Best OneNote Alternatives for Smarter Note-Taking
Oct 6, 2025

If you’ve been using OneNote for a while but feel like it’s not quite hitting the mark anymore, you’re not alone. There are plenty of other note-taking apps out there that offer different features, cleaner interfaces, or better ways to organize your thoughts. Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who likes keeping things in order, switching things up can make your note-taking smoother and more efficient. In this list, you’ll find some of the top OneNote alternatives that are worth checking out for a smarter, more flexible way to take notes.
Why You Might Be Thinking About Switching from Microsoft OneNote
Every note-taking app has its drawbacks, and OneNote is no different. If you've been using it for a while, you might have run into a few things that don’t quite work for you. For example:
Some people find OneNote tricky to use. The interface can feel a bit overwhelming, and the settings aren’t always straightforward.
The layout is quite dense, which can make it hard to focus while taking or reviewing notes.
The search feature doesn’t always pull up the right results, especially when your notes pile up.
Over time, as your notebook grows, OneNote can start to slow down and lag.
Navigation can be clunky. Jumping between pages or sections often takes more clicks than it should.
If any of that sounds familiar, it might be a good time to explore other options. There are plenty of note-taking apps out there that are faster, simpler, and more user-friendly than OneNote.
Top Microsoft OneNotes Alternatives
App | What It Offers | Best Suited For | Pricing (USD) | G2 Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Transcribes voice into text using AI, generates summaries, offers templates, and integrates with other tools. | Great for people who prefer speaking their thoughts or need structured notes from meetings and lectures. | Free version; Personal plan at $9.99 per month; Pro plan at $19.99 per month. | 3.5 / 5 | |
Combines docs, wikis, project management, templates, and AI features. Works as an all-in-one knowledge base. | Best for teams, freelancers, and project managers who want collaboration and organized knowledge sharing. | Free plan; Plus plan $10 per user per month; Business plan $20 per user per month. | 4.7 / 5 | |
Uses flexible blocks for notes, Kanban boards, templates, calendar integration, and linking. | Works well for daily planners, small teams, and personal productivity. | Free plan; Starter plan $5 per month; Plus plan $8.25 per month. | 4.7 / 5 | |
Open-source app with markdown support, plugins, and sync options. Strong focus on privacy. | Ideal for users who like markdown and want full control of their notes with open-source flexibility. | Free to use; Cloud features start from €2.40 per month. | 4.8 / 5 | |
Designed for simplicity, with wiki-style docs, project boards, real-time collaboration, and AI search tools. | Good for small teams that want a lightweight alternative to heavy project management tools. | Free version; Starter plan $6 per user per month; Business plan $10 per user per month. | 4.7 / 5 | |
Allows rich text notes with tasks, notebooks, integrations, and AI tools. One of the oldest note apps with advanced management. | Suitable for professionals who handle large volumes of notes, tasks, and documents. | Free plan; Personal plan $129.99 per year; Professional plan $169.99 per year; Teams plan $249.99 per user per year. | 4.4 / 5 | |
Very simple interface with colors, labels, voice memos, reminders, and sync across devices. | Perfect for quick personal notes, shopping lists, or light collaboration. | Completely free. | 4.5 / 5 | |
Provides note cards, tags, reminders, OCR, sync, cloud storage, and even a whiteboard. | Works well for individuals and businesses looking for a low-cost collaborative note solution. | Free version; Pro plan $4.99 per user per month. | 4.5 / 5 | |
Digital notebook with handwriting-to-text, AI math solving, and audio notes. Popular on iPad. | Great for students or professionals who like handwritten notes and use Apple devices. | Free for up to 3 notebooks; Full access $9.99 per year or $29.99 one-time. | 4.75 / 5 |
1. Audionotes

If you prefer speaking over typing, Audionotes might be your perfect match. It’s a voice-first, AI-powered app that turns your spoken thoughts or uploaded recordings into clear, structured summaries. Whether you're brainstorming, capturing meeting discussions, or simply logging ideas on the go, Audionotes helps you make sense of it all without lifting a pen.
What really makes it stand out is how well it fits into different workflows. You can use it through WhatsApp, connect it with Zapier, or sync it directly with Notion. It also takes privacy seriously, giving you the option to opt out of AI training and keeping your data safe.
Key Features
AI-based transcription and summaries from audio or text
Automatic meeting minutes with speaker identification
Pulls out action items from your conversations
Integrates with WhatsApp, Zapier, and Notion
Unlimited notes and custom summary options
Available on web, iOS, and Chrome extension
Privacy controls with no forced data sharing
Pricing
You can try it for free with limited features. Paid plans usually start around $10/month and unlock longer recording time, integrations, and priority support.
Best For
Professionals, students, healthcare workers, and content creators who want fast, voice-based note-taking and content summaries.
Why Pick Audionotes Over OneNote
Audionotes is better if you want AI summaries, voice transcriptions, and quick meeting notes. OneNote works well for handwritten or structured text notes, but it doesn’t offer this level of AI-driven voice functionality.
2. Notion

