The best onenote alternatives are evernote and google keep. For those looking to take notes and stay organized, microsoft onenote is one of the best tools available.
But it’s not for everyone. Perhaps you’re looking for something more simple, or maybe you’re wanting to try a competing service. Thankfully, there are a wealth of note-taking apps out there that can meet your needs. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best onenote alternatives, including evernote and google keep.
Whether you’re an avid notetaker or just getting started, we’ve got you covered.
Criteria For Selecting The Best Onenote Alternatives
Best Onenote Alternatives: Criteria For Selecting The Best Onenote Alternatives
Onenote is a popular note-taking tool used by millions of people worldwide. However, not everyone likes it for various reasons, one being that it does not fulfill their specific needs. Fortunately, some excellent alternatives to onenote can work just as efficiently, if not better, depending on your requirements.
Here are some criteria to look for when selecting the best onenote alternatives.
Ease Of Use
The ability to navigate a program quickly and efficiently is essential for productivity. Here are some factors to consider concerning ease of use:
- Is the software user-friendly with a clean and simple interface?
- Does the software offer helpful tutorials, tips, and guides to make things easier for users?
- Does the software allow users to customize the interface to meet their specific needs?
Compatibility Across Multiple Devices And Platforms
As a modern entrepreneur, having access to notes is crucial regardless of your location or preferred device. Here are some factors to consider about compatibility across multiple devices and platforms:
- Does the software support various operating systems like windows, macos, ios, and android?
- Does the software offer synchronization capabilities with cloud services like dropbox, google drive, or onedrive?
- Does the software have a web-based version for working on the go?
Collaboration Features
Collaboration features are prevalent in contemporary office settings. If you will share notes with other people, here are some factors to consider:
- Does the software offer real-time collaboration where you can work concurrently on the note/project with other users?
- Can you share notes quickly with other users via email or a generated link?
- Does the software provide co-editing tools that allow multiple users to make changes simultaneously?
Note-Taking And Organization Capabilities
The primary function of a note-taking app is to jot down and organize thoughts effectively. Here are some factors to consider about note-taking and organization capabilities:
- Does the software allow easy integration of images, hyperlinks, files, and videos into notes?
- Can you create checklists and tables within notes?
- Does the software have powerful search features that enable fast searching and filtering of notes by keywords, tags, and dates?
Pricing And Subscription Models
Pricing is a crucial factor when selecting the best note-taking tool. Here are some factors to consider:
- Is the software free, freemium, or paid?
- If paid, is it a one-time payment or a subscription model?
- Does the cost value match the software’s capabilities?
By considering the above criteria, you can be sure of selecting the best onenote alternatives that meet your specific needs.
1. Evernote

Overview Of Evernote And Its Main Features
Evernote is considered one of the best note-taking apps available, offering versatility, speed, and many useful features. Through evernote, users can create and store notes, to-do lists, and reminders, and even scan documents and images, all in one app.
With an array of formatting options like font style, size, and color, users can customize their notes to suit their preferences. Evernote also features a robust tagging system that enables users to categorize and easily find their notes.
How It Compares To Onenote In Terms Of Note-Taking And Organization
Evernote and onenote are similar in terms of note-taking and organization, both providing many convenient features and integration to make life easier. Nevertheless, evernote seems to be more versatile and flexible for note-taking. Onenote has its strengths too, like the ability to create, organize, and manage many notebooks like a virtual filing cabinet.
However, evernote’s intuitive search function provides a quicker and more user-friendly search experience for its users, which is a notable plus point.
Collaboration Features Available In Evernote
For collaborative work, evernote provides some built-in features, which include team workspaces, which aid team members working together on notes, attachments, and shared information.
Some of the collaboration features of evernote include the ability to share notes and notebooks, add comments to collaborate on notes, and manage team permissions.
Pricing And Subscription Models
Evernote offers several pricing plans to cater to different preferences and budgets. The basic version of evernote is free and provides the required basic note-taking functionality. However, its premium plans offer much more advanced features like team collaboration and offline access.
