Top 10 Best Note Taking Apps for Mac in 2025
- Aisha Washington
- 6 days ago
- 19 min read
I always try to find the best note taking app for Mac that is really useful. In 2025, my favorite note-taking apps are remio, Apple Notes, Notion, Bear, GoodNotes, Microsoft OneNote, Obsidian, Evernote, Joplin, and Craft. I picked these note-taking apps for Mac because they have great features, are easy to use, and people like them.
Each note taking app gives something special to Mac users. I think the best note-taking app should match how you work and help you every day. If you want the best notes apps for macOS, these note-taking apps can help you stay organized and work better.
Key Takeaways
remio is special because it has strong AI tools. remio can capture your web content seamlessly while you are browsing. And save all your data locally, you can use it offline. It gives you daily summaries. This makes it great for managing your own knowledge.
Apple Notes is free and easy to use. It works well with other Apple products. But it does not have advanced AI or teamwork features.
Notion and OneNote are good for working with others. They have many team features. But you may need the internet to use them. They can also be slow with lots of data.
Bear, Obsidian, and Joplin care about privacy. They let you use them offline. You can change how they look and work. These apps are good if you want control over your notes.
The best app for you depends on what you need. Think about AI, privacy, offline use, handwriting, teamwork, and your budget.
Selection Criteria
What Makes the Best Note-Taking App
When I look for the best note taking app for Mac, I want it to be simple. I like when I can start writing or saving ideas right away. The best note-taking app should help me keep my thoughts neat. It should let me find notes quickly and work well on my computer. I also want to use my notes when there is no Wi-Fi. Offline functionality is important to me.
I check what other people say about the app. I look at user ratings and feedback. Notion and Microsoft OneNote get good scores for their features and value. Here is a table that shows some main features and user ratings:
App Name | Key Features & Metrics | User Ratings (G2 / Capterra) | Pricing Model |
Notion | Custom workspaces, AI, syncing, collaboration | 4.7/5 / 4.8/5 | Free / Paid plans |
remio | Auto capture,AI Collection,AI Copilot, Daily recap | 4.8/5 4.8/5 | Free / Paid plans |
Microsoft OneNote | Handwriting, syncing, offline functionality | 4.5/5 / 4.6/5 | Included in Microsoft 365 |
Apple Notes | Apple ecosystem, tagging, scanning, seamless integration | Unavailable | Free |
Obsidian | Markdown, plugins, offline functionality | 4.9/5 | Free / Paid add-ons |
Joplin | Markdown, web clipper, offline functionality | Not enough reviews | Free / Paid plans |
The best note-taking apps for mac have good features and are easy to use. They give you a good experience and fair value. I see that AI is very important now. In 2025, AI helps me organize, search, and summarize my notes faster.
Key Features for Mac Users
For me, the best note taking app for mac should fit my daily routine. I look for these features:
Offline functionality: I want to read and edit notes anywhere, even without internet.
Seamless integration: The app should work well with my other Apple devices.
Organization tools: Folders, tags, and nested notebooks help me keep everything tidy.
AI-powered features: Smart search, daily summaries, and automatic classification save me time.
Security and privacy: I trust apps that sync through iCloud or offer strong encryption.
Value: I want a note-taking app that gives me great features for a fair price.
I also check if the app lets me use text, audio, or images in my notes. Some note-taking tools, like remio, use AI to help me find things fast. Others, like Notion, are good for working with others but can feel slow. I always pick the best note-taking app that fits my needs for mac, offline use, and easy integration.
1.remio
Features
When I use remio, I feel like I have a smart assistant for all my notes and ideas. This note taking app stands out because it helps me capture and organize information in ways I never thought possible. Here are some features that make remio special:
remio help me save web content automatically. Which I can find the specific topic & content in seconds by Search in remio.
I can take screenshots of YouTube videos, grab subtitles, and get instant summaries. This saves me so much time when I study or watch tutorials.
I highlight important parts of web pages and keep them for later. This helps me remember what matters most.