Notion is more than just a note-taking tool. It’s a complete workspace that blends writing, task management, and databases into one flexible platform. If you like having everything in one place, Notion lets you build your own dashboards, wikis, and project boards using a visual block-based system.
It also comes with Notion AI, which helps with writing, summarizing, and even generating ideas when you're stuck. Add in powerful templates and team collaboration features, and you’ve got a tool that adapts to just about any use case.
Key Features
Customizable notes, databases, and task boards
Rich text editing with support for embeds and media
Built-in templates for journals, CRMs, and wikis
Team collaboration, comments, and sharing
Notion AI for writing, summaries, and automation
Integrates with Slack, Google Drive, and other tools
Pricing
Free for individuals (limited blocks).
Plus: $8/month per user.
Business: $15/month per user.
Notion AI add-on: around $8 to $10/month.
Best For
Anyone from solo users to large teams who want an all-in-one system for managing ideas, projects, and tasks.
Why Pick Notion Over OneNote
Notion is far more flexible when it comes to organizing and linking different types of content. It also supports project tracking and databases, which OneNote doesn’t handle as well. OneNote is better if you just want a simple, linear notebook with stylus support.
3. xTiles

xTiles is a great choice for people who think visually. Instead of long pages of notes, you get movable tiles on a board. You can drag, drop, and rearrange content the way you think, which makes it ideal for planning, designing, and creative work. It also includes Kanban boards, timelines, calendars, and even gallery views for different types of projects.
The layout is clean, and getting started is easy with onboarding support built in. It’s perfect if you want a planning tool that feels more like a whiteboard than a notebook.
Key Features
Visual tile-based notes and sub-pages
Kanban, calendar, table, and timeline layouts
Built-in task management and progress tracking
Templates to help you start quickly
Google Calendar integration
End-to-end encryption for privacy
Friendly support and guided onboarding
Pricing
Free plan is generous enough for personal use.
Paid plans typically start at around $6/month for access to more features and integrations.
Best For
Visual thinkers, creative professionals, and teams that want flexible layouts for organizing ideas and projects.
Why Pick xTiles Over OneNote
xTiles gives you full control over layout and structure, which OneNote doesn’t. It’s better suited for visual planning, while OneNote sticks to traditional note pages.
4. Joplin

Joplin is a serious option for those who value privacy and open-source software. It’s designed for users who want full control over their notes, with features like Markdown support, plugin customization, and local storage. You can sync your notes through the cloud, but you also have the option to keep everything local and encrypted.
Joplin might take a little time to learn, but it rewards you with flexibility and independence that most mainstream apps don’t offer. It’s also completely free unless you opt for Joplin Cloud.
Key Features
Markdown editing and plugin support
Create notes, tasks, and nested notebooks
Local or encrypted cloud storage
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
Joplin Cloud available for syncing and team collaboration
Optional AI plugin (Jarvis) for note summarization
Pricing
Free for local-only use.
Joplin Cloud: Basic €2.99/month, Pro €5.99/month, Teams €7.99/month.
Best For
Privacy-first users, tech-savvy note-takers, and those who want to store large collections of information without relying on big tech platforms.
Why Pick Joplin Over OneNote
Joplin gives you more control, better privacy, and the ability to work offline without limits. OneNote is easier to use if you need handwriting features or Microsoft Office integration, but Joplin is better for long-term independence and customization.
5. Nuclino

Nuclino is all about simplicity. If you're looking for a clean, fast, and intuitive space to manage documents, ideas, and team projects without all the clutter, this one is worth a try. It’s often called a “collective brain” for teams because everything is linked together and easy to explore visually.
Its interface is minimal and distraction-free, which makes onboarding super quick even for first-time users. You can create docs, link pages together like a wiki, switch to Kanban boards when needed, and use the built-in AI to speed up your searches and workflows.
Key Features
Simple, modern layout that’s easy to navigate
Real-time team collaboration with comments and mentions
Visual graph-style navigation for connected ideas
Hierarchies, lists, Kanban boards, and clean document creation
AI assistant for search and automation
Support for media embeds like videos, images, and links
Pricing
Standard plan: $6/month per user
Premium: $10/month per user (adds admin tools, SSO, and permissions)
Best For
Small teams or businesses that want a clean, focused space to manage documentation and shared knowledge.
Why Pick Nuclino Over OneNote
Nuclino keeps things simple and visual, making it great for collaboration and documentation. OneNote is stronger for detailed note formatting and stylus use, but it can feel more cluttered if you're just trying to keep team docs in one place.
6. Evernote

