Whether you are a student, a professional, or a hobbyist, you can benefit from taking notes on your iPad.
The iPad is a potent device that can revolutionize note-taking. You can use it to write, draw, type, record, scan, and more. Thanks to the cloud sync feature, You can access your notes anytime and anywhere. You can choose from various apps that suit your needs and preferences.
But how do you find the best note-taking app for your iPad? So many options are available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. How do you compare them and decide which one is right for you?
We have created this blog post to help you find the best note-taking app for your iPad. We have reviewed the top 10 note-taking apps for iPad according to various sources, such as user ratings, expert opinions, and feature comparisons. We have also included screenshots, pros and cons, and links to download each app.
By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of which app suits your needs and preferences the best.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
Table of Contents
1. Apple Notes
One of the most popular and convenient note-taking apps for iPad is Apple Notes. This is the built-in app that comes with every iPad, and it allows you to create and edit notes with ease. You can use Apple Notes to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add photos, videos, sketches, scanned documents, web links, and more to your notes.
- Create directories and subdirectories for your papers and attach your preferred notes to the top.
- Search your notes by title, content, or attachments.
- Share your notes with others via email, messages, or social media.
- Using iCloud, synchronize your notes across all of your Apple devices.
One of the main advantages of Apple Notes is its integration with other Apple apps and services. For example, Siri can create or access your notes with voice commands. You can also use the Notes app extension to add notes from other apps, such as Safari or Maps. And you can use the Markup feature to annotate PDFs or images in your notes.
Apple Notes is a simple and reliable note-taking app for iPad that works well for most users. However, it may not have some advanced features that other apps offer, such as handwriting recognition, password protection, or collaboration tools. If you want more functionality and customization options, check out other apps on this list.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
2. Notability
Notability is another powerful note-taking app for iPad that lets you create and customize your notes in various ways. You can use Notability to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add photos, videos, GIFs, web clips, and more to your notes.
- Record audio and sync it with your handwritten or typed notes.
- Convert your handwriting into text and search it.
- Annotate PDFs or slides with your Apple Pencil or keyboard.
- Organize your notes into subjects and dividers, and backup them to cloud services.
- Share your notes with others via email, messages, or social media.
One of the unique features of Notability is its handwriting and audio recording capabilities. You can write smoothly and naturally with your Apple Pencil and use various tools to change your pen’s color, thickness, or style. While taking notes, you can also record audio and play it back later to review what you heard. Notability will highlight the notes that match the audio so you can easily follow along.
Notability has a user-friendly and intuitive interface that makes note-taking fun and easy. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Notability is compatible with iPadOS 14 or later and costs $8.99 on the App Store. Additional features like themes or decals can be purchased for $1.99 each.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
3. GoodNotes
GoodNotes is a user-friendly note-taking app for iPad that allows you to create and manage your notes easily. You can use GoodNotes to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Convert your handwriting into text and search it.
- Import and annotate PDFs, images, or other documents.
- Organize your notes into notebooks, folders, and categories.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via iCloud.
- Export your notes as PDFs, images, or text files.
One of the main features of GoodNotes is its handwriting recognition and organization features. You can write neatly and legibly with your Apple Pencil and use various tools to change your pen’s color, size, or shape. You can also use gestures to erase, select, move, or resize your handwriting. GoodNotes can recognize your writing and convert it into text, which you can edit or search. You can also use tags to label and sort your notes.
Another feature of GoodNotes is its ability to import and annotate PDFs. You can import PDFs from various sources, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Safari. You can then annotate them with your Apple Pencil or keyboard, adding comments, highlights, or drawings. Additionally, you can generate note templates from PDF documents.
GoodNotes has a simple and elegant interface that makes note-taking enjoyable and efficient. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. GoodNotes is compatible with iPadOS 13 or later and costs $7.99 on the App Store.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
4. Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a powerful note-taking app for iPad that integrates well with the iPad’s features and functions. You can use Microsoft OneNote to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add photos, videos, audio, web links, and more to your notes.
- Organize your notes into sections and pages, and color-code them for easy identification.
- Search your notes by title, content, or tags.
- Collaborate in real-time by sharing your messages with others.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via OneDrive.
One of the main features of Microsoft OneNote is its collaborative features and cloud synchronization. You can invite others to view or edit your notes and see their changes as they happen. Additionally, you can communicate with your coworkers via the messaging feature.
You can also synchronize your notes with Microsoft’s cloud storage service, OneDrive. Thus, your notes are accessible from any device, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones, and iPhones.
Microsoft OneNote is an iPad-compatible cross-platform note-taking application. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
5. Evernote
Evernote is an iPad note-taking app that allows you to create and access your notes from any device. You can use Evernote to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add photos, audio, web clips, attachments, and more to your notes.
