Top 10 Best Note-Taking Apps for Mac Boosting Productivity in 2025
- Aisha Washington
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
Looking to boost your productivity on your Mac in 2025? The right note-taking app can be a game-changer. This year's top 10 contenders cater to a wide range of needs, with both free and paid options available.
Among the leading choices, you'll find powerful all-in-one platforms like remio, the long-standing Evernote, and Microsoft's comprehensive OneNote. For those who value elegant design and a focused experience, Bear, Craft, and iA Writer are excellent picks. Meanwhile, Apple's native Apple Notes continues to be a surprisingly capable and convenient tool. The list is rounded out by specialized apps such as Goodnotes 6 for digital handwriting, Noted for audio-integrated notes, and Ulysses, a favorite among writers. This diverse lineup ensures there's a perfect fit for almost anyone.
AI-powered note taking apps help you organize notes. They make searching easier and faster. These apps can pull out tasks, write down words as you speak, and sum up your notes. You can save up to 30% more time. You will spend 75% less time looking for notes with smart AI and app connections.
Evaluation Criterion | Explanation |
Intuitive User Experience | Easy to use, clean look, and quick note making. |
Cloud Synchronization | Syncs well on all Apple devices. |
Advanced Text Formatting | Organize notes with headers, lists, and styles. |
Multimedia Integration | Add pictures, sounds, and videos to notes. |
Compatibility with macOS | Works smoothly on any Mac. |
Data Security Measures | Keeps notes safe with encryption and privacy. |
Cost-Effectiveness vs Features | Good price for free and paid features. |
Organizational Tools | Use folders, tags, and notebooks to sort notes. |
Integration and Automation | Connects with other apps for better note taking. |
Support for Various Note Methods | Supports Markdown, handwriting, and PDF notes. |
You can pick the best note-taking app for Mac that fits how you work. You may want a free note-taking app for Mac or a paid one with strong tools. Both free and paid note apps for Mac are in this list. This helps you choose the best note-taking app on Mac for what you need.
Key Takeaways
AI-powered note-taking apps help you save time. They organize your notes and make searching easier. These apps also help you finish tasks faster.
Pick apps that sync well on all your Apple devices. This keeps your notes updated everywhere you go.
Find apps with good security features like encryption. Some apps use biometric locks to keep your data safe.
Choose a note-taking app that matches how you work. It does not matter if you are a student, worker, team member, or creative person.
Try free versions or trials before you decide. This helps you find the app that makes writing easy. It also keeps your notes safe and neat.
Best Note-Taking Apps for Mac
1. remio
Overview
remio is the best note app for mac with powerful AI featrues, it helps you keep all your knowledge in one place. remio uses AI tools to capture & sort notes, files, emails, and web pages. It auto capture the information from webpage, Slack, Gmail, Google Docs, and YouTube. remio’s AI copilot helps you write, sum up, and find notes fast. You can search using natural language, retrieve info in seconds.
remio works well for workers, students, and researchers who want to manage knowledge quickly. It has all the features of a great note-taking app. Besides,Your data stays private on your device, so you have control and safety.
Pros
Auto Capture: AI native web clipper, no more manually click.
User Ratings: All ratings are perfect scores.
Note-Taking Features: Markdown supported, AI recommend collections.
AI Capabilities: Uses AI to organize and manage knowledge.
Integrations: Works with ChatGPT, Chrome OS, Google Chrome, Google Docs, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom.
Local Data Storage: Data is stored locally on your device.
API Access: You can use the API.
Cons
No Team Collaboration: Lacks features for collaborative work.
No Cloud Sync: Does not sync notes across multiple devices.
2. Evernote
Overview
Evernote is still a top note-taking app for Mac. You can make notes, plan tasks, and handle projects. Evernote uses AI for scanned documents, handwriting, and smart search. You can scan papers, save web pages, and use templates. Evernote connects with Google Drive, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and more. This makes teamwork easy.
Pros
Manage tasks with lists, dates, and assignments.
Connects with Google Drive, Slack, and other tools.
Use it on many devices with a Mac app.
Templates and widgets help you take notes better.
Work together with Spaces for team editing.
Evernote links with Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar. You can save emails and connect chats from Slack. The App Center has tools for better work.
Cons
Evernote has a free plan, but some features need payment.
3. Bear
Overview
Bear is liked by creators and power users. This app for Mac has a simple look and works fast. You can use Markdown and sort notes with tags. Bear lets you scan papers, use OCR, and work offline. It connects with iCloud and lets you export notes in many ways.