The prices vary depending on the subscription model, but there is a compelling option for all. Users can choose different subscription models like plus, premium, and business, depending on their needs. The plus model costs $34. 99 per year, while the premium model goes for $69.
99 yearly and the business plan starts at $14. 99 per user per month.
If you’re searching for a onenote alternative, then evernote is one of the most credible ones. With its note-taking features, organizational tools, and collaboration modes, evernote delivers a great user experience. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice, and the users should assess their preferences and budget before choosing the right note-taking app.
2. Google Keep

Overview Of Google Keep And Its Main Features
Google keep is an all-in-one productivity app that lets you create notes, lists, and reminders, store images and audio recordings, and sync everything across all your devices. Some of its features include:
- Color-coded notes to help you visually organize your thoughts
- The ability to add images and audio recordings to your notes
- Time and location-based reminders to keep you on track
How It Compares To Onenote In Terms Of Note-Taking And Organization
Google keep is a simpler and more lightweight option when compared to onenote. Some of the key differences include:
- Google keep is focused primarily on note-taking and organization, while onenote has more advanced features such as drawing and handwriting recognition.
- Onenote is more customizable when it comes to organization, while google keep is more intuitive with its color-coded notes.
- Onenote allows for more detailed note-taking and collaborative features, while google keep is best for simple note-taking and reminders.
Collaboration Features Available In Google Keep
Google keep allows you to share notes with other users, which is a helpful feature for collaboration. Some other collaboration features include:
- The ability to assign tasks to others with due dates
- Real-time syncing of shared notes
- Commenting and editing rights for shared notes
Pricing And Subscription Models
Google keep is a free app and does not require any subscription fees. However, if you want to access additional features such as the ability to collaborate on notes, you will need a google account. Google accounts come in different tiers, including free and paid options.
The paid tiers offer additional features such as increased storage space and access to premium apps.
3. Dropbox Paper

Overview Of Dropbox Paper And Its Main Features
Dropbox paper is a note-taking and collaboration tool that offers a simple interface and an array of features. Here are some key points to know about dropbox paper:
- Dropbox paper has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use even for beginners.
- Users can create different types of documents such as notes, to-do lists, and project plans.
- One notable feature of dropbox paper is the ability to embed different types of media such as videos, images, and google docs.
How It Compares To Onenote In Terms Of Note-Taking And Organization
When compared to onenote, dropbox paper offers a variety of features that make it a serious contender in terms of note-taking and organization. Here are some key differences:
- Dropbox paper offers a more streamlined and intuitive interface compared to onenote which can be overwhelming for some users.
- One of the key advantages of dropbox paper is its ability to collaborate with others in real-time. This makes it ideal for team projects or working with someone remotely.
- While both offer the ability to add images and videos, dropbox paper offers more customization options such as the ability to change the background color and font style.
Collaboration Features Available In Dropbox Paper
Collaboration is one of the core features of dropbox paper. Here are some ways it makes working with others easier:
- Dropbox paper allows for real-time collaboration with others, which makes it a breeze to work on projects with remote team members.
- Users can assign tasks to other team members and get notifications when they’ve been completed.
- Dropbox paper also allows for inline comments which means teammates can leave feedback or ask questions directly within a document.
Pricing And Subscription Models
Dropbox paper is a free app that’s included with a dropbox account. This means that as long as you have a dropbox account, you can use paper at no extra cost. There are also no limits on the number of documents you can create or collaborate on.
4. Simplenote

Overview Of Simplenote And Its Main Features
Simplenote is a straightforward and user-friendly note-taking application that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This app is designed to make note-taking simple and efficient, offering users the ability to create and organize notes quickly and easily.
Some of the key features of simplenote include:
- Simplified interface for creating and organizing notes
- Ability to tag and pin notes for quick access
- Option to add to-do lists and checkboxes within notes
- Ability to search and filter notes
Overall, simplenote is an excellent tool for users who need a simple and efficient way to take notes and keep organized.