- Organize your notes into notebooks, stacks, and tags.
- Search your notes by title, content, or tags.
- Share your notes and collaborate on initiatives with others.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via the Evernote cloud.
Evernote’s cross-platform compatibility is one of its key features. And organization features. You can use Evernote on any device, whether a Windows PC, a Mac, an Android phone, or an iPhone. You can also use Evernote Web Clipper to save web pages, articles, or images to your notes. Additionally, you can organize your notes in notebooks and stacks, which are notebook collections. You can also use tags to label and filter your notes.
Another feature of Evernote is its note-sharing capabilities. You can share your notes via email, messages, or social media. You can invite others to view or edit your notes and chat with them within the app. You can also use Evernote Spaces to create shared workspaces for your team or project.
Evernote is a flexible and reliable note-taking app for iPad that works well for personal and professional use. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Evernote is compatible with iPadOS 13 or later and is free to download on the App Store. However, you may need an Evernote subscription to access some features or storage space.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
6. Notion
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that allows you to create and manage your notes, tasks, projects, and more. You can use Notion to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add photos, videos, audio, web links, and more to your notes.
- Organize your notes into pages, subpages, and databases.
- Search your notes by title, content, or properties.
- Collaborate in real time by sharing your notes with others.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via Notion Cloud.
One of the main features of Notion is its unique database-style note organization. You can create various kinds of databases, including tables. Boards, lists, or calendars. You can also add properties to your notes, such as tags, dates, checkboxes, or ratings. You can then sort, filter, group, or view your notes differently. You can also link your notes to other pages or databases, creating a network of interrelated information.
Another feature of Notion is its versatility for personal and professional use. You can use Notion for various purposes, such as taking notes, managing tasks, planning projects, writing blogs, creating portfolios, or building websites. You can also use Notion templates to get started quickly or customize them to suit your needs. You can also use Notion integrations to connect with other apps and services like Google Drive, Slack, or Twitter.
Notion is a powerful and flexible note-taking app for iPad that works well for individuals and teams. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Notion is compatible with iPadOS 13 or later and is free to download on the App Store. However, you may need a Notion subscription to access some features or storage space.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
7. Bear
Bear is a minimalist and distraction-free note-taking app for iPad that lets you focus on your writing. You can use Bear to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Use markdown syntax to format your notes with headings, lists, links, and more.
- Add photos, sketches, code blocks, or emojis to your notes.
- Organize your notes with tags and nested tags, and pin your favorite notes to the top.
- Search your notes by title, content, or tags.
- Export your notes as PDFs, HTML, Word documents, or other formats.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via iCloud.
- Integrate with other apps and services like Shortcuts, Siri, or WordPress.
One of the main features of Bear is its markdown support and tags for organization. You can use markdown to style your notes with simple symbols, such as # for headings, * for lists, or links. You can also use tags to categorize your notes by adding # followed by a word or phrase. You can also create nested tags by adding / between words. For example, #blog/ideas would make a tag for blog ideas.
Another feature of Bear is its export and integration options. You can export your notes in formats like PDFs, HTML, Word documents, or Markdown files. In addition, you can share your notes with others. Apps and services like Shortcuts, Siri, or WordPress. For example, you can use Shortcuts to create workflows with Bear, such as creating a new note from a web page. You can also use Siri to create or access your notes with voice commands. And you can use WordPress to publish your notes as blog posts.
Bear is a beautiful and elegant note-taking app for iPad that works well for writers and creatives. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Bear is compatible with iPadOS 13 or later and is free to download on the App Store. However, you may need a Bear Pro subscription to access some features or storage space.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
8. Simplenote
Simplenote is an iPad note-taking app that allows you to create and sync your notes easily. You can use Simplenote to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add tags and pins to your notes for easy organization and access.
- Search your notes by title, content, or tags.
- Share your notes with others via email, messages, or social media.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via the Simplenote cloud.
One of the main features of Simplenote is its simplicity and quick note syncing. You can create and edit your notes without distractions, as Simplenote has a minimalist and clean interface. You can sync your notes instantly and securely across all your devices, as Simplenote uses its cloud service. You can access your notes from any web browser, as Simplenote has a web app.
Another feature of Simplenote is its open-source nature and availability on various platforms. You can use Simplenote on any device, whether a Windows PC, a Mac, an Android phone, or an iPhone. You can also view and modify the source code of Simplenote, as Simplenote is open-source and welcomes contributions from developers. You can also use Simplenote integrations to connect with other apps and services like WordPress, IFTTT, or Zapier.
