Best Mac Apps for Note Taking: A 2025 Guide
- Ethan Carter
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
In 2025, note-taking has evolved beyond jotting down ideas—it's now a vital tool for staying organized, accelerating learning, and fostering creativity. With the overwhelming amount of information we encounter daily, having the right tools is essential. That’s why the best notes apps for macos are invaluable, catering to diverse needs, whether for creating simple lists or crafting detailed notes. Apps like remio stand out by making it effortless to save and manage ideas effectively.
Key Takeaways
Pick a AI note-taking Apps that is simple to use. A neat design helps you think clearly without distractions.
Find apps that work with other tools. This saves time and keeps your notes neat on all devices.
Make sure your app works offline. You can edit notes anytime, even without Wi-Fi.
Focus on safety and privacy. Choose apps with strong security and clear rules to protect your info.
Try remio for its cool features. It saves YouTube videos, marks web pages, and uses AI to sort notes easily.
Key Features of the Best AI Note Taking Apps for Mac
Easy to Use and Simple Design
The first thing I check in a note app is how simple it is. A good app should be easy to use, especially when you're busy or thinking of new ideas. The best mac apps for note taking have a clean design that’s easy to move around in. Whether you’re writing quick notes or planning big projects, the app should help, not confuse you. I like apps that let me focus on my thoughts without too many buttons or menus. Features like drag-and-drop or voice typing make adding notes even easier.
Works Well with Other Tools
In 2025, apps need to work well with other tools. I want my note app to connect easily with what I already use. For example, Apple apps should sync my notes across my Mac, iPhone, and iPad without problems. Apps that link to cloud services like iCloud or Google Drive save me time. Many top note apps also let you use markdown, so you can format notes or share them easily. These connections turn a simple app into a great tool for getting things done.
Offline Use and Syncing
Have you ever needed your notes but had no internet? I have, and it’s annoying. That’s why offline use is so important in note apps. The features of a great note-taking app let you change your notes offline and sync them later when you’re online again. Here’s a quick example of how it works:
This syncing makes sure you don’t lose your work, no matter where you are. Whether you’re using notes for school, work, or fun, this feature is super helpful.
Security and Privacy
When using note apps, I always think about keeping my info safe. We often store personal thoughts, work ideas, or private details in these apps. That’s why security and privacy are so important. The best apps in 2025 have features like end-to-end encryption. This means only I can see my notes. Some apps also let me add passwords or use Face ID or Touch ID for extra protection.
Tip: Check if your note app has encryption and clear privacy rules. It’s always better to stay safe!
I also like apps that let me control my data. For example, some apps allow exporting notes in different formats. This way, I’m not stuck using just one app. Having this option makes me feel more secure about using digital note tools for personal or work tasks.
Advanced Features and Customization
In 2025, note apps do more than just let you type. The best ones have cool features that make organizing easy. For example, markdown helps format notes fast. It’s great for making neat, professional notes without much work.
Customization is super important too. I like apps that let me change how they look to fit my style. Options like themes, folders, or tags make finding notes simple. Some apps even use AI to sort notes or suggest related ideas. It’s like having a helper for my thoughts!
Imagine this: You’re writing a report, and the app picks out key points from your saved notes. That’s the kind of smart feature I love in note apps.
It’s also great when apps connect with other tools. Syncing with calendars or linking notes to project apps saves time and keeps everything organized.
Best Note-Taking Apps for Mac in 2025
1.remio
If you want the best note app for Mac, remio is amazing. It’s more than just a note app—it helps manage all your ideas. What makes remio special is how easily it handles information. For example, you can grab YouTube screenshots, subtitles, and summaries in seconds. This feature saves a lot of time when learning or researching.
Another cool thing is how it saves and highlights web pages. Imagine reading an article and saving the whole page in remio. You can even highlight important parts right there. It’s like having a digital highlighter that works everywhere online.
