Users frequently recommend OneNote, Obsidian, and Noteful for notetaking, though the right choice depends on what you need.
OneNote is great for organization and freeform writing on a page, plus it integrates with Microsoft services and supports handwriting on Windows.
Obsidian uses markdown and local files, letting you link notes together and customize the app with plugins.
Noteful is a low cost one time purchase with a simple interface, reliable performance, and specific features like audio recording and layering.
For note-taking, Users frequently recommend OneNote, Obsidian, and Noteful due to their versatility and user-friendly features, although the best app depends on individual needs.
OneNote
Comprehensive features and cross-platform availability. Many Users highlight OneNote's ability to "write wherever you want on the page" and its integration with other Microsoft services. "Honestly OneNote is really good. The ability to "write” wherever you want on the page; attaching files and audio recordings directly on the page; and the notebook/section/page format are all pretty great."
Strong organizational structure. OneNote is praised for its "top tier" organizational capabilities, making it easy to categorize and retrieve notes. "one note def. the organisational structure is top tier"
Handwritten note-taking support on Windows. For Windows users, especially those with stylus devices, OneNote is a common choice for its handwriting experience and PDF annotation. "Microsoft OneNote."
Obsidian
Markdown-based and linking capabilities. Users appreciate Obsidian's use of markdown for note creation and its powerful ability to link notes together, fostering a "second brain" approach. "Obsidian is great as it has markups and has notes linkage ability."
Customization and plugin ecosystem. The app is highly customizable with a vast array of plugins that extend its functionality for various workflows. "Obsidian, but just to be controversial, I’ll leave this here"
Offline access and local storage. Many users value that Obsidian stores notes locally in plain text files, ensuring data ownership and offline accessibility. "It's good for typing and using the Pencil. And, of course, you've already paid for it."
Noteful
Affordable and feature-rich for a one-time purchase. Noteful is often recommended as a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based apps, offering a lifetime purchase option. "Noteful is $6.99 lifetime."
Simple yet customizable interface. Users find Noteful intuitive and easy to navigate while still offering good customization options like importing covers and pages. "love noteful! super simple, but super customisable (can import notebook covers/pages), and has all the useful features w/o going overboard (audio recording, layering, stickers, etc)."
Reliable performance and quick bug fixes. Users report a smooth experience with Noteful, noting that bugs are rare and promptly addressed by developers. "Bugs are rare and fixed quickly."
Is cross-platform compatibility a priority
Pros & cons
Pros
Freeform writing and top tier organization
Local file storage and extensive plugin support
Low one time cost with quick bug fixes
Cons
Tied to Microsoft ecosystem
Requires setup for plugins
Lacks the advanced linking of Obsidian
Best for: People looking for a versatile digital notebook that fits specific workflow needs, from freeform organization to linked text notes.
FAQ
Is OneNote good for handwriting?
Yes, users specifically recommend OneNote for handwritten notes on Windows devices, including stylus support and PDF annotation.
How does Obsidian store notes?
Obsidian stores notes locally as plain text files, giving you offline access and direct ownership of your data.
Does Noteful require a subscription?
No, Noteful is available for a one time payment of $6.99 for lifetime access.
Can you link notes together in Obsidian?
Yes, Obsidian has note linking capabilities that allow you to connect ideas, which many users use for building a second brain.
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