Simplenote is a fast and reliable note-taking app for iPad that works well for anyone who wants a simple and efficient way to take notes. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Simplenote is compatible with iPadOS 13 or later and is free to download on the App Store.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
9. Zoho Notebook
Zoho Notebook is a note-taking app for iPad that allows you to create and customize your notes with various creative features. You can use Zoho Notebook to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add photos, videos, audio, sketches, checklists, or web links to your notes.
- Create custom notebooks with different covers, colors, and backgrounds.
- Organize your notes into groups and stacks, and lock them with passwords or Touch ID.
- Search your notes by title, content, or tags.
- Share your notes with others and collaborate on them.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via the Zoho cloud.
One of the main features of Zoho Notebook is its multimedia support and custom notebooks. You can create various categories of notes, including text, photo, video, audio, sketch, or checklist. You can also add multiple elements to a single note, creating a rich and interactive note. You can create custom notebooks with different covers, colors, and backgrounds. You can choose from various templates or design your own.
Another feature of Zoho Notebook is its collaboration features. You can share your notes via email, messages, or social media. You can invite others to view or edit your notes and chat with them within the app. You can also use Zoho Notebook integrations to connect with other apps and services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or Evernote.
Zoho Notebook is a fun and colorful note-taking app for iPad that works well for anyone who wants to express their creativity and personality. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Zoho Notebook is compatible with iPadOS 13 or later and is free to download on the App Store.
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
10. Notejoy
Notejoy is a collaborative note-taking platform that allows you to create and share your notes with your team. You can use Notejoy to:
- Write notes with your finger, Apple Pencil, or keyboard.
- Add images, videos, files, or web links to your notes.
- Edit your notes with your team members in real-time, and see their changes as they happen.
- Organize your notes into libraries, notebooks, and tags.
- Search your notes by title, content, or tags.
- Comment on your notes and get feedback from your team.
- Sync your notes across all your devices via the Notejoy cloud.
One of the main features of Notejoy is its real-time editing and team collaboration features. You can create and edit your notes with your team members and see their changes as they happen. You can also use the chat feature to communicate with your team within the app. You can also use the @mention feature to notify or assign tasks to your team members.
Another feature of Notejoy is its integration with other productivity tools. You can integrate Notejoy with other apps and services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, or Asana. For example, you can attach files from Google Drive or Dropbox to your notes. You can also create notes from Slack messages or Trello cards. And you can sync your tasks from Notejoy to Asana.
Notejoy is an intelligent and efficient note-taking app for iPad that works well for teams and projects. It also works well with the Apple Pencil, offering pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and tilt support. Notejoy is compatible with
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
We have reviewed the top 10 note-taking apps for iPad according to various sources and found that each app has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the critical points of each app:
- Apple Notes is a simple and reliable app that comes with every iPad, offering many features and flexibility. It also integrates well with other Apple apps and services.
- Notability is a powerful app that lets you create and customize your notes in various ways. It also has unique features, such as handwriting and audio recording.
- GoodNotes is a user-friendly app allowing you to create and manage your notes easily. It also has handwriting recognition and organization features.
- Microsoft OneNote is a powerful app that integrates well with the iPad’s features and functions. It also has collaborative features and cloud synchronization.
- Evernote is a versatile app that allows you to create and access your notes from any device. It also has cross-platform compatibility and organization features.
- Notion is an all-in-one workspace that allows you to create and manage your notes, tasks, projects, and more. It also has a unique database-style note organization.
- Bear is a minimalist and distraction-free app that allows you to focus on your writing. It also has markdown support and tags for organization.
- Simplenote is a straightforward app that allows you to create and sync your notes easily. It also has simplicity and quick note syncing.
- Zoho Notebook is a creative app that allows you to create and customize your notes with various clever features. It also has multimedia support and custom notebooks.
- Notejoy is a collaborative platform that allows you to create and share your notes with your team. It also has real-time editing and team collaboration features.
How can you choose the best note-taking app for your iPad? There is no definitive answer, depending on your needs and preferences. However, here are some questions that can help you narrow down your options:
- What kind of notes do you want to take? Do you prefer writing, typing, drawing, or recording?
- What kind of features do you need? Do you need handwriting recognition, password protection, or collaboration tools?
- How do you want to organize your notes? Do you prefer folders, notebooks, tags, or databases?
- How do you want to access your notes? Do you need cloud sync, web access, or cross-platform compatibility?
- How much are you willing to pay? Do you want a free app, a one-time purchase, or a subscription?
We encourage you to explore the app that aligns with your preferences and see if it works for you. You can download each app from the App Store and try their features and functions. You can also read more reviews or watch tutorials online to learn more about each app.
This blog post has helped you find the best note-taking app for your iPad. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you. If you found this helpful post, please share it with your friends or colleagues who might be interested in note-taking apps for iPad. Thank you for reading!
Note-Taking Apps for iPad