Pros
Organize notes with tags for easy sorting.
Fast and works offline.
Markdown helps you write quickly.
Search is strong and uses OCR for files.
Works with Apple Shortcuts and Raycast for automation.
Good price and no ads.
People like Bear for its nice look and easy use. You can link notes, use tags inside tags, and move around easily. Wiki Links help connect notes better.
Cons
Bear is free to get, but some things need payment.
4. Apple Notes
Overview
Apple Notes comes with Mac and is a free mac note taking app. It works well with macOS. You can record sound, make summaries, and use Apple Intelligence to fix notes. Apple Notes lets you work with others, search with OCR, and sort with tags. You can import and export notes as markdown.
Pros
Summarize and fix notes with Apple Intelligence.
Work together in real time.
Strong search with OCR for papers and handwriting.
Sort with tags, smart folders, and custom sorting.
Works deeply with Apple products.
Apple Notes keeps your notes safe with system protections and biometric locks.
Cons
Some features only work on newer Apple devices.
5. Microsoft OneNote
Overview
Microsoft OneNote is free with Microsoft 365. You can make notebooks, sort notes, and work with others. OneNote lets you write, draw, and add pictures or sound. It syncs on all devices and works with Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
Pros
Free-form Canvas: Unlimited canvas allows flexible placement of text, images, and drawings, ideal for brainstorming.
Rich Media Support: Easily embeds audio, video, files, and screen clippings, making it a versatile digital scrapbook.
Deep Microsoft Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Office suite, OneDrive, and other Microsoft services for workflow efficiency.
Cross-Platform Sync: Available across all major platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web) with reliable cloud synchronization.
Excellent Organization: Hierarchical structure (Notebooks > Sections > Pages) enables robust and intuitive information management.
Cons
Some things need a Microsoft 365 subscription.
6. Goodnotes
Overview
Goodnotes is great for handwriting and marking PDFs. You can write, draw, and mark up PDFs with digital ink. Goodnotes uses AI to learn your writing and helps with spelling and math. You can make folders, use icons, and buy stationery in the app.
Pros
Elements & Image Tools: AI-powered image addition and resizing, plus fixed sticker menus.
PDFs & Ink Improvements: Retained links in PDFs and reduced ink delay.
Favorites View Enhancements: Double-click to open favorites, right-click menu support, and ability to remove favorites.
Collaboration Improvements: Accurate username display, better comments, clickable links within comments, easier commenting, and new keyboard shortcuts.
Goodnotes uses AI for handwriting, spelling, and math help. You can make folders and get special items in the marketplace.
Cons
Goodnotes is free to get, but some things need payment.
7. Craft
Overview
Craft is a new note app for Mac that helps teams work together. You can make rich notes, add pictures and videos, and organize with linked pages. Craft connects with calendars, helps with tasks, and syncs on Apple devices.
Pros
Event notes fill in details for quick notes.
Simple task lists and visual markers.
Sync and work together on all devices.
Link tasks and emails from other apps for smooth work.
Craft is known for teamwork and fast speed. You can edit with your team and share nice notes.
Cons
Craft is free, but some things need a paid plan.
8. Noted
Overview
Noted is a free app for taking notes with sound. You can record classes, meetings, and talks while adding text. Noted uses timestamps so you can find important parts. The app syncs on Apple devices and has basic editing tools.
Pros
Free to download and use.
Record sound with time stamps.
Sync notes on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
Simple look for quick notes.
Export notes in different formats.
Cons
Some special features need a paid upgrade.
9. Ulysses
Overview
Ulysses is made for writers and creative people. You can sort big libraries with smart folders and filters. Ulysses has a simple look, Markdown, and modes with no distractions. The app helps set goals, check writing, and publish to WordPress and Medium.
Pros
Change writing space to fit your style.
Focused modes like Editor Focus and Typewriter Mode.
Progress bar shows word count and reading time.
Built-in proofreader and editing help.
Publish to WordPress, Medium, Ghost, and Micro.blog.
Organize with smart folders and filters.
Export as Text, HTML, ePub, PDF, DOCX, and publish directly.
Ulysses makes exporting and publishing easy. You can change styles and manage content simply.
Cons
Ulysses is free to try, but full use needs payment.
10. iA Writer
Overview
iA Writer is a simple writing app for Mac. You can focus on writing with a clean look and special font. iA Writer has Focus Mode, Markdown, and highlights syntax. The app helps you spot weak verbs and repeated words.