How It Compares To Onenote In Terms Of Note-Taking And Organization
Simplenote and onenote are both popular note-taking applications, but they differ significantly in terms of functionality and design.
Here are a few ways simplenote compares to onenote:
- Simplenote is a more streamlined note-taking application, while onenote offers a wide range of features and functionality for users who need more advanced tools.
- Simplenote is better suited for users who prefer a simple and straightforward interface, while onenote is ideal for people who need more advanced organization options.
- Simplenote is more lightweight than onenote, making it a better option for users who need a note-taking application that is fast and responsive.
While simplenote and onenote are both excellent note-taking applications, they cater to different audiences and have different strengths.
Collaboration Features Available In Simplenote
Simplenote offers a range of collaboration features that allow users to work together on notes and projects. Some of the collaboration features available in simplenote include:
- Sharing notes with other users
- Collaborating on notes in real-time
- Viewing note history for a specific note
- Reverting notes to previous versions if necessary
Overall, simplenote is an excellent tool for users who need a note-taking application that supports collaboration and teamwork.
Pricing And Subscription Models
Simplenote is an entirely free application that comes without any subscription models or hidden fees. All users can enjoy the application’s full range of features without paying a dime.
This approach sets simplenote apart from other note-taking applications that often require users to pay for premium features or subscribe to a monthly plan. For users who do not want to break the bank on a note-taking application, simplenote is an excellent choice.
5. Zoho Notebook

Overview Of Zoho Notebook And Its Main Features
Zoho notebook is a free digital notebook that offers users a beautiful and intuitive interface. This software is a great alternative to onenote, boasting a simple design and an innovative featureset. Here are some key features of zoho notebook:
- Organize notes, to-do lists, images, and audio recordings into customizable notebooks.
- Sync notes across all your devices using the cloud.
- Add tags to individual notes for easy sorting and searching.
- Use the web clipper to save information from any website.
How It Compares To Onenote In Terms Of Note-Taking And Organization
Onenote is often thought of as the premier note-taking app, but how does zoho notebook compare? Here are the key differences between the two:
Pros of zoho notebook:
- Zoho notebook has a simpler design and is easier to navigate than onenote.
- Users can customize the cover of each notebook, adding a personal touch.
- Zoho notebook includes a web clipper that allows users to easily save information found on the web.
Pros of onenote:
- Onenote is a more robust tool, with more formatting options and a wider range of features.
- Onenote has a more familiar interface, as it’s part of the microsoft office suite.
Collaboration Features Available In Zoho Notebook
Collaboration is a critical feature for many users, and zoho notebook does not disappoint. Here are some key collaboration features available:
- Share individual notes or entire notebooks with specific users or groups.
- Grant read/write access to collaborators, allowing them to edit notes in real-time.
- Collaborators can leave comments on individual notes, encouraging discussion and collaboration.
Pricing And Subscription Models
Zoho notebook offers both a free plan and paid subscriptions. Here are the details:
- The free plan offers users basic features, including 5 notebooks and 5mb of attachments.
- The paid plans, which start at $2.50/month, offer additional features such as more notebooks, larger attachments, and offline access.
- For teams, zoho offers a business plan that includes shared workspaces, team management, and workplace search.
Zoho notebook is a strong alternative to onenote, especially for users who prioritize an intuitive interface and collaboration features. With its customizable notebooks, powerful web clipper, and seamless syncing, zoho notebook is a great choice for users looking to organize their digital lives.
Other Note-Taking Apps To Consider
Notion
Notion is a productivity app that provides a flexible workspace where you can create different kinds of notes, including to-do lists, databases, calendars, and project management tools. Here are some key features of notion:
- Multiple note-taking formats: Notion allows you to create notes using flexible blocks, which means you can add text, images, videos, tables, code snippets, and more in a single note.
- Database integration: Notion’s database feature lets you create custom databases for organizing your information.
- Share or collaborate: You can share your notion pages with others and collaborate with them in real-time.
- Cross-platform availability: Notion is available on web, desktop, and mobile platforms.
