Top 10 Best Note-Taking Apps for Mac Users in 2025

Your productivity relies heavily on how effectively you manage tasks and ideas. Choosing the best note taking app for Mac can significantly streamline your workflow by organizing information efficiently. Despite advancements in technology, many people (44%) still rely on paper for task lists, and only 11.6% dedicate most of their time to being productive. This highlights the need for better tools.

For Mac users, the best note taking apps for 2025 offer robust search capabilities, seamless syncing, and a strong emphasis on privacy. These apps leverage cloud storage, work across multiple devices, and are designed to be user-friendly.

Selecting the best note taking app for Mac involves evaluating its ease of use, features, and cost. This ensures you find the perfect app to meet your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

• Picking the right note app helps you stay organized and work better.

• Choose apps that are easy to use so you can focus on writing, not figuring out the app.

• Good search tools and organization features save time and help you find things fast.

• Apps that sync across devices let you access notes anywhere, keeping your work smooth.

• Think about your budget; free apps work for simple needs, while paid ones have extra features.

• Try free versions or trials first to see if the app fits your needs before buying.

• Apps like remio and Notion have cool features like AI tools and stylish looks that make them special.

• Check if the app works well with macOS tools to improve your note-taking experience.

Criteria for Picking the Best Note-Taking Apps

Usability and Interface

How easy an app is to use matters a lot. A simple design helps you focus on writing ideas instead of learning the app. Apps like remio with high usability scores, like 79.5, often feel easier to use. Familiar layouts and clear menus make it less frustrating and more productive.

Being able to customize the app is also important. You can format text, add pictures, and organize notes to fit your needs. Some apps let you quickly jot down ideas without interrupting your work. A user-friendly design makes it simple for everyone, no matter their skill level, to use the app.

Features and Functionality

Good note-taking apps come with helpful tools for different needs. They provides you with powerful search and organization tools. Organize and sort notes so you can find them fast. Powerful search functions save time by helping you locate specific details quickly.

Apps with teamwork features are great for group projects. You can edit and share notes with others in real time. Security tools, like encryption, keep your notes safe, and offline access lets you use the app without Wi-Fi.

Some apps even use smart technology, like AI, to make note-taking better. These tools help you understand and remember information. Whether you're a student or a worker, these features make managing tasks and ideas easier.

Syncing and Cross-Platform Compatibility

Syncing makes sure your notes are available on all your devices. For example, you can write a note on your phone and see it on your Mac right away. This smooth connection saves time and keeps your work flowing.

Syncing is key for keeping your notes updated everywhere. It works across devices so you can always access your information.

Apps that work on multiple platforms give you more flexibility. They connect with other tools to make teamwork easier. Whether you're sharing notes or switching devices, syncing keeps everything organized.

Strong syncing also gives you peace of mind. Your notes stay backed up and safe, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.

Pricing and Value for Money

When picking a note-taking app, cost is very important. You need an app that fits your budget and offers good features. Some apps are free with basic tools, while others need a subscription for extra features. Knowing what you pay for helps you choose wisely.

Free apps like Simplenote and Google Keep are great for simple notes. They are perfect for users who want basic tools without spending money. But free apps often have limits. You might not get offline access, advanced search, or strong security.

Paid apps give you more powerful features. For example, Evernote and Craft have subscription plans. These plans include syncing, teamwork tools, and cloud storage. Subscriptions usually cost $5 to $15 per month, depending on the app and plan.

Tip: Try free trials or basic versions before paying. This helps you see if the app works for you.

Some apps, like UpNote, offer one-time payments. This can save money over time. If you plan to use the app for years, this option might be cheaper than monthly or yearly fees.

Think about what you need when deciding on value. A free or low-cost app might work for personal use. For big projects, a premium app could help you stay organized.

The best app balances price and features. Compare costs and features to find the right app for your needs and budget.

