University of Kwazulu-Natal

Best Handwriting Note Taking Apps For Boosting Productivity

Bonisiwe Shabane
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best handwriting note taking apps for boosting productivity

For a good user experience, you need more than just how an app looks. Sure a modern-looking app is great, but more important than that is how intuitive it is. How everything is put together, and how easily you can switch between the different tools that you need. In some cases, it’s even a question of availability. Our team has examined 20 handwriting apps and come up with 8 apps that stand out for the best user interface and experience. We’ll start with the two worst and then spend more time on the best apps.

All, except one, of the apps on our list are not as minimalist as we’d like them. They all have a separate homepage and workspace, and Nebo is no exception. The only difference is that Nebo has a lot of different work spaces for the different types of notes you can take in the app. But, the developers have kept the user interface consistent. No matter the mode you use. That, and the modern simple look in the app are the only points that Nebo scored in our test.

It makes you wonder what other apps have, to out-perform such a beautiful-looking app. The other app scoring in the red zone (that means really low on our scale) is OneNote. Microsoft finally improved the look in the app. We have modern icons, less of the bold and old purple look. But it scores only two points more than Nebo because it is the only app on this list that has a single screen for the homepage and workspace. This is the best setup for a handwriting note-taking app.

Your notes are at your fingertips and you can quickly switch between notebooks without losing track of what you’re working on. It’s brilliant because when you no longer need it, you can tuck it away just as easily. Sadly, though, nothing stands out after that. None of the apps scored in the green zone for user interface. But three apps came close: Freenotes, Noteful, and Notes+. For second place we have Notability.

And in third place, we have another tie, scoring only 9 out of a potential 17 points: Goodnotes and ZoomNotes. We love that Goodnotes has fixed toolbars anchored to the edge of the app, and that the toolbar is very customisable. It’s sort of becoming a standard for handwriting note-taking apps, really. A customisable toolbar is not to be under estimated. It allows users to personalise their experiences, and all the handwriting apps on this list get that. Only have the tools you actually use and hide everything else.

You jot down ideas during a Zoom call. Scribble a reminder on your phone between errands. Save a voice note while walking your dog. Then when it’s time to find that brilliant insight or important meeting detail… It’s gone. Buried in digital clutter or lost in a forgotten app. That’s why note-taking apps are evolving.

In 2025, the best note-taking tools don’t just help you store information. They help you make sense of it. They turn chaos into clarity. With smarter organization, AI-powered insights, and context-aware reminders, modern apps are built to actually think the way you do. Here’s what I looked for when testing tools: Looking for the best note taking apps in 2025?

Compare top digital tools that streamline your workflow — perfect for writers, students, and professionals. Learn how ScribeCount complements note apps for indie authors. Independent authors often find themselves managing vast amounts of information—from character sketches and plot outlines to world-building notes and research snippets. Having the right note-taking app can help corral that information into a useful, accessible system. Below are five of the most effective note-taking apps for writers, each with its own strengths and purpose. Each app has been selected for its popularity, usefulness to authors, and distinct functionality.

History and Overview Developed by MyScript and launched in 2016, Nebo was originally designed as a handwriting-focused note-taking tool for stylus-enabled devices. Built with academic and professional users in mind, it has evolved into a versatile and intelligent app that can convert handwritten notes into text, including diagrams, equations, and sketches. It is particularly favored by authors who brainstorm and outline by hand. Official site: https://www.myscript.com/nebo/ Pricing Nebo is free to download with basic features. Premium features—including unlimited notebooks and advanced exports—require a one-time upgrade of $11.99.

Periodic discounts may be available in app stores. In today’s digital world, taking notes efficiently is essential for students, professionals, and creatives. With so many note-taking apps available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Whether you need a simple note-taking app for quick memos or an advanced tool for organizing projects, we’ve got you covered! ✅ The best note-taking apps for students, professionals & teams✅ Top features & benefits of each app✅ Pros & cons comparison✅ Which app is best for you? Best for: Organizing projects, databases & structured notes✅ Pros:✔️ Fully customizable with templates✔️ Great for personal & team collaboration✔️ Works as a planner, task manager & note-taker

Best for: Business professionals & long-term note organization✅ Pros:✔️ Tagging & folder system for easy organization✔️ AI-powered search (OCR for handwritten notes & PDFs)✔️ Syncs across multiple devices Discover the 12 best note taking apps to supercharge your workflow. Find your perfect tool with our in-depth reviews, from AI powerhouses to simple editors. The best tools in one place, so you can quickly leverage the best tools for your needs. Go beyond AI Chat, with Search, Notes, Image Generation, and more. Access latest AI models and tools at a fraction of the cost.

Speed up your work with productivity, work and creative assistants. Capture all your ideas with the best note taking apps for your smartphone When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Having one of the best note-taking apps at your disposal is a no-brainer. Inspiration can strike at any time, and when it does you'll naturally turn to a device that's close at hand.

Be it a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Sure almost all of your devices will have their own default note-taking app. Those are fantastic, and can be incredibly useful, but third party offerings have features and capabilities that will be a major boon to your productivity. Things like handwriting support for phones with styluses, AI tools that can neatly arrange or summarize your thoughts, and more. Whether you're taking shorthand, whipping a to-do list or just jotting down a reminder, there's an app out there that can meet your note-taking criteria. These are the best apps for note-taking that we've found for mobile devices.

In a world of information overload, capturing ideas, organizing thoughts, and managing knowledge efficiently is more critical than ever. The right digital notebook can transform your workflow, acting as a second brain that never forgets a crucial detail. Yet, with countless options available, finding the perfect tool can feel overwhelming. Many free applications offer robust features once reserved for premium software, but they often cater to very different needs. One app might excel at simple, quick-capture notes, while another provides a complex, database-driven system for in-depth project management. This guide cuts through the noise.

We have meticulously evaluated the market to bring you a definitive list of the best free note taking apps available today. Instead of just listing features, we provide a comprehensive analysis of what it's like to actually use each tool. You will discover the ideal user for each platform, from students organizing research to professionals managing collaborative projects and content creators building a knowledge base. Our goal is to help you find the perfect free companion for your productivity journey without the trial-and-error. Each profile in this listicle includes: Honest pros and cons based on real-world usage.

Specific use-case scenarios to see how the app performs in practice.

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All, Except One, Of The Apps On Our List Are

All, except one, of the apps on our list are not as minimalist as we’d like them. They all have a separate homepage and workspace, and Nebo is no exception. The only difference is that Nebo has a lot of different work spaces for the different types of notes you can take in the app. But, the developers have kept the user interface consistent. No matter the mode you use. That, and the modern simple ...

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Your notes are at your fingertips and you can quickly switch between notebooks without losing track of what you’re working on. It’s brilliant because when you no longer need it, you can tuck it away just as easily. Sadly, though, nothing stands out after that. None of the apps scored in the green zone for user interface. But three apps came close: Freenotes, Noteful, and Notes+. For second place w...

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And in third place, we have another tie, scoring only 9 out of a potential 17 points: Goodnotes and ZoomNotes. We love that Goodnotes has fixed toolbars anchored to the edge of the app, and that the toolbar is very customisable. It’s sort of becoming a standard for handwriting note-taking apps, really. A customisable toolbar is not to be under estimated. It allows users to personalise their experi...