The AI in remio sorts my notes into categories. I don’t have to spend hours organizing everything myself.
remio is a personal knowledge management app. It focuses on helping me manage my own knowledge, not on working with others or connecting to outside tools. I love how it blends AI with strong organization tools and seamless integration on my Mac.
Pros:
remio makes my life easier by turning information into knowledge. Here’s what I like most:
High user rating (4.8/5) shows people trust and enjoy using it.
Auto-capture, highlights, and AI search make finding and saving info simple.
Local-first privacy means my data stays safe on my device.
Smart organizing and daily AI summaries boost my productivity.
The interface feels easy and friendly, even for new users.
Pro plan syncs across devices for more flexibility.
Cons:
No collaboration features
No third-party integrations
Pricing
remio provide you with Free and paid plans start with $7.5/months. It costs less than some other note taking app options, also I think the value is clear. The AI features, privacy, and focus on personal knowledge make it the best dedicated note-taking app for people who want more than just basic notes.
2.Apple Notes
Features
I use Apple Notes when I want something quick and simple. This note taking app comes built into every Mac, so I do not need to download anything extra. I can start a new note with just one click. I like how I can add checklists, images, scanned documents, and even sketches. Apple Notes lets me organize my notes with folders and tags. I can lock notes with a password or Face ID for privacy. The search tool helps me find what I need fast. I also enjoy how my notes sync across my iPhone, iPad, and Mac. When I use Apple Pencil on my iPad, I can draw or write by hand.
Pros:
Free and already installed on every Mac.
Simple and clean design makes it easy to use.
Syncs well with other Apple devices.
Supports checklists, images, and sketches.
Good privacy with locked notes.
Cons:
I notice lag and slow typing when I have many notes synced with iCloud, especially on Mac. This problem does not happen on my iPhone or iPad.
Apple Notes does not have advanced features like AI search or automatic summaries. I sometimes miss these tools when I want to organize a lot of information.
If I need to work on Windows or Android, I cannot use this note taking app easily.
Many users, including myself, returned to Apple Notes after Apple fixed old bugs. Still, I wish it had more powerful features like remio.
Pricing
Apple Notes is completely free. I do not pay anything extra to use it. All I need is an Apple device and an iCloud account for syncing.
3.Notion
Features
I use Notion when I want more than just a simple note taking app. Notion lets me build my own workspace. I can create notes, to-do lists, and even databases. I like how I can drag and drop blocks to organize my pages. Notion gives me templates for school, work, or personal projects. I can add tables, calendars, and checklists to any page. When I work with a team, we can all edit the same page at the same time. Notion also connects with tools like Slack and Google Drive, which helps me keep everything in one place. The AI features help me automate tasks and get quick insights from my notes. I find Notion works on my mac, phone, and web browser, so I can use it almost anywhere.
Notion feels like a toolbox for my ideas, but it does have some things I wish were better.
Pros:
All-in-one platform for notes, tasks, and databases
Lots of ways to customize pages and templates
Real-time teamwork and comments make group work easy
Connects with other apps like Slack and Google Drive
AI helps with automation and finding information fast
Cons:
Takes time to learn because there are so many features
Can feel slow if I have lots of big pages or databases
Needs internet for most things, so offline use is limited
Mobile app is not as smooth as the desktop version
I notice Notion is great for building big projects or working with others. Sometimes, though, I just want a note taking app that is fast and simple. When I use Notion with lots of data, it can slow down. I also miss having full offline access, which I get with other apps like remio.
Pricing
Notion has a free plan that gives me most of the core features. If I want more, like unlimited file uploads or advanced permissions, I can pay for a Plus or Business plan. The paid plans start at about $8 per month for individuals. Teams and businesses pay more for extra tools and support. I like that I can try Notion for free before deciding if I need the paid version.
4.Bear
Features
I love using Bear when I want a note taking app that feels simple but powerful. Bear lets me write notes, organize them with tags, and even link notes together. I can add tables, footnotes, and scan documents right inside the app. The design looks clean and modern, which makes writing feel fun. I do not need to know Markdown anymore because Bear 2 lets me style my notes with just a click.
The app runs fast and never crashes on my mac. I can search for anything in my notes, and Bear finds it right away. The developers spent five years rebuilding Bear to make sure it works well now and in the future.