The best part is remio’s smart AI organization. It doesn’t just store notes—it organizes them for you. Whether you’re a student, worker, or just love being organized, this feature keeps your ideas easy to find. Plus, the AI Copilot is like a helper. It can write, search, and find info for you in seconds.
remio isn’t just free—it’s powerful and safe. It uses end-to-end encryption to protect your data. You can work offline or sync across devices, and your notes stay secure.
Key Features | Key Features |
Info Capture | Auto capture the info while you are reading in the browser smoothly |
Webpage & YouTube Summarizer | Get quick summaries of articles and videos with one click |
Powerful Search | Ask DeepSeek about note & web content, get answers with related reference |
Notes Collection | Organize knowledge into categories, build up your personal knowledge hub |
AI-powered features | AI knowledge management app empowers tech-savvy users to effortlessly collect, connect. |
Ease of Use | Markdown capabilities and distraction-free interface provide user-friendly experience. |
Privacy Security | 100% data stored locally |
If you need the best mac apps for note taking, remio is the winner. It’s easy to use, strong, and makes life simpler.
2.Evernote
Evernote has been around for a long time, but it feels outdated. It’s still okay for taking notes, but it has problems. For example, saving web pages can be tricky, and uploading files isn’t smooth. Some studies, like Kani (2017) and Walsh & Cho (2013), show it’s good for students and labs. But other research points out issues with how it works.
Evernote’s free plan is limited, and the paid plans are pricey. If you want a simple app, it might work. But for smart features like AI or easy tool connections, it’s not as good as remio.
Study | Findings |
Kani (2017) | Evernote helps in organizing information for higher education students. |
Walsh & Cho (2013) | Evernote is more advantageous as a lab notebook than a paper notebook. |
Kerr et al. (2015) | Challenges related to web clipping and file uploading were identified. |
Roy et al. (2016) | Usability issues in note-taking applications were discussed. |
3.Notion
Notion is popular, especially for teams and group projects. It has features like templates, databases, and teamwork tools. But it’s not very easy to learn. It takes time to figure out how to use everything.
Notion is great for organizing and customizing, but it has downsides. It doesn’t work offline, so no internet means no notes. Also, it doesn’t support handwritten notes, which some people need.
Feature | |
Organization and Structure | Highly customizable with advanced organizational tools (e.g., databases, kanban boards, nested pages). |
Ease of Use and Speed | Slightly more complex with a steeper learning curve, but highly powerful once mastered. |
Notion is awesome for teams and advanced users. But if you want a simple, smart note app, it might feel too hard. For ease and AI features, remio is a better pick.
4.Apple Notes
Apple Notes is a dependable app for Mac users. I’ve used it many times, and it’s great for quick, organized notes. It works perfectly with other Apple services, making it easy to use if you already have Apple devices.
Here’s why Apple Notes is awesome:
It detects things like phone numbers and emails. You can tap them to send an email or set a reminder right away.
Organizing notes is simple. You can use Regular or Smart Folders to sort notes automatically with hashtags.
Searching is super fast because of built-in OCR. It finds text, handwriting, or images in seconds.
Tip: Need a free, easy-to-use app? Apple Notes is a fantastic choice.
These features, along with its free price, make Apple Notes a top pick. It’s easy, effective, and great for anyone who wants a no-fuss note-taking app.
5.Bear
Bear is one of the easiest apps for notes on Mac. It’s simple but has great features for writers. If you enjoy writing, Bear feels like a comfy place to jot ideas, journal, or draft posts. Its clean look helps you focus without distractions.
One awesome thing about Bear is its Markdown support. You can format notes fast and make them look neat. Adding headers, lists, or links is super easy. Writers will love how polished their notes can look.
Bear is also great for staying organized. You can tag notes with hashtags to find them quickly. For example, if you’re working on a space project, tag notes with #space. Bear will group them all together for you.
Tip: Want a free app with a simple design? Try Bear!
Another cool feature is syncing. It works across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Whether you’re at home or out, your notes are always ready to use.
6.Craft
Craft is like a creative toolbox for note-taking. It’s more than just an app—it’s a space for designing ideas. If you enjoy making pretty documents, Craft is perfect for you.