Top 10 Best Notes App for Mac in 2025

1. remio

Key Features

remio is one of the best note-taking application for Mac in 2025. It has cool features and a design that’s easy to use, people call it the Next-Gen of AI-powered note-taking tool.

Here’s what it offers:

• Auto Capture & Organize: Save and highlight web info with one click.

• AI-Powered Search & Ask: Find answers fast using smart search tools.

• Create with Ease: Summarize, rewrite, and make content easily (coming soon).

• Privacy-Focused: Your data stays on your device for data security.

remio syncs your notes across devices so they’re always updated. Its simple design and advanced tools work well for personal or work tasks.

Pricing

remio is free to use for everyone with many useful features. Even though it’s free, it performs like a premium app.

Ideal User Base

remio is great for people who care about privacy and speed. Whether you’re a student, worker, or creative person, remio’s smart tools and secure storage make it a top pick.

2. Notion

Key Features

Notion is a flexible, all-in-one workspace for note-taking, databases, project management, and real-time team collaboration. It lets you:

• Database management: Build relational databases, Kanban boards, calendars and timelines to track tasks, sprints or product roadmaps.

• Templates library Access 20,000+ customizable templates for personal knowledge management, habit tracking, meeting notes or content calendars.

• Real-time collaboration: Comment, mention teammates and lock pages to build an internal Wiki or company handbook.

  
  

Notion’s main drawbacks: no offline mode, no built-in automation or reporting, sluggish with large databases, steep learning curve and export inconsistencies.

Pricing

Free basic plan; paid tiers add storage, history & team controls; AI features available as an add-on.

Ideal User Base

Notion is ideal for individuals and teams needing robust online collaboration and centralized project documentation.

3. Obsidian

Key Features

Obsidian is different because it connects ideas like a knowledge web. Its main features are:

• Interconnected Notes: Link ideas to create a network of thoughts.

• Customization: Use plugins and themes to make it your own.

• Offline Access: Work on notes without needing the internet.

Obsidian helps with deep learning but can feel tricky for beginners. It also doesn’t have built-in syncing, so you’ll need other tools for that.

Pricing

Obsidian’s free version has basic features. For syncing and extras, plans start at $8 per month.

Ideal User Base

Obsidian is perfect for people who like exploring big ideas and linking thoughts. It’s great for writers, researchers, and anyone who loves customizing their tools.

4. UpNote

Key Features

UpNote is great for writing without distractions. Its simple design helps you focus on your ideas. You can organize notes using folders and tags. It also has tools to make your notes look neat and professional.

• Distraction-free writing environment: a clean, minimal interface that keeps you focused on your notes.

• Flexible, budget-friendly pricing: choose a one-time purchase or a low-cost subscription.

• Powerful note organization: rich formatting tools and intuitive management features for efficient workflows.

Pricing

UpNote has affordable pricing options. You can pay once for lifetime access or choose a low monthly fee. This makes it one of the cheapest note apps for Mac users while still offering premium features.

Ideal User Base

UpNote is perfect for students, writers, and professionals who like simple and organized tools. If you want a distraction-free app with syncing and offline features, UpNote is a great choice. Its low cost also makes it good for people on a budget.

5. Evernote

Key Features

Evernote is a cross-platform note-taking and task-management application that lets users capture and organize text, images, audio, and web content into searchable notebooks and tags.

• Cross-device sync with optional offline access.

• Web Clipper for saving articles, images and PDFs.

• Robust organization via notebooks, tags and powerful search.

The desktop app can be resource-heavy, and many advanced features require a paid plan.

Pricing

Free plan with 60 MB/month uploads; Premium and Business tiers unlock increased storage, offline notebooks, PDF annotation and team tools.

Ideal User Base

Best for professionals, students and researchers who need reliable cross-platform note syncing and web content capture.

6. Otter AI

Key Features

• Live transcription with timestamped speaker identification for Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams meetings .

• OtterPilot auto-joins calls, captures slides/screenshares and generates real-time summaries with action items .

