Selecting the right note-taking app for a MacBook is crucial for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to organize their thoughts and ideas effectively. The perfect app should offer a seamless integration with macOS, a user-friendly interface, and a set of features that enhance one’s productivity. With the abundance of options available, finding the ideal note-taking tool can be a significant undertaking.
The essential features to look for in a top-tier note-taking app include instant synchronization across devices, support for various file types, and an intuitive organizational system that caters to a range of note-taking styles. Whether the preference is for a simple text-based interface or a more elaborate system that mimics a physical notebook, the market has something for everyone. Additionally, cloud-based storage options are an important consideration, as they provide the flexibility to access notes anywhere and ensure they’re backed up safely.
Best Notes App for MacBook: Ranked
Taking notes on your MacBook can be simple or powerful, depending on the app you choose. Whether you want a minimalist interface, rich formatting, or advanced organization, here’s a ranked list of the best notes apps for MacBook in 2025.
1. Apple Notes
Why It’s Great:
- Native integration with macOS and iOS
- Supports handwriting, sketches, checklists, tables, and attachments
- iCloud syncing keeps notes updated across Apple devices
- Collaboration features for sharing and editing notes with others
- Simple and free with macOS
Best For:
Users who want a seamless, free, and reliable note-taking app integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
2. Notion
Why It’s Great:
- All-in-one workspace for notes, databases, tasks, and collaboration
- Highly customizable pages and templates
- Supports rich media, code blocks, and markdown
- Cross-platform with Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, and web access
- Free tier available, with premium options for teams
Best For:
Power users and teams who want to organize notes alongside projects and tasks.
3. Evernote
Why It’s Great:
- Powerful search and tagging system
- Supports web clipping, PDFs, images, and audio notes
- Cross-platform syncing and offline access
- Integrations with many productivity tools
- Premium plans offer more storage and features
Best For:
Users who need robust organization and multimedia note capabilities.
4. Bear
Why It’s Great:
- Beautiful, minimalist interface with focus on writing
- Supports Markdown formatting
- Easy organization with tags and nested tags
- Export notes to multiple formats (PDF, HTML, DOCX)
- Syncs across Apple devices via iCloud (subscription required)
Best For:
Writers and note-takers who want a distraction-free, elegant writing environment.
5. Microsoft OneNote
Why It’s Great:
- Free-form note-taking with text, images, drawings, and audio
- Notebook and section hierarchy for organization
- Deep integration with Microsoft 365 apps
- Cross-platform support including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and web
- Great for students and business users
Best For:
Users embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem who want a versatile note-taking tool.
6. Obsidian
Why It’s Great:
- Markdown-based with local storage, no cloud required unless you want it
- Supports backlinks and graph view for knowledge management
- Highly extensible with plugins and themes
- Great for building a personal knowledge base or Zettelkasten method
Best For:
Users who want a powerful knowledge management tool with privacy and customization.
7. Simplenote
Why It’s Great:
- Lightweight and fast note-taking app
- Markdown support and version history
- Free and cross-platform
- Syncs notes across devices seamlessly
Best For:
Users who want a straightforward, no-frills note-taking app.
How to Choose the Best Notes App for Your MacBook
| Feature | Apple Notes | Notion | Evernote | Bear | OneNote | Obsidian | Simplenote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Version | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Sync | iCloud | Yes | Yes | iCloud (paid) | Yes | Optional | Yes |
| Markdown Support | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Multimedia Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | No |
| Collaboration | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Offline Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Apple users | Teams & projects | Multimedia notes | Writers | Microsoft users | Knowledge base | Simple notes |
Conclusion
- For Apple ecosystem users: Apple Notes is the best built-in choice.
- For power users and teams: Notion offers unmatched flexibility.
- For multimedia-heavy notes: Evernote shines.
- For writers: Bear provides a beautiful, focused environment.
- For Microsoft users: OneNote integrates best.
- For knowledge management: Obsidian is ideal.
- For simplicity: Simplenote is perfect.
References
- Zapier: Best Note Taking Apps for Mac
- PCMag: The Best Note-Taking Apps 2025
- NearHub: Best Mac Apps for Note Taking 2025
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the correct note-taking app depends on user interface preferences, productivity features, and seamless macOS integration.
- Essential note-taking app features include cross-device synchronization, file type support, and effective organizational systems.
- Cloud-based solutions for note storage offer accessibility and security for users’ notes.
Essential Features of Note-Taking Apps on MacBook
When picking the best note-taking app for a MacBook, key features make certain apps stand out. These features ensure that users can capture and organize their thoughts efficiently.
Seamless Synchronization Capabilities
The best note-taking apps offer iCloud sync across all Apple devices. This means notes update in real time on a MacBook, iPhone, and iPad. Microsoft OneNote provides similar benefits with Microsoft 365 integration.