Here’s a table that shows how Bear scores against other popular apps:
Feature Category | Bear Score | Craft / Obsidian |
Intuitive Design | 9 | 8 / 4 |
Note Linking | 7 | 9 / 9 |
Mobile Experience | 9 | 8 / 5 |
Performance/Stability | 9 | 7 / 9 |
Search | 10 | 5 / 10 |
Versatility | 9 | 6 / 9 |
Future Proofing | 9 | 7 / 9 |
Security / Backups | 9 | 3 / 8 |
Cost | 10 | 6 / 8 |
Overall Score | 6.6 / 7.9 |
Bear feels smooth and easy to use, but it does have some limits.
Pros:
Beautiful and simple design makes writing enjoyable.
Fast search helps me find notes in seconds.
Works great on all my Apple devices.
I can organize notes with hashtags and link them together.
Strong privacy and backup options keep my notes safe.
Cons:
Bear does not support collaboration, so I cannot share notes with others in real time.
The app only works on Apple devices. I cannot use it on Windows or Android.
Note linking is not as strong as in some other apps like Obsidian or remio.
I notice Bear is perfect for personal notes and quick ideas. When I need advanced AI features, web content capture, or daily summaries, I turn to a note taking app like remio.
Pricing
Bear offers a free version with basic features. If I want more, I can upgrade to Bear Pro for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. The Pro plan gives me syncing across devices, more themes, and export options. I think the price is fair, especially since Bear gets high ratings for value and user satisfaction.
5.GoodNotes
Features
I use GoodNotes when I want to write by hand. It feels like real paper, especially with an iPad and Apple Pencil. I can make notebooks for each subject. I can pick different page sizes for my notes. GoodNotes lets me add links, so I can jump between notes. I like that I can work with friends on the same notebook. We can all write together at the same time. I can add pictures and write on documents. I keep my notes in folders to stay organized. When I use GoodNotes on my mac, my notes sync and stay updated.
Here’s what I notice after using GoodNotes and reading reviews:
Pros:
Real-time collaboration lets me work with others.
I can add links and connect my notebooks.
Custom page sizes work for any project.
Handwriting feels smooth with Apple Pencil.
I can write on PDFs and pictures easily.
Many people like GoodNotes and rate it high.
Cons:
Sometimes syncing is slow or does not work, and I have lost notes.
The app can freeze or crash with big files.
There is no favorites toolbar, so finding tools takes longer.
Big files use a lot of storage space.
Too many new features can be confusing.
I worry about privacy because the app uses generative AI on my notes.
Security is weak since there is no password to protect notes.
Many users want GoodNotes to work faster and cost less. They also want better security. When I compare GoodNotes to a note taking app like remio, I see remio keeps my data private and never loses my notes.
Pricing
$29.99 (Apple devices only),I like that GoodNotes lets me choose between a one-time payment or a subscription. This is more flexible than some other note taking app choices. Still, I think the price is high, especially with syncing and privacy problems. If you want strong AI and privacy, I think remio is a better choice.
6.Microsoft OneNote
Features
I have used Microsoft OneNote for a long time. It has many features that help me take notes. When I open it on my mac, I see a notebook layout. I can make notebooks, sections, and pages. This helps me keep my notes neat. I can type, draw, or record audio and video in my notes. Sometimes, I add pictures or files to make my notes better.
Here are some things I notice about OneNote:
I can work with friends at the same time. We can all edit one note together.
OneNote lets me search for anything, even words in pictures or audio.
I use tags, folders, and colors to keep my notes tidy.
The app works on almost any device I have.
OneNote connects with other Microsoft apps like Word and Excel.
But some features are missing on mac, like sticky notes. Sometimes, the app is slow or takes time to sync notes.
Here is what I like and what I wish was better about OneNote:
Pros:
Real-time teamwork makes group work simple.
I can use text, images, audio, and video in my notes.
The search tool finds info in handwriting, images, and audio.
It works on many devices and syncs with my Microsoft account.
It works well with Microsoft Office apps.
Cons:
Some Windows features are missing on mac.