• Otter AI Chat and Channels enable in-meeting or async Q&A, collaborative editing and searchable discussion threads .

Otter AI is primarily a transcription tool with only basic editing and summary functions, lacking comprehensive note-management features such as folder hierarchies, tagging systems or integrated task lists

Pricing

Otter AI offers a free basic tier, a Pro plan with advanced exports and higher minute quotas, a Business plan with admin controls and usage analytics, and an Enterprise option with custom support and enhanced security.

Ideal User Base

Otter AI is ideal for business professionals, and sales teams who need accurate, searchable transcripts and AI-powered summaries of meetings.

7. Simplenote

Key Features

Simplenote is known for being simple and easy to use. It helps you focus on your ideas without distractions. Its main features include:

• Tag-Based Organization: Organize notes with tags to find them easily.

• Offline Support: Edit notes even when there’s no internet connection.

• Markdown Support: Format text neatly using markdown tools.

• Essential Tools: Includes word counters, character counters, and links between notes.

Simplenote’s design is very easy to understand. You can start using it right away, which makes it great for quick notes.

Pricing

Simplenote is completely free to use. There are no subscriptions or hidden fees. However, syncing uses outside cloud services, which might cost extra.

Ideal User Base

Simplenote is great for Mac users who like simple and fast apps. If you don’t need fancy features, this app is a good choice. Writers, students, and casual users will enjoy its clean look and ease of use.

8. Google Keep

Key Features

Google Keep works well with other Google tools, making it very useful. Its key features are:

• Google Drive Integration: Save notes in Google Drive to access them anywhere.

• Google Calendar Reminders: Link reminders to Google Calendar to stay organized.

• Collaboration with Google Docs: Add notes directly into Google Docs for easy writing.

• Task Management: Turn notes into tasks using Google Tasks for better planning.

• Voice Commands: Create and manage notes by talking to Google Assistant.

The app has bright colors and labels, making it fun and simple to use.

Pricing

Google Keep is free for everyone. You can use all its features without paying. But some advanced tools may need other paid Google services.

Ideal User Base

Google Keep is best for people who already use Google tools. If you use Google Drive, Calendar, or Docs, this app will fit perfectly. Students and professionals who work on many platforms will find it helpful.

9. Apple Notes

Key Features

Apple Notes is built into Mac and iPhone, so it works smoothly with Apple devices. Its features include:

• iCloud Syncing: Access notes on all your Apple devices automatically.

• Rich Formatting Options: Add pictures, tables, and checklists to your notes.

• Collaboration Tools: Share notes with others and edit them together.

• Search Functionality: Find notes quickly using keywords or tags.

• Privacy Features: Lock notes with passwords or Face ID for safety.

Apple Notes is simple but powerful, making it great for daily use.

Pricing

Apple Notes is free for all Mac users. It comes already installed on Apple devices, so there’s no need to download or pay.

Ideal User Base

Apple Notes is perfect for people who like Apple’s built-in apps. If you use Apple devices, this app syncs easily and works well. Students, casual users, and professionals will find it handy for basic note-taking.

10. Craft

Key Features

Craft is a modern app for creative note-taking and teamwork. It’s great for people who like both style and function. Here’s why Craft is special:

• Block-Based Editing: Each text, picture, or table is a block. You can move and edit blocks easily to stay organized.

• Seamless Collaboration: Work with others on notes in real time. Teamwork is simple and fast with Craft.

• Offline Access: Edit your notes even without Wi-Fi. This keeps you productive anywhere.

• Export Options: Save notes as PDFs, Word files, or Markdown. Sharing your work is easy with these options.

Craft’s task management is overly simplistic-there’s no support for due dates, priority settings, or attachments, making it unsuitable for complex projects.

Pricing

Craft has a free plan with basic tools for everyone. For more features, upgrade to the Pro plan for $5 monthly or $45 yearly. The Pro plan includes:

Ideal User Base

Craft is perfect for people who care about design and order. Students, workers, and creative thinkers will find it helpful for managing tasks and working with others.

