////////////////////////////* teckglobal-brute-force-protect.php *//////////////////////////// /* ### NOTES ### #Github file link: - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/teckglobal/teckglobal-brute-force-protect/refs/heads/main/teckglobal-brute-force-protect.php # Changes: - Added debug logging for $locations in teckglobal_bfp_ip_logs_page(). - Kept image_path in wp_localize_script for Leaflet icons. - No changes to update checker from previous version. ### END NOTES ### */ The best note-taking apps for iPad of 2025: Expert tested - O'Fallon IL Computer Support

The best note-taking apps for iPad of 2025: Expert tested

WebMaster

Technology

March 17, 2025

Spring is a great time to refresh your workflow and upgrade from pen and paper to digital note-taking tools. The right iPad note-taking app can make a world of difference, whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who jots down everything. 

Also: The best iPad stylus for your iPad 

Apple’s built-in Notes app is a solid piece of software, but third-party apps bring an entirely new level of features, customization, and handwriting tools to make the switch from paper easier. We’ve tested and reviewed the top iPad note-taking apps of 2025, and we’ve come up with a list of our favorites. 

But with hundreds of notebook-style apps on the market, it’s hard to know which are worth your time or fit your needs. No one wants to waste time testing different apps and jumping ship until finding what works best. That’s why we went hands-on with over a dozen note-taking apps for the iPad, keeping in mind cost, functionality, practicality, and design while focusing on apps that level up the hand-written note-taking experience. 

for its tiered plan offerings, multiple pen styles, added format and design tools, and easy-to-use interface. There is a free version and a variety of paid subscription options.

Still, there is massive consumer choice and if Notability isn’t quite what you are looking for, check out our other recommendations for studying, tool variability, and more. 

View now at Notability
Pros
  • Supports multiple formats and pen styles
  • Good free version
  • Templates available
  • PDF editing
Cons
  • Tiered subscription options, but no one-time purchase option
  • Limited stylus compatibility for use of Ink
  • iCloud sync for subscribers only

Notability

Best iPad note-taking app overall
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View now at Evernote

Evernote is a fully loaded powerhouse for the serious note-taker. You can create notebooks to organize your notes and add content like PDFs, sketches, and other multimedia like photos and audio. You can sync your account to your Google calendar, offering full scheduling capability beyond your note-taking abilities. 

You can make to-do lists, create tasks, and clip your favorite sites with Evernote’s Web Clipper tool. In addition, you can scan your own handwritten or printed notes with your camera. 

You can sync all your devices with the number of devices determined by your subscription plan. Your plan, however, controls the number of monthly uploads you can make and the size of your notes.  

“I’ve come to like Evernote,” says Tina Grant, quality assessor for Aerospheres. “The fact that it’s a multiplatform tool helps, as I use a Windows computer at work. This means I can take notes on my iPad and then later access them directly in my browser on the PC. The fact that there is a built-in organization system that allows you to set up categories and tags also really helps to keep things in order.”

I previously used Evernote as a high school student and was familiar with its overall interface, but it’s gotten a lovely facelift in the last few years. Evernote is easy to use and helps keep your notes, ideas, and thoughts more organized, especially if you need help to be neat. 

That said, I found it to be more useful as a productivity tool than the best option for note-taking. If you’re looking for more detailed tools, color options, and note-taking templates and are less concerned about overall workflow productivity, another app option on this list may better suit your needs. Plus, the accessible version of Evernote is pretty limiting in terms of overall storage, note size, and more. 

Many Redditors said they like Evernote’s features, organization, and workflow. Still, recently, some users said they went elsewhere for simple, decluttered productivity apps and to escape “annoying” ads or pop-ups. 

Evernote features: Price: Starting at $15/month or starting at $130/year | Supports text, docs, PDFs, sketches, photos, audio, web clippings, and more | Camera scan to add and organize documents | Sync with Google Calendar | Create separate notebooks | Sync across devices 

Evernote is a fully loaded powerhouse for the serious note-taker. You can create notebooks to organize your notes and add content like PDFs, sketches, and other multimedia like photos and audio. You can sync your account to your Google calendar, offering full scheduling capability beyond your note-taking abilities. 

You can make to-do lists, create tasks, and clip your favorite sites with Evernote’s Web Clipper tool. In addition, you can scan your own handwritten or printed notes with your camera. 

You can sync all your devices with the number of devices determined by your subscription plan. Your plan, however, controls the number of monthly uploads you can make and the size of your notes.  

“I’ve come to like Evernote,” says Tina Grant, quality assessor for Aerospheres. “The fact that it’s a multiplatform tool helps, as I use a Windows computer at work. This means I can take notes on my iPad and then later access them directly in my browser on the PC. The fact that there is a built-in organization system that allows you to set up categories and tags also really helps to keep things in order.”