What makes Craft special is its visual appeal. You can add pictures, links, and videos to your notes. It’s like creating a mini website for your thoughts. I’ve used Craft for presentations, plans, and even travel ideas.
Craft is also great for teamwork. You can share notes and work on them with others in real time. It’s awesome for group projects or brainstorming.
Another fun feature is its block-based structure. You can move parts of your notes around easily. This makes organizing ideas super simple.
Imagine planning a party. You can drag sections for the guest list, menu, and games. Craft keeps everything neat and easy to manage.
Craft works offline too, so you can keep working without internet. Plus, it syncs across devices, so your notes stay updated everywhere.
7.OneNote
OneNote is like a never-ending digital notebook. It has tons of features, making it super useful for all kinds of notes.
One of the best things about OneNote is its notebook structure. You can make separate notebooks for topics, then add sections and pages inside. It’s like having a binder for all your ideas.
OneNote is awesome for multimedia notes. You can add pictures, audio, and even handwritten notes. If you like drawing or sketching, it works great with a stylus too.
Note: OneNote is free, so it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a powerful app without spending money.
Its search feature is another highlight. You can find notes quickly, even if they’re deep in your notebooks. This saves time and keeps you organized.
OneNote also works well with Microsoft tools like Word and Excel. If you already use Microsoft Office, OneNote fits perfectly into your routine.
8.Simplenote
Simplenote is an app that keeps things simple. It’s great for quickly writing down ideas without any fuss. If you like fast and easy tools, this app is perfect.
Why Simplenote is Great
Here’s why I think Simplenote is awesome:
Speed: It starts quickly, so you can type right away.
Focus: The simple design helps you stay on task. There are no extra buttons to distract you.
Syncing: Your notes update on all your devices instantly. Whether you’re on a Mac, phone, or tablet, your notes are always ready.
Tip: You can use Simplenote offline. Write notes anytime, and they’ll sync later when you’re online.
Why remio is the Best Mac Apps for Note Taking
Special Features of remio
remio isn’t just another note app. It’s something unique. Let me explain why it’s so special.
First, remio makes saving YouTube info super easy. You can grab screenshots, subtitles, and summaries in seconds. This is great for students or anyone learning from videos. No need to pause or rewind anymore. remio does all the hard work for you.
Another cool feature is how it saves web pages. If you find something useful online, you can save the whole page in remio. You can even highlight important parts right on the page. It’s like having a digital highlighter for the internet.
remio’s AI is really smart. It doesn’t just store your notes—it organizes them too. The AI suggests categories, so finding notes later is simple. Plus, the AI Copilot acts like a helper. It can write, search, and find notes for you in seconds. It’s quick, clever, and super handy.
Security is also a big deal with remio. It uses end-to-end encryption to keep your notes safe. Whether you’re offline or syncing across devices, your data stays private and secure.
Why remio Beats Other Apps
I’ve tried many note apps, but remio is the best. Here’s why it’s better than the others.
Evernote feels old and slow. It struggles with saving web pages and uploading files. remio, however, is modern and handles web content easily. Notion is powerful but hard to learn. It also doesn’t work offline. remio is simple to use and works even without internet.
Apple Notes is good for quick notes but lacks advanced tools. It doesn’t have AI to organize or search your notes. remio fills that gap with its smart features. Simplenote is fast but too basic. It doesn’t offer customization or multimedia tools like remio does.
remio combines the best parts of these apps and adds its own features. It’s easy, advanced, and makes life simpler. Whether you’re a student, worker, or just love being organized, remio is the top choice.
How remio Helps in Different Situations
remio isn’t just for one type of person. It works for everyone. Let me show you how.
For students, remio is amazing. Studying for a test? Save lecture videos, highlight key points, and organize by subject. The AI Copilot can even summarize notes or find topics fast.
Professionals will find remio super helpful. Need to make a presentation? Save research, highlight data, and let the AI organize it. The smart search tool makes finding old notes easy and saves time.
Even for personal use, remio is great. Planning a trip? Save travel guides, highlight must-see places, and keep everything in one spot. Offline access means you can check your notes anytime.