Comparison Table of Note-Taking Apps

Features Comparison of Best Note Taking App for Mac

Each app has tools for different needs. Some are simple, while others have advanced features. The table below shows key features of popular note-taking apps:

Feature	remio	Notion	Obsidian	UpNote	Evernote	Otter AI	Simplenote	Google Keep	Apple Notes	Craft
Rich Formatting	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Collaboration Tools	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
Offline Access	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Multimedia Integration	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Customization	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Limited	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Syncing	Yes	Yes	Add-on	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Tip: Like personal knowledge management and powerful AI features? Choose remio. Need team collaboration? Choose Notion. Prefer traditional note-taking? Choose Apple Notes and Evernote.

Pricing Comparison

The cost of these apps can vary a lot. Some are free, while others charge for extra features. Here’s a pricing breakdown:

Product	Free Tier	Paid Plans & Pricing
remio	Unlimited notes & basic features	$19.90/mo or $99/yr.
Notion	Unlimited pages & blocks, 5 guests	$8/user/mo or $120/yr.
Obsidian	All core features free	$4/mo or $50/yr.
UpNote	Up to 50 notes, basic features	$1.99/mo or a one-time $39.99 purchase.
Evernote	60 MB/mo uploads, sync & web clipper	$17.99/mo or $169.99/yr.
Otter AI	Basic transcription & summaries	$20/mo or custom.
Simplenote	Unlimited plain-text notes	$19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.
Google Keep	15 GB free via Google Drive	$1.99/mo for 100 GB.
Apple Notes	Full feature set on iOS/macOS devices	Free
Craft	Basic note-taking and collaboration	$5.99/mo or $49.99/yr.

Note: Free apps like Apple Notes and Google Keep are great for basic notes. For more features, look at paid apps like remio or Notion.

User Base Comparison

Different apps suit different people. Students like apps with teamwork and organization tools, such as Google Keep and Apple Notes. Professionals prefer remio and Evernote for editing and notes management. Creatives and researchers enjoy Obsidian for their custom designs and multimedia options.

Each app is made for a specific group. remio is great for every users because it’s simple. Obsidian works well for researchers who need linked notes.

How to Choose the Right Note-Taking App

Think About How You Work

The way you work helps decide the best note-taking app. Do you jot down quick ideas or make detailed plans? Apps like remio are great for linking ideas, while Apple Notes is perfect for simple notes.

Different tasks need different tools. If you use emails or PDFs often, pick apps that handle many file types. Syncing is also important if you switch between your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Here’s a table showing features for different work styles:

Feature	What It Does
Bidirectional linking	Connects related notes easily
Graph view representation	Shows how notes are connected visually
Fast performance	Lets you quickly write down ideas
Syncing capabilities	Keeps notes updated on all devices
Cross-platform compatibility	Works on different devices and systems

If you use methods like Cornell notes, apps with structured layouts can help. Cornell users study less but get similar grades. This system saves time and helps you remember better.

Tip: Know your work style first. Whether you plan carefully or brainstorm freely, there’s an app for you.

Check Your Budget

Your budget decides which app works best for you. Free apps like remio and Google Keep are good for basic notes. But for advanced tools like AI search or offline use, paid apps are better.

Paid apps give more value for students and workers. For example, Craft costs $5 per month and offers unlimited storage and teamwork tools. If you prefer paying once, UpNote has lifetime access at a low price.

Here’s a list of tasks and affordable apps:

• Quick Notes: Free apps like Apple Notes or Google Keep.

• Organized Projects: Paid apps like Evernote or remio.

• Creative Work: Obsidian or Craft with custom features.

  
  

Note: Try free versions first. This lets you test the app before spending money.

Focus on Important Features

Pick features that match your needs. Students may want tools for organizing class notes. Workers might need apps for sharing and syncing.