Pros
Minimalistic Interface: Clean space for focused writing.
Custom Monospaced Font: Typewriter-style font for clear writing.
Focus Mode: Highlights only the current sentence/paragraph.
Markdown Support: Easy formatting with keyboard commands.
Style Check: Removes extra words for clear writing.
iA Writer gives you a quiet space for writing and notes. It is one of the best note-taking apps for Mac.
Cons
iA Writer is free to try, but full features need a paid license.
Note-Taking App for Mac Features
Picking a note-taking app for Mac means checking what it can do. You want features that help you work faster and keep things simple. The best apps help you sort notes, plan tasks, and sync across your devices.
AI Capabilities
AI tools like remio in note-taking apps change how you work. You can search using natural language and find things fast. AI tags and sorts notes for you, so you save time. You and your team can edit and comment together. These apps connect with calendars, email, and project tools to help you plan. remio, Notion and Evernote use AI for smart search and tips. Apple Notes uses Apple Intelligence to sum up and fix notes, so you manage ideas easily.
Integration
Integration lets your note app work with other tools you use. You can sync with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot. Meeting notes get made automatically, and key info is pulled out. Notion links with Trello, Slack, and GitHub for project work. Apple Notes and Evernote use iCloud sync and work well with Apple devices. This means less manual work and more time for planning and taking notes.
Usability
A simple interface makes note-taking easy. You want your notes to sync on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Apple Notes and Evernote are fast and easy to use. Notion lets you organize with tags, folders, and templates. You can export notes to move them. Goodnotes and Apple Notes let you write by hand or draw to save creative ideas.
Usability Factor | Description / User Value | Example App(s) |
See notes on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more. | Apple Notes, Evernote, Notion | |
Simple and clean UI | Easy to use and not messy. | Apple Notes, Ulysses, Notion |
Organizational features | Use tags, folders, and templates to sort notes. | Notion, Goodnotes, Ulysses |
Security
Security keeps your notes safe from others. Top apps use passwords, Touch ID, or Face ID. Encryption like AES GCM 256 protects your notes. Apple Notes and Evernote use strong encryption and safe syncing. Developers keep keys in Keychain or iCloud Keychain. Network security uses TLS and extra steps to keep your data private. Other tools like remio, keep your data locally.
Collaboration
Collaboration helps teams work together from anywhere. Apps can write down meetings and make summaries for you. They connect with video apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom for teamwork. Notion and Evernote let you search old notes and use your phone. Apple Notes lets you share and edit notes with others at the same time.
Feature Category | Description |
One place for all team knowledge. | |
Meeting Notes & Agendas | Keep meeting notes and topics organized. |
Project Tracking | Follow projects from start to finish. |
Task Views | See tasks in tables or calendars. |
Templates | Use ready-made pages for notes and projects. |
Pricing
Pricing depends on the app and plan you pick. Some apps are free for one person. There are plans for small teams and big businesses with more features. remio, Notion, Apple Notes, and Evernote have free versions. Goodnotes is free for students. Paid plans give you more tools for teamwork and security.
Comparison Table
Features Overview
You want to choose the best note-taking app for Mac. The table below shows how each app stands out. You can see which apps offer AI tools, strong search, and easy organization. Notion gives you advanced templates and connects with many work tools. remio uses AI to help you find notes and manage files. Evernote lets you scan documents and save web pages. Apple Notes works well with all Apple devices and offers strong security. Goodnotes 6 supports handwriting and PDF markup. Bear uses tags and Markdown for fast writing. Craft helps teams work together. Noted records audio with timestamps. Ulysses and iA Writer focus on writing and publishing.
App | AI Features | Organization | Collaboration | Handwriting | Audio Notes | Integration | Sync |
remio | Yes | Collections, Tags | No | No | Yes | Many | No |
notion | Yes | Templates | Yes | No | No | Many | Yes |
evernote | Yes | Notebooks | Yes | No | Yes | Many | Yes |
apple notes | Yes | Folders, Tags | Yes | Yes | Yes | Apple Apps | Yes |
goodnotes 6 | Yes | Folders | Yes | Yes | No | Some | Yes |
bear | No | Tags | No | No | No | Some | Yes |
craft | No | Linked Pages | Yes | No | No | Some | Yes |
noted | No | Folders | No | No | Yes | Some | Yes |
ulysses | No | Smart Folders | No | No | No | Some | Yes |
iA Writer | No | Folders | No | No | No | Some | Yes |
Tip: You should look for apps that offer AI features and easy sync across devices. This helps you save time and keep your notes safe.