I previously used Evernote as a high school student and was familiar with its overall interface, but it’s gotten a lovely facelift in the last few years. Evernote is easy to use and helps keep your notes, ideas, and thoughts more organized, especially if you need help to be neat. 

That said, I found it to be more useful as a productivity tool than the best option for note-taking. If you’re looking for more detailed tools, color options, and note-taking templates and are less concerned about overall workflow productivity, another app option on this list may better suit your needs. Plus, the accessible version of Evernote is pretty limiting in terms of overall storage, note size, and more. 

Many Redditors said they like Evernote’s features, organization, and workflow. Still, recently, some users said they went elsewhere for simple, decluttered productivity apps and to escape “annoying” ads or pop-ups. 

Evernote features: Price: Starting at $15/month or starting at $130/year | Supports text, docs, PDFs, sketches, photos, audio, web clippings, and more | Camera scan to add and organize documents | Sync with Google Calendar | Create separate notebooks | Sync across devices 

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evernote
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View now at Apple App StoreView now at Goodnotes
Pros
  • Supports file storage on several platforms
  • Templates included
  • Several paid plan options
  • PDF note-taking supported
  • Can purchase outright
Cons
  • If purchased outright, you don’t get the latest upgrades as they come out
  • No monthly or 3-month plan

Goodnotes 6

Best alternative iPad note-taking app
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View now at Apple App StoreView now at Google Play
Pros
  • More affordable
  • Great handwriting recognition
  • Easy to use
  • Useful tool panel for control while writing
Cons
  • Lacks some features competitors have
  • No subscriptions

Nebo

Best iPad note-taking app for handwriting recognition
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View now at Apple App Store
Pros
  • Free to use
  • Automatic save feature
  • Already built into your iPad
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Rather basic features
  • No fancy extras
  • Only syncs on other Apple devices

Apple Notes

Best native iPad note-taking app
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View now at Apple
Pros
  • Ultimate research review and annotating capabilities
  • Multi-platform sync
  • Student discounts available
  • Shareable files
  • Several subscription options
Cons
  • Limited traditional notebook experience
  • More catered to PDF and document annotating

LiquidText

Best note-taking app for annotating PDFs
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What is the best note-taking app?

The best note-taking app for iPad is Notability and for several reasons. It works with the different types of media that you want to add to your notes, plus you can organize all of your notes into neat notebooks that are easy to access. Notability is also free to use, but you can upgrade for a minimal fee should you want access to the bonus features. 

Below is a look at the standout features and rating of the best note-taking apps we chose:

Best note-taking app Standout feature App Store Rating
Notability All-in-one app 4.7
Evernote Productivity tools, structured app design 4.4
Goodnotes 6 Notebook and PDF markup tool 4.7
Nebo AI upgrades, top-notch handwriting capabilities 4.7
Apple Notes Free and already built-in 4.6
LiquidText PDF editing and annotating 4.5

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Which note-taking app is right for you?

Finding the best note-taking app is personal. It really depends on what you’re looking for and what features are most important to you. Many iPad apps offer a lot of the same capabilities, so here’s a breakdown of the standout features and our recommended best use case for each app we’ve rated to help you make the right note app choice for your iPad.

Choose this note-taking app… If you want…
Notability The best overall option for most people that supports multiple formats and stylus options, and is great for all types of notes.
Evernote A note-taking app with exceptional organizing tools and efficient processing, which doubles as a productivity app.
Goodnotes 6 To digitize notes in your own handwriting with custom pen styles and colors and don’t mind paying a little for it.
Nebo An app for advanced users with stylus capability and great handwriting recognition, and works to solve simple mathematical equations.
Apple Notes The original, native iPad app that offers simple, streamlined use with an automatic save feature.
LiquidText Annotating and note-taking specifically designed for PDFs.

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Factors to consider when choosing a note-taking app for iPad:

If you’re on the hunt for a good note-taking app, here are a few key features we think would be good to consider when searching for an app that fits your needs: 