Follow these steps to choose:

1. Capture: Pick apps for quick note-taking.

2. Organize: Find tools to sort notes by topic or project.

3. Distill: Use apps with formatting options for clear notes.

4. Engage: Choose apps for sharing and teamwork.

Apps like remio and Evernote are great for organizing and sharing. Obsidian helps connect ideas visually, which is good for creative users.

Callout: If you use many devices, choose apps with strong syncing. This keeps your notes updated everywhere.

By thinking about your work style, budget, and key features, you can find the best app to boost your productivity.

Test for Compatibility with macOS

Picking a note-taking app for your Mac means checking if it works well with macOS. Apps that fit smoothly with macOS make your work easier and faster. They use special macOS tools like iCloud syncing, Spotlight search, and shortcuts to help you stay productive.

Some apps are made just for Apple devices, while others work on many platforms. For example, Apple Notes connects perfectly with macOS. It uses iCloud to sync notes across all your Apple gadgets, making it great for users with multiple Apple products. Apps like remio and Evernote also sync notes but can be used on non-Apple devices too.

Here’s a table showing features and who might use each app:

App Name	Key Features	Best For
remio	Powerful AI feature with user friendly interface	Professionals, students,content creators
Evernote	Strong search tools, syncs across devices	Professionals managing lots of info
OneNote	Organizes notes in layers, good search tools	Students needing structured notes
Simplenote	Works on all platforms, simple design	People who want easy note-taking
Apple Notes	Syncs with iCloud, works on Apple devices	Apple users who want smooth integration

If you need strong search tools, remio is a good pick. It can search inside images and sync across devices, making it ideal for professionals. OneNote helps students organize class notes with its layered structure and search options.

When testing an app, see how well it uses macOS tools. Check if it works with Spotlight search, shortcuts, or Apple file formats. Apps like Apple Notes use these features to make note-taking simple, while cross-platform apps might need extra setup.

Tip: Try the free version or trial before choosing an app. This lets you test how well it works with macOS and if it fits your needs.

By checking compatibility, you can find an app that works smoothly with your Mac and improves your note-taking.

Picking the right note-taking app for Mac depends on what you need. Apps like remio have smart tools like AI search and local storage. These features keep your data safe and make work easier. If you want something simple, Simplenote is great for focusing without distractions. For connecting ideas, Obsidian works well for deep thinkers. But some apps don’t sync well or lack advanced tools, which can be a problem.

Students might like remio for organizing notes and keeping them private. Professionals could choose Craft for its stylish design and teamwork tools.

FAQ

What is the best app for managing tasks?

The best app depends on what you need. remio and Evernote are great for tasks. They have tools like lists, reminders, and sharing options. These features help you stay organized and get things done.

Can these apps work offline?

Yes, many apps like remio, Obsidian and Apple Notes work offline. This means you can use them without Wi-Fi. Check the app’s details to make sure it supports offline use.

Are free apps good for hard tasks?

Free apps like Simplenote and Google Keep are good for simple tasks. But for harder tasks, paid apps like reimo or Evernote are better. They have advanced tools for organizing and managing work.

Which app is best for students?

Students often like remio or Apple Notes. These apps make it easy to organize notes, set reminders, and sync across devices. They are simple to use and work well with other tools.

How do I pick the right app?

Think about what you need first. Do you want syncing, sharing, or offline use? Try free versions of apps like remio or Craft to see if they work for you. Pick an app that matches how you work.

Do these apps sync on all devices?

Yes, most apps like remio, Evernote and Apple Notes sync across devices. This keeps your notes updated on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

Are there apps with smart tools like AI?

Yes, apps like remio have AI tools. These tools help you organize tasks, find notes fast, and even summarize content. AI features save time and make work easier.

Can these apps be used for team projects?

Yes, apps like Notion have teamwork tools. You can share notes, assign tasks, and work with others in real time. These features are great for group work.