Evernote has been around for years and still remains a top choice for serious note-takers. It combines all your ideas, tasks, documents, and web clippings in one place. If you’re someone who loves organizing things with tags, stacks, and reminders, you’ll feel right at home.
The app supports everything from typing and sketching to PDF annotations. You can plan projects, store research, and even clip entire articles from the web. While its features are powerful, the price can feel a bit steep for casual users.
Key Features
Rich text formatting and multimedia support
Handwritten notes and PDF markups
Tag-based organization and notebook stacks
Calendar integration and task reminders
Web clipper for saving online content
Available across web, desktop, and mobile
Pricing
Free: Limited to 50 notes and 1 notebook
Personal: Around $12.99/month
Professional: Around $17.99/month
Best For
Writers, professionals, and heavy note-takers who want powerful features and strong search options across devices.
Why Pick Evernote Over OneNote
Evernote offers better web clipping, tagging, and search. OneNote gives more freedom for handwritten input, integrates deeply with Microsoft apps, and is easier on the budget.
7. Google Keep

Google Keep is as simple as it gets. It’s like having digital sticky notes that sync instantly across your devices. You can jot down quick ideas, make checklists, set reminders, or even leave voice memos, and everything ties back into your Google account.
It doesn’t have the depth or structure of other apps, but that’s the charm. No setup needed, no confusion. Just fast note-taking that lives right inside your Google ecosystem.
Key Features
Color-coded notes and labels for sorting
Checklists, images, and audio recordings
Sketching and drawing support
Searchable, pinned notes
Easy collaboration and one-click sharing
Works on web, Android, iOS, and via Chrome
Pricing
Completely free as part of your Google account storage.
Best For
Anyone who wants something quick, accessible, and easy to use for personal notes, to-do lists, or daily reminders.
Why Pick Google Keep Over OneNote
Keep wins when you want instant capture with no setup. OneNote is stronger for organizing large volumes of notes and using more complex features like OCR, sectioned notebooks, and formatting tools.
8. Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is one of the most visually pleasing note apps out there. It uses a card-style layout where you can store different types of content like text, sketches, audio, and images. If you love design and want a tool that feels modern, this one's worth exploring.
It also connects well with other Zoho apps and gives you control over how your notes are organized, shared, and even versioned.
Key Features
Beautiful card-style notes for various content types
Drawing, photos, voice memos, and file attachments
Notebook and page-level collaboration
Version control for changes made to content
Web clipper and Chrome extension
Works across desktop, mobile, and web
Pricing
You can get started for free with the Notebook Essential plan. Pro plans start at around 12$ for a year.
Best For
Creative users and Zoho ecosystem fans who want a flexible, multimedia-rich workspace without paying a dime.
Why Pick Zoho Notebook Over OneNote
Zoho Notebook looks better and offers strong multimedia options. OneNote is more structured and better suited for advanced text-based organization and Microsoft users.
9. Goodnotes

Goodnotes gives you a real pen-and-paper feel on a digital device. It’s built for handwriting, sketching, and annotating documents, making it ideal for students and teachers who rely on stylus-based input. You can also record audio while taking notes, and it syncs the recording with what you write.
It works across iPads, Android, and now even Windows, making it more accessible than before. If you take notes with a stylus, this one feels natural and intuitive.
Key Features
Smooth stylus support for handwriting and drawing
Type and handwrite on the same page
Audio recording that syncs with notes
Templates, sticker packs, and ink customization
Study sets and flashcards with AI help
Works across Apple, Android, and Windows devices
Pricing
Free for up to 3 notebooks
Paid: $9.99/year for full access on Apple
One-time: $29.99 (Apple)
Android/Windows: $6.99/year
Best For
Students, educators, and professionals who want a digital notebook that mimics a real one, especially on tablets.
Why Pick Goodnotes Over OneNote
Goodnotes is perfect if you rely heavily on stylus input and want natural handwriting. OneNote is more flexible for typed content, syncing across platforms, and managing complex notes with tags and sections.
Closing Thoughts
OneNote is still a decent tool, but it's not the only one out there. Whether you’re after better speed, more flexibility, or just a cleaner way to stay organized, there’s something in this list that can make your note-taking easier. From voice-first apps to visual planners, each one brings something different to the table. Try a few, see what fits your style, and don’t be afraid to switch things up. A good note-taking tool should work for you, not the other way around.
FAQs
1. What are some good alternatives to Microsoft OneNote?
If you’re looking to switch from OneNote, some great options include Audionotes, Evernote, Notion, Obsidian, Google Keep, Zoho Notebook, xTiles, Joplin, Nuclino, and Goodnotes. Each one has its own unique strengths depending on what kind of note-taking or organization you need.
2. Can I access these note-taking apps on multiple devices?
Yes, most of these apps work across all major platforms. Audionotes, Evernote, Notion, Obsidian, Zoho Notebook, and Google Keep all support syncing between Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, so you can access your notes anytime, anywhere.