  • Interface: We looked for note apps that offer a clean, streamlined interface that is not too cluttered or distracting from your work. It’s going to be key to deciding what overall interface and design style suits your lifestyle, skills, and needs — you’re not going to want to take notes on an app that you struggle to find the tools on. 
  • Tools: When it is time to write, you want to be sure there are the right tools to help you get the job done. We looked at features like the type of writing, dictation, presentation, and editing tools available with each of the best note-taking apps. Be sure to consider if you need a multitude of writing tool types, fonts, colors, and more artistic features, or if you just need the basics. 
  • Continuity: If you want to be able to take notes on your iPad but pick up where you left off on your Mac, you’re going to need to look for apps that offer continuity between your device ecosystem. Most apps make it incredibly easy to access your notes from another device, but remember that some apps may require a subscription or fee to do so. 
  • Use: Narrowing down your use case for an iPad note-taking app will make it easier to find the perfect app for you. Do you need an app that can handle educational notes, to-do lists, reminders, and more? Will this app just be for school or work notes? Consider what you’ll be using the app for the most and go from there. 
  • Note-taking style: While all note-taking apps are designed to take notes, some are catered to different styles of note-taking. If you’re looking to type your notes, or are looking to have your written text turn into text, you may need to pay closer attention to app descriptions before downloading tons of apps. Most “note-taking” apps on iPad are optimized for written notes using a stylus. 
  • Cost: Budget is critical, so we considered how much each app costs and what each purchase gives you, and we think you should too. 

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How did we test these note-taking apps for iPad?

ZDNET went hands-on with every note-taking app recommended on this list, using a 2022 iPad Air. I spent time during using this app during my own daily activities to test out tool options, design or layouts, continuity and security, ease of use, user appeal, and most importantly, writing capabilities — not just for a day or two, but over the course of a few weeks to really get a feel for an app’s add-in value. 

That is, can you “add-in” this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that’s too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off? 

We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that’s why this list, as well as our other advice, is tailored to your needs, wants, and your budget, and why our picks are expert-tested and expert-vetted. 

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Note-taking app FAQs

Why should I use a note-taking app for iPad?

Note-taking apps offer far more than you may expect. In addition to storing your notes and bright ideas, they also can offer many other support features, including converting handwriting to digital notes, templates to choose from, and even adding different forms of media like video and audio. 

And they’re great for organizing ideas on the go. Whether you’re scribbling your own ideas or collaborating with friends or colleagues, you’ll have a central hub to access your notes easily. 

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What can I use to take notes on my iPad?

If you plan on using a keyboard to type out your notes on your iPad like on a computer, you won’t need to worry about a stylus. However, if you want a true pen-and-paper-like experience on your iPad, a stylus will be the best way to replicate that. ZDNET’s top pick for an iPad stylus is the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) — especially if you can grab it while it’s on sale, or the Apple Pencil Pro, depending on what iPad model you own. We also have tested and liked options from Zagg, Logitech, and more. 

Also: The best iPad stylus you can buy

And if you’re really committed to the notebook bit, there are even paper-like screen protectors designed for various iPad models to offer users a similar tactile experience to real paper. 

Also: The best iPad screen protectors of 2024

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Paperlike 2.1 Screen Protector for iPad 10.9-inch

Paperlike 2.1 Screen Protector for iPad 10.9-inch

$43.49 at Amazon

Other note-taking apps we’ve tested: 

While searching for the best note-taking apps, we came across other apps that may work for your needs. Here are a few other note-taking apps to look into. 

bear-notes-app

Best Apple Notes alternative

Bear

Bear gives your notes a personalized flair by allowing you to add sketches, themes, and formatting options. It also has sync and encryption capabilities. Its layout is basic, clean, and easy to follow, making it an excellent option for those who want no-fuss note-taking and easy functions.

microsoft-one-note

Best note-taking app for Microsoft fanatics

Microsoft OneNote

Suppose you’re an iPad user who doesn’t want to let go of the Microsoft experience. In that case, OneNote is available for iOS devices, and is a great alternative note-taking app that offers seamless integration with the Microsoft system. Plus, since it’s multi-platform supported, you can jump between several different devices and still have access to your notes. 

zoho-notebook-app

Best note-taking app for journaling

Zoho Notebook

When I tested the Zoho Notebook, I liked how easy it was to use and setup, and that it mimicked an overall feel to Apple’s native notes app. It’s easy to insert pictures, text, and more into pages on a Zoho notebook, and I really enjoyed even being able to edit photos, too. It’s pretty basic, but I think it would be a great option for class notes or even journaling!

colla-note-app

Best free note-taking app

CollaNote

CollaNote combines note-taking, PDF markups, and daily planning all in one. It offers similar features as Notability, including templates and designed files that allow you to easily take notes or write to-do lists — even as a beginner. Plus, CollaNote features 25 different writing tools, much more than any other app I tested. It’s also mostly free, and offers comparable and (even better) free features than other apps. 

margin-note-3-app

Best note-taking app for studying

MarginNote 3

If you’re using your iPad for educational notes and want to level up their functionality, MarginNote 3 allows users to create flashcards and other study aids that give them a true 3D note experience. Now, you can write notes and study all in one app, and as someone who has spent many hours making Quizlet sets over the years, I know how game-changing this can be. 

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