Sometimes, I see lag or slow loading with big notebooks.
Syncing does not always work, and offline autosave is not perfect.
There are no smart AI tools like automatic summaries or smart sorting.
Project management tools are not strong.
I use OneNote when I want a flexible note taking app. But I use remio for better AI, privacy, and knowledge tools.
Here is a table to show what OneNote supports:
Pricing
OneNote is free for basic note taking. This is good if you just want to start. If you want more storage or features, you need a Microsoft 365 subscription. I think the pricing is flexible, especially for families or students.
7.Obsidian
Features
When I want a note taking app that lets me control my notes, I often use Obsidian. Obsidian saves all my notes as plain text files on my computer. I can use it on my mac, Windows, or even my phone. The best thing is linking notes together to make a web of ideas. Obsidian has a huge plugin library with about 1700 plugins. I can turn it into a Kanban board, a task manager, or a spaced repetition tool. I like changing the look and feel to match my style.
Feature Category | Details |
API Access | Available |
Integrations | DocuSign, Obsidian Suite |
Deployment Platforms | Web, On-Premises, iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook |
Training Types | Documentation, Webinars, Live Online, In Person |
Customer Support | Business Hours, 24/7 Live Rep, Online Support |
Product Features | Analytics, Compliance, Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Performance Analysis |
User Satisfaction | No user reviews or ratings available |
Obsidian gives me lots of freedom, but it also has some limits.
Pros:
I own my notes and keep them on my device.
Plugins let me add almost any feature I want.
It works on many platforms, not just mac.
Linking ideas helps me build a personal knowledge base.
Cons:
There is no built-in collaboration, so I can’t work with others in real time.
No strong AI features like automatic summaries or smart search, which I get in remio.
The setup can feel confusing because there are so many plugins.
There are no user satisfaction ratings, so I don’t know what others think.
Pricing
Obsidian is free for most people. If I want extra features, I can pay for them. Sync and Publish features cost extra, so I only pay for what I need. The plugin system lets me replace many other apps, which saves money. Obsidian competes with free apps like Apple Notes and paid ones like Notion. Using local files gives me privacy, but I lose teamwork features. Obsidian is best for people who want a customizable, cost-effective note taking app and do not need collaboration.
8.Evernote
Features
I have used Evernote for a long time. It feels like a professional note taking app. I make notes, notebooks, and tags to keep things neat. I can add pictures, PDFs, and scan papers into my notes.
The web clipper tool lets me save web pages with one click. Evernote syncs on all my devices. I can start a note on my phone and finish it on my mac. The search tool is strong. It finds words inside pictures and documents. Evernote connects with other apps. This helps me keep my work together.
Here’s what I see after using Evernote and reading reviews:
Pros:
Many people like Evernote because it helps them stay organized.
The app is good for business users who have lots of info.
Evernote has loyal fans, but some people switched to other apps.
Cons:
Some users say the Mac app is slow and syncing takes time.
Evernote now uses an Electron-based app. This makes updates easier but can slow things down.
Syncing is slow if I have not opened the app in a while or use a new device.
The Evernote community is active. People share tips to fix problems, like changing settings or reinstalling the app.
When I compare Evernote to remio, I see remio is faster and feels newer. Remio’s AI and privacy tools make me feel safer at work.
Pricing
Evernote has a premium pricing model. There is a free plan, but it limits syncing and uploads each month. If I want more, I need to pay for a subscription. The Personal plan costs about $14.99 per month. The Professional plan is around $17.99 per month. The Teams plan is about $24.99 per user each month. These prices are higher than many other note taking apps. Even though fewer people download Evernote, its revenue keeps growing. This means many professionals still pay for its features. I see Evernote is popular with people in marketing, consulting, and web development. Mac users pick Evernote when they want a premium app that works on all their devices.
9.Joplin
Features
I use Joplin when I want to control my notes. This app is open-source and cares a lot about privacy. I can use it on my mac, phone, or tablet. Joplin lets me write notes in Markdown or rich text. I can make my notes look how I want. I organize my notes with notebooks and sub-notebooks. The search tool helps me find things fast. Joplin has end-to-end encryption, so my notes are safe when I sync them. I can pick where to store my notes, like Dropbox, OneDrive, Nextcloud, or my own server.