No matter what you need, remio adjusts to you. It’s not just a great AI note app—it’s the best Mac app for note-taking, hands down.
How to Use remio for Effective Note-Taking
Capturing YouTube Screenshots and Summaries
Watching YouTube videos can be hard when taking notes. remio makes it simple. You can save screenshots, subtitles, and summaries fast. No need to pause or write while watching.
This tool is great for students or workers who learn from videos. Instead of writing notes during the video, let remio do it for you. Later, you’ll have everything saved and ready to review. It’s perfect for anyone using videos to study or work.
Saving and Highlighting Web Content
remio makes saving online articles easy. If you find something useful, save the whole page in remio. You don’t need to copy or worry about losing links.
You can also highlight important parts directly on the page. It’s like using a digital marker for websites. This is super helpful for students or researchers who use online resources. Everything stays in one place, making it simple to find later.
AI-Powered Knowledge Management Apps
remio’s AI helps organize your notes smartly. It doesn’t just store them—it arranges them based on your habits.
Here’s why it’s awesome:
Local-first architecture keeps your data private and safe.
Fast speed means no delays, even with lots of notes.
Offline use lets you work without internet.
Knowledge Blending organizes ideas naturally, making it easy to use.
Smart filtering finds key points in long notes quickly.
Helpful suggestions show related notes when you need them.
These features make remio great for organizing information. Whether you’re a student, worker, or just love being neat, remio’s AI makes note-taking better.
Leveraging AI Copilot for Writing and Searching
remio’s AI Copilot is like having a personal assistant for your notes. It’s one of the smartest features I’ve ever used in any note-taking app. Whether I’m writing, searching, or organizing, the AI Copilot makes everything faster and easier.
Here’s how it works. Let’s say I’m writing a report. As I type, the AI Copilot suggests related notes I’ve saved before. It’s like magic! I don’t have to dig through folders or scroll endlessly. The AI finds exactly what I need in seconds. This saves me so much time, especially when I’m working on tight deadlines.
Searching for information is just as simple. I can type a question or keyword, and the AI instantly pulls up the most relevant notes. For example, if I’m researching a topic, I just ask the AI, and it shows me all the related content I’ve saved. It’s like having a super-smart search engine built right into my notes.
What I love most is how it helps me stay organized. The AI doesn’t just find notes—it also categorizes them automatically. It learns how I work and suggests ways to group my ideas. This makes remio one of the most efficient note-taking tools I’ve ever used.
The AI Copilot isn’t just about speed. It’s about making my work smarter and more productive. Whether I’m a student, a professional, or just someone who loves staying organized, this feature is a game-changer.
Choosing the right app can make a huge difference in how you stay organized and productive. I’ve explored some of the best note-taking apps for Mac in 2025, but remio truly stands out. Its ability to capture YouTube content, highlight web pages, and organize notes with AI makes it a game-changer. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who loves staying on top of things, remio has something for you.
Take some time to try these apps and see which one fits your style. If you’re looking for a tool that’s smart, easy, and powerful, I’d say remio is the one to beat!
FAQ
What makes remio special compared to other apps?
remio is unique because of its smart AI features. It helps organize notes, save YouTube info, and highlight websites easily. It’s simple to use and works offline too. It’s like having a helper for your ideas!
Can I use remio without internet?
Yes! You can use remio offline. You can edit and save notes anytime. When you’re back online, it syncs everything automatically. It’s great for traveling or places without Wi-Fi.
Is my information safe with remio?
Yes, your data is secure. remio uses end-to-end encryption to protect your notes. Only you can see them. It also stores data locally, keeping it safe even offline.
Tip: Always check an app’s safety features before saving private info.
Can remio help students?
Of course! remio is awesome for studying. It saves lecture videos, highlights key details, and organizes notes by subject. The AI Copilot can summarize or find topics quickly. It’s like having a study partner!
Is remio free?
Yes, remio is 100% free now. You get all its amazing tools without paying. It’s perfect for students, workers, or anyone who wants a smart, free note app.
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