text-heavy users
• One-time purchase, no subscription model for updates

Notability

• Pricing: Free Plan. Paid plan available for $4.99/month
• App Store Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Notability combines the best of both worlds, offering a versatile platform for handwritten notes, PDF annotation, and multimedia integration on your iPhone. Notability is a versatile notes app that combines handwriting, PDF annotation, and multimedia integration.

Its intuitive interface and powerful features, like audio recording and shape recognition, cater to diverse note-taking styles. Multi-platform syncing ensures your notes are available across devices.

While Notability's flexibility caters to various needs, its feature-rich environment might feel overwhelming for users seeking a simple note-taking solution. If you prioritize a streamlined interface or primarily type your notes, Notability's focus on handwriting and multimedia could feel less relevant.

However, if you value a multi-faceted note-taking experience that blends handwriting, annotation, and multimedia, Notability could be the ideal app for your iPhone.

Pros of Notability

• Excellent handwriting and drawing experience
• Audio recording synced with notes
• Multi-note capability for side-by-side viewing
• PDF annotation and form filling
• Customizable paper templates and themes
• Presentation mode for sharing notes
• iCloud sync across Apple devices

Cons of Notability

• Primarily designed for iPad, limited features on iPhone
• No web clipper for saving online content
• Limited collaboration features compared to some apps
• Focus on handwritten notes, may not suit text-heavy users
• One-time purchase, no subscription model for updates

Features of Note Taking Apps

Note-taking apps come with a variety of features designed to cater to different needs. Here are some common features to look for when choosing the best note-taking app for your iPhone:

1. Text Notes: The ability to create and edit text notes is fundamental. Ensure the app allows you to jot down ideas, meeting notes, and other text-based information easily.
2. Image and Audio Notes: Some note-taking apps let you enhance your notes with images and audio recordings. This can be particularly useful for capturing visual information or recording lectures and meetings.
3. Handwriting Recognition: If you prefer writing by hand, look for apps with handwriting recognition. This feature converts your handwritten notes into text, making them searchable and easier to organize.
4. Tagging and Categorization: Effective tagging and categorization features help you organize your notes. Look for apps that allow you to tag notes and categorize them into different folders or notebooks for easy retrieval.
5. Reminders and Notifications: Some note-taking apps offer reminders and notifications, helping you stay on top of important tasks and deadlines. This feature can be a game-changer for managing your to-do lists and meeting notes.
6. Collaboration Tools: If you work in a team, collaboration tools are essential. Look for apps that support real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit and comment on notes simultaneously.
7. Export and Import Options: Consider the app’s ability to export and import notes. This feature is crucial if you need to transfer notes to other apps or services, ensuring your information is always accessible and portable.

Pricing and Plans for Note Taking Apps

Note-taking apps come in various pricing models, catering to different budgets and needs. Here are some common pricing structures to consider:

1. Free: Many note-taking apps offer a free version with basic features. This can be a great starting point if you have simple note-taking needs and want to try out the app before committing to a paid plan.
2. Freemium: Some apps provide a free version with limited features and a paid version with additional functionalities. This model allows you to use the app for free while offering the option to upgrade for more advanced features.
3. Subscription-based: Subscription-based apps require a monthly or annual fee for access. These plans often include premium features, regular updates, and customer support, making them suitable for users who need a robust and reliable note-taking solution.
4. One-time Purchase: Some apps offer a one-time purchase option, where you pay a single fee for lifetime access. This can be cost-effective if you prefer not to deal with recurring payments and are satisfied with the app’s current features.
5. Enterprise Plans: For large businesses and organizations, some note-taking apps offer enterprise plans. These plans typically include advanced features, enhanced security, and dedicated support, catering to the needs of larger teams and complex workflows.

When evaluating the pricing and plans for note-taking apps, consider your specific needs and budget. Whether you need a free app with basic features or are willing to invest in a premium solution, there’s a note-taking app out there that fits your requirements.

Conclusion

After exploring these eight top-rated note-taking apps for iPhone, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each app offers unique features and strengths to cater to different note-taking styles and needs.

Remember, the best app for notes on your iPhone is the one that seamlessly integrates into your daily routine and enhances your productivity. Google Keep's integration with other google apps like Gmail and Google Calendar can significantly enhance your productivity. Many of these apps offer free trials, so don’t hesitate to experiment with a few to find your perfect match.

Ultimately, the right note-taking app can transform how you capture, organize, and access your ideas on the go. By choosing the app that resonates with your workflow, you’re not just selecting a tool – you’re investing in a more organized and efficient digital life.