Apple Notes
Apple notes is a note-taking app that comes pre-installed on all ios and macos devices. It’s a simple and straightforward app but has several useful features, including:
- Multiple note formats: Apple notes allows you to create plain text notes, formatted notes, checklists, audio recordings, and sketches.
- Integration with other apple apps: You can add links, photos, and files from other apple apps like photos, safari, and files.
- Collaboration: You can share your notes with others and collaborate with them in real-time.
- Cross-platform availability: Apple notes is available on all apple devices and syncs across them seamlessly.
Quip
Quip is a productivity app designed for team collaboration, but it can also be used for personal note-taking. Here are some features that make quip a good note-taking app:
- Note-taking and team collaboration: Quip provides a platform where you can create notes, share them with your team, and collaborate with them in real-time.
- Document integration: Quip lets you embed images, videos, and documents directly in your notes.
- Native mobile apps: Quip has native mobile apps for ios and android, which make it easy to access your notes on the go.
- Task management: Quip also provides tools for task management and project management.
Bear
Bear is a note-taking app that focuses on simplicity and elegance. It’s a good option for those who want a distraction-free environment for taking notes. Here are some key features of bear:
- Clean and simple interface: Bear’s interface is clean and distraction-free, which makes it easy to focus on writing.
- Multiple note formats: Bear allows you to create notes in plain text, rich text, and markdown.
- Organization: Bear provides tools for organizing your notes using tags and nested hashtags.
- Cross-platform availability: Bear is available on ios, macos, and the web, and it syncs your notes across all devices.
Joplin
Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking app that focuses on privacy and security. It’s a good option for those who want complete control over their data. Here are some key features of joplin:
- Encryption: Joplin provides end-to-end encryption for your notes, which means that only you can read your notes.
- Multiple note formats: Joplin allows you to create notes in plain text, markdown, and rich text.
- Cross-platform availability: Joplin is available on windows, macos, linux, android, and ios.
- Customization: Joplin provides tools for customizing the app’s interface to suit your preferences.
There are several note-taking apps that can replace onenote. Notion, apple notes, quip, bear, and joplin are some of the best alternatives to onenote, and they provide various features to suit different users’ needs. Choose the one that suits your requirements and enjoy taking notes!
FAQs
What Are Some Popular Onenote Alternatives?
Popular onenote alternatives include notion, evernote, google keep, simplenote, and zoho notebook.
Which One Is The Best Alternative To Onenote?
The best onenote alternative depends on your specific needs. Notion is great for collaboration, while evernote has strong note-taking capabilities.
Are There Any Free Alternatives To Onenote?
Yes, there are free alternatives to onenote such as google keep, simplenote, and zoho notebook.
Can I Import My Onenote Data To The Alternatives?
Most onenote alternatives offer import functionality. Notion allows for onenote import, while evernote has an easy import wizard.
Do These Alternatives Offer Cross-Platform Support?
Yes, most alternatives offer cross-platform support, available on windows, mac, ios, and android.
Which Alternative Offers The Best Organization Features?
Notion offers excellent organization features, allowing you to create custom databases and views to fit your specific needs.
Can I Collaborate With Others Using These Alternatives?
Yes, most alternatives offer collaboration features. Notion allows for team collaboration within the same workspace.
Are There Any Alternatives With Handwriting Support?
Yes, alternatives like evernote and notability offer handwriting support, with their note-taking capabilities.
Conclusion
After exploring and analyzing various onenote alternatives, it is evident that there are several options that excel in different ways. For those seeking open-source options, zim and standard notes are great choices. For those who want the best note-taking experience and collaboration, evernote and nimbus note are highly recommended.
Those who prefer simplicity and integration with google suite should look at google keep, while bear is an excellent choice for apple users. The choice of the best alternative ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. However, it’s important to consider factors such as reliability, performance, ease of use, and cross-platform availability before making a decision.
With a range of reliable and functional options available, users can choose the best onenote alternative that meets their needs and preferences.