Pricing
You want to know how much each app costs. Some apps are free. Others need a paid plan for more features. remio gives you a free plan and paid upgrades. Others offers a free trial and paid plans for teams. Evernote has a free version and paid options. Apple Notes is free for all Apple users. Goodnotes 6 is free to start, but some tools need payment.
App | Free Plan | Paid Plan (per month) | Best For |
remio | Yes | $9.50+ | Teams, Power Users |
notion | Yes | $12+ | Teams, Students |
evernote | Yes | $14.99+ | Professionals |
apple notes | Yes | Free | All Users |
goodnotes 6 | Yes | $7.99+ | Students, Creatives |
bear | Yes | $2.99+ | Writers |
craft | Yes | $5+ | Teams |
noted | Yes | $2.49+ | Students |
ulysses | Trial | $5.99+ | Writers |
iA Writer | Trial | $29.99 (one-time) | Writers |
User Types
You need an app that fits your work style. Notion works well for teams and students who want templates and project tools. Remio helps professionals and researchers manage knowledge with AI. Evernote suits people who scan documents and save web pages. Apple Notes is best for users who want free notes and strong sync. Goodnotes 6 is great for students who write by hand. Bear and Ulysses help writers stay focused. Craft supports teams who need to work together. Noted is good for students who record lectures. iA Writer is perfect for writers who want a simple space.
You should pick an app that matches your workflow and helps you stay organized.
Choosing the Best Note-Taking App
For Students
You want an app that helps you learn better. The best note-taking app for Mac is remio. You can find your notes fast. Apple Notes and Bear are good for quick writing. These apps help you organize notes with tags. You can add sound, scan papers, and sort notes. You can search by words or handwriting. Many students pick apps that sync on all devices. This way, you do not lose your work. You can write and plan without things getting in your way.
Tip: Pick an app that lets you record sound and search fast. This makes it easier to study and get ready for tests.
For Professionals
Professionals want apps that link with email and calendars. remio and Evernote work well with other tools. You can sort notes with folders and tags. These apps help you write reports and plan jobs. You can share updates with your team. Security is important, so pick an app that keeps notes safe. Real-time sync helps protect your work.
Feature | Benefit for Professionals |
Integration | Connects with work tools |
Organization | Folders, tags, smart search |
Security | Keeps sensitive notes private |
For Teams
Teams need apps for sharing and working together. Notion and Craft let you edit notes with others. You can make company wikis and meeting notes. These apps have sharing and permission settings. You can use templates to write and plan faster. Teams like apps that sync on all devices and let you edit together.
Collaboration tools help your team stay on track and finish work fast.
For Creatives
Creatives like Goodnotes 6 and Ulysses. These apps let you write by hand, add pictures, and record sound. You can sort ideas with tags and folders. Flexible sorting helps you manage drafts and projects. Strong search lets you find ideas quickly. You can export your work in many ways.
Pick an app that lets you use rich text, pictures, and sound.
Find one with easy sorting and export choices.
The best note-taking apps for Mac give you smart tools for organizing, searching, and sharing. You can try a free note-taking app for mac or explore free trials to find what fits your writing style. Many apps offer free features for writing, syncing, and collaboration. You can start writing notes, create free projects, and enjoy free upgrades. Try different apps to see which one makes your writing easier and helps you stay organized.
Tip: Download a free app and begin writing today. You will discover new ways to improve your writing and keep your notes safe.
FAQ
What is the best free note-taking app for Mac?
You can try remio or Bear. Both offer strong features without cost. Apple Notes comes pre-installed on your Mac. Bear gives you a clean interface and easy organization. You can upgrade for more features if you need them.
How do AI features help with note-taking?
AI features help you find notes faster and organize information automatically. You can search using natural language. Some apps like remio summarize content or suggest tags. These tools save you time and make your workflow smoother.
Can I sync my notes across all my Apple devices?
Yes, most top note-taking apps for Mac support syncing. You can access your notes on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Apps like Apple Notes, Evernote.
Are my notes secure in these apps?
You get strong security with most leading apps. Many use encryption and offer password, Face ID, or Touch ID protection. Always check the app’s privacy policy and security settings to keep your data safe.
Which app works best for handwriting and PDF markup?
Goodnotes 6 stands out for handwriting and PDF annotation. You can write with a stylus, highlight text, and mark up documents. This app helps students and creatives who need digital ink features.