Joplin works offline, so I can see my notes without internet. The app has a web clipper to save web pages into my notes. I can add plug-ins to change how Joplin works, but there are not as many as some other apps. PCMag gave Joplin an Editors' Choice award. They said:
Many people like Joplin for privacy and flexibility. Here’s a table that shows what users and experts think:
Pros:
End-to-end encryption, open-source, strong data control
Markdown support, offline access, flexible sync, web clipper, plug-ins
Customizable with plug-ins
Works on mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Active community forums
Cons:
Manual encryption setup, no encryption at rest for local notes
No web version, fewer plug-ins, no built-in OCR or drawing
Less polished, not as smooth as other note taking app options
Mobile apps lack some desktop features, no handwriting support
No official customer support except for Teams plan
Joplin is great for privacy and keeping control of my data. I like that I can use it for free and keep notes on my own device. But the interface does not look as modern as remio or Bear. Joplin does not have built-in AI, daily summaries, or advanced search like remio. If you want strong AI and a smoother app, remio is a better choice.
Pricing
Joplin is one of the cheapest note taking apps. I can use all the main features for free. If I want cloud sync or more tools, I can pay for a plan.
Joplin's plans: Free, Basic $2.99, Pro $5.99, and Teams $7.99.
I like that Joplin lets me pick how much to pay. The free version is good if I care about privacy and want a simple note taking app. Paid plans give more storage and features, but still cost less than many other apps. If I need AI, a better design, or daily summaries, remio gives me more value for my work.
10.Craft
Features
I tried Craft when I wanted a note taking app that looked beautiful and felt easy to use. Craft lets me create notes, documents, and even full pages with images, links, and checklists. I can organize my notes in folders and use tags to find things fast. The app lets me link notes together, which helps me connect ideas. I like that Craft works on my mac, iPhone, and iPad. I can also use it on the web. Craft syncs my notes across all my devices, so I never lose my work.
One thing I notice is how Craft brings notes, tasks, and calendar events together. I can add tasks right inside my notes and see them on my calendar. This makes planning my day much easier. The design feels clean and modern. I can share notes with others by sending a link or exporting as PDF. Craft also supports Markdown, so I can format my notes quickly.
Pros:
The interface looks clean and feels easy to use.
I can organize notes with folders, tags, and links.
Syncs across all my Apple devices and the web.
Combines notes, tasks, and calendar in one place.
Sharing notes is simple with links or exports.
Cons:
Craft does not have strong AI features like automatic summaries or smart search. I miss these tools when I want to manage lots of information.
The app focuses on personal use. It does not offer advanced collaboration or business tools.
Customization is limited compared to apps like Obsidian.
I find that Craft’s knowledge management is not as deep as remio. Remio’s AI copilot and daily summaries help me learn and remember more.
Pricing
Craft costs $10 per month or $96 per year. Sometimes, I see discounts, like half-off sales. This price puts Craft in the middle range for note taking app subscriptions. Craft focuses on making things simple and bringing notes, tasks, and calendar events together. It targets people like me who want an all-in-one tool for personal productivity. I do not get complex business features or deep customization, but I get a smooth and easy experience. When I compare Craft to other apps, I see that its value comes from its design and how everything works together. If I want more advanced AI or knowledge management, I choose remio. If I want a simple and beautiful note taking app, Craft is a good pick.
Best Note Taking App for Mac: Comparison
When I want to choose the best note-taking app, I like to compare them. I made two tables to help you see the differences. The first table shows the main features of each note taking app. The second table shows how much each app costs. This helps you find which app is best for what you need.