User Interface and Experience
Ease of use is crucial. A note-taking app should have a clear and intuitive interface. Users prefer apps like Apple Notes for their simple, uncluttered design, allowing them to focus on content rather than navigating complex menus.
Diverse Note Organization and Management
Effective organization tools such as notebooks, tags, and smart folders are essential. They help users sort and locate notes quickly. Apps like Bear Notes provide markdown support and organizing features for a streamlined experience.
Compatibility and Integration
Note-taking apps must play well with macOS and other software. Integration with productivity apps amplifies their utility. Notion stands out with its ability to link notes to project management tools.
Advanced Editing and Formatting Tools
Editing tools should include text formatting, tables, and image insertion. Users appreciate apps like Evernote for their rich text options and drawing tools. Markdown editors add a layer of customization to the note-taking experience.
Cross-Platform Access and Web Version
For those who use multiple operating systems, cross-platform access is vital. Apps like Microsoft OneNote and Evernote offer web versions that users access from non-Apple devices, including Android.
Security and Privacy
Local storage options and encryption keep information safe. Users trust apps with end-to-end encryption to secure their notes. A good app will safeguard user privacy and data.
Productivity and Task Management
Incorporating task management transforms a note app into a productivity powerhouse. Checklists and calendar integrations help users manage their tasks alongside their notes, as seen in apps like NotePlan 3.
Support for Various Content Types
Apps should support text, photos, voice notes, and attachments. Compatibility with varied content types ensures flexibility in how users record and refer to information. Optical character recognition (OCR) is a plus for searching text in images.
Custom Features and Add-Ons
Users appreciate the ability to personalize their experience. This can come in the form of themes, templates, and keyboard shortcuts. Customizable features mean users set up their note-taking environment to suit their needs.
Comparing Top Note-Taking Apps for MacBook
Choosing the right note-taking app for your MacBook can greatly enhance productivity. This comparative guide examines the features, pricing, and unique traits of the most popular apps.
Apple Notes
Apple Notes, integrated with iOS and iCloud, offers instant loading and synchronization across devices. It starts free with 5GB of iCloud storage, and additional space is available with a paid plan from $0.99/month. Organizational tools and native sharing capabilities make it a solid choice for users within the Apple ecosystem.
Evernote
Evernote is an all-rounder app famed for its Web Clipper and organizational tools. The free version is robust, but the Pro Plan unlocks more features. Evernote excels in managing complex information with ease and allows for collaboration among users.
OneNote
OneNote, part of the Microsoft Office suite, is a digital notebook with a paper-like feel. It is free with 5GB of OneDrive storage, and Microsoft 365 plans start at $9.99/month. The use of OCR (optical character recognition) and integration with other Microsoft apps make OneNote ideal for users needing advanced note-taking functions.
Notion
Notion stands out with its databases, templates, and collaboration abilities. This innovative app saves notes online, facilitates team-work, and customizes text through a hybrid editor. While the basic functions are free, Notion requires a paid subscription to unlock its full potential.
Bear
Bear shines with its markup options, themes, and use of tags for organization. Targeted at users who appreciate aesthetic customization and robust markup features, Bear offers both a free and a Pro version, adding more themes and exporting options for the latter.
GoodNotes
GoodNotes is praised for its handwriting recognition and PDF annotation capabilities. With seamless switching between handwritten notes and typed text, GoodNotes is particularly beneficial for users who value digital handwriting. Tabs help users organize documents, notes, and PDFs efficiently.
Simplenote
Simplenote provides a straightforward ecosystem for plain text notes equipped with a markdown editor. Its tag system offers organization without complexity. Simplenote is entirely free to use and syncs across many platforms, making it suitable for users who prefer simplicity and speed.
Obsidian
Obsidian uses markdown to create a network of notes resembling wikis. This app includes plugins for customization and is designed for users who enjoy building a second brain of knowledge. Each note becomes part of an interconnected web, and Obsidian allows for complex knowledge management.
Agenda
Agenda blends note-taking with calendar functions. It serves those who want to closely align their notes with a timeline. This app is best for people who need to track the history of their notes and tasks alongside calendar events.
Joplin
Joplin is an open-source note-taking application that offers encryption and a high level of privacy. It is maintained by a community of dedicated developers. Joplin might be the best fit for individuals seeking a secure and customizable note-taking environment.
Ulysses
Ulysses caters to writers looking for a focused writing experience with publishing options. It incorporates powerful writing and editing tools and is available through a subscription model. Ulysses fits well with users who need an integrated environment for extended writing sessions.
Productivity Apps Round-up
The best Mac apps for note-taking present a diverse array of options tailored to different needs, whether for simple note capture, extensive writing projects, or collaboration. Subscription models vary, so users should consider both initial and long-term costs when choosing an app for their MacBook.