Pricing Table
App Name | Pricing Options | Use for Teams | Value for Individuals |
remio | Free & $7.50/month | No | High |
Apple Notes | Free & iCould $2.99/month | No | Normal |
Notion | Free & Plan $8/month; | Yes | Good |
Bear | Free & Pro $2.99/month | No | Good |
GoodNotes | No | Good | |
OneNote | Free & Microsoft 365 $6.00 | Yes | Good |
Obsidian | Free & $50/year | No | High |
Evernote | Free & Personal $14.99/month | Yes | Fair |
Joplin | Free; Basic $2.99/month | Yes | High |
Craft | $10/month or $96/year | No | Good |
I notice some note-taking apps, like remio and Bear, are best for people who want strong AI and privacy. Notion, OneNote, and Evernote are better for teams and have more tools for working together, but they can cost more.
If you want to work with a group, Notion and OneNote are good choices for tech teams. If you want lots of features and offline use, remio, Obsidian, and Joplin are my top picks.
How to Choose the Best Note-Taking App
Key Considerations
When I want the best note-taking app, I think about what I need. I want an app that fits my life and helps me stay neat. Here are the main things I look at before I pick the best note taking app for mac:
Price and Value: I ask myself if I want a free app or if I will pay for more features. Some apps, like Apple Notes and Joplin, are free. Others, like remio, cost more but give me strong AI and privacy.
Platform Compatibility: I use a Mac every day, so I want an app that works well on it. If I also use an iPhone or iPad, I look for the best note-taking app for ios. Some apps, like Bear and Apple Notes, work best with Apple devices. Others, like Notion and OneNote, work on almost any device.
AI and Smart Features: I like when my note taking app helps me find things fast. Remio is great for this. Its AI copilot, daily summaries, and automatic sorting help power users. Most other apps do not have these smart tools.
Handwriting and Drawing: Sometimes, I want to write or draw by hand. GoodNotes and OneNote let me do this. Studies say handwritten notes help me remember and understand better. If I need to type fast, digital notes are quicker but may not help me learn as much.
Offline Functionality: I need to see my notes even without internet. Remio, Bear, Obsidian, and Joplin all work offline. Notion and Evernote need the web for some things, which can be a problem if I travel or lose Wi-Fi.
Privacy and Security: I want my notes to be safe. Remio and Joplin care about privacy. Apple Notes lets me lock notes. Some apps, like GoodNotes, do not have strong security or password protection.
Collaboration Tools and Teams: If I work with others, I want to share notes. Notion, OneNote, and Evernote let teams edit notes together. Remio is best for personal knowledge, not for tech teams. If I need to work with a group, I look for apps with real-time editing.
Organization and Workflow: I want my notes to stay tidy. Folders, tags, and links help me find things. Remio uses AI to organize notes for me. Bear uses tags. Obsidian lets me link ideas. Notion gives me databases and custom pages.
Tip: I always write down what I need most—AI, privacy, offline use, or teamwork. This helps me pick the best note-taking app for how I work.
I tried many note taking apps on my Mac. Each one has something special. Remio gives me strong AI and daily summaries, which help me manage knowledge fast. Apple Notes is simple and free. Notion works well for teams. Bear feels smooth for writers. GoodNotes is great for handwriting. If you want the best note taking app for mac, think about your needs.
Tip: Try a few apps before you decide. You might find the best note-taking app for your style.
FAQ
What is the best note-taking app for Mac if I want strong AI features?
I always pick remio for AI. It gives me daily summaries, smart search, and automatic note sorting. Most other apps do not have these tools. Remio helps me find and organize my ideas fast.
Can I use these note-taking apps offline on my Mac?
Yes, I can use remio, Bear, Obsidian, and Joplin offline. Notion and Evernote need the internet for some features. I like using remio because it works great even without Wi-Fi.
Which note-taking app is best for privacy?
I trust remio and Joplin for privacy. Remio keeps my notes on my device and uses local-first privacy. Some apps, like GoodNotes, do not have strong security or password protection.
Do any of these apps support handwriting or drawing?
GoodNotes and OneNote let me write or draw by hand. I use my Apple Pencil on my iPad for this. Remio focuses on typed notes and AI, so I use it for knowledge management instead.
How do I choose the right note-taking app for my needs?
I always write down what I need most—AI, privacy, offline use, or teamwork. Then I try a few apps. Remio is best for AI and knowledge. Notion and OneNote work well for teams. Bear and Apple Notes are simple and fast.
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