10 Note Taking Apps for Mac 2024

Last Updated: Apr 30, 2024 by

Best Note Taking Apps for Mac

Taking notes is important. It helps us remember things. But sometimes, there are too many things to remember. This can be hard. Luckily, there are note-taking apps for Mac computers. These apps make it easy to write down and organize your thoughts. They help you keep track of everything you need to remember. This way, you won’t forget important stuff.

10 Top Note Taking Apps for Mac

There are several excellent note-taking apps available for Mac users, offering a variety of features to suit different needs. These apps provide a seamless and organized way to jot down thoughts, create to-do lists, and store important information. Users can expect a range of functionalities, such as cloud synchronization, collaborative editing, and the ability to capture and organize multimedia content. Choosing the right one ultimately depends on your specific preferences and requirements.

1. GoodNotes 6

Goodnote6
Author:
Time Base Technology Limited
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2023-11-10

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.8(89.3K Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free

Language:

English, Dutch, French, German

GoodNotes 6

GoodNotes 6, a prominent good note-taking app for Mac, offers a seamless and intuitive experience for users seeking to organize their thoughts and ideas. This latest version enhances user interaction with advanced features like handwriting recognition and multimedia integration. Tailored for both personal and professional use, it provides a versatile platform for creating, editing, and sharing notes. Its compatibility with various Apple devices ensures a synchronized and efficient note-taking process, making it a top choice for Mac users.


2. NotePlan: Bullet-Journal Tasks

NotePlan: Bullet-Journal Tasks
Author:
NotePlan LLC
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2023-11-14

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.8(488 Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free

Language:

English, German

NotePlan: Bullet-Journal Tasks

NotePlan is recognized as one of the good note-taking apps for Mac, especially for those who embrace the Bullet-Journal method. It skillfully combines calendar, notes, and tasks in a unique, Markdown-based system, offering users an intuitive and efficient way to organize their daily activities and notes. Its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem makes it a top choice for Mac users looking for an all-in-one productivity tool.


3. Notebooks – Write and Organize

Documents, Tasks and Files

Notebooks – Write and Organize
Author:
Alfons Schmid
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2023-12-12

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.8(25 Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

$43.99 Offers In-App Purchases

Language:

English, French, German, Spanish

Notebooks – Write and Organize

Notebooks is widely recognized as one of the best note-taking apps for MacBook, offering an exceptional blend of writing and organizational tools. Its intuitive interface allows users to effortlessly create, edit, and manage notes, making it ideal for students, professionals, and creative minds alike. With robust features like text formatting, image integration, and cross-device synchronization, Notebooks stands out as a top choice for efficient and comprehensive note management on MacBook.


4. Agenda: Notes meets Calendar

Organize your days

Agenda: Notes meets Calendar
Author:
Momenta B.V.
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2024-01-19

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.7(3.9K Ratings)
Content:
9+
Plan:

Free Offers In-App Purchases

Language:

English, Afrikaans, Czech, Dutch

Agenda: Notes meets Calendar

Agenda – Notes meets Calendar is a groundbreaking application that seamlessly integrates note-taking with calendar functionality, specifically designed for macOS users. Heralded as the best note-taking app for macOS, Agenda offers a unique approach by allowing users to link their notes to specific calendar events. This intuitive design ensures that all important information is organized and easily accessible, making it an indispensable tool for both professional and personal planning. Its user-friendly interface and robust features cater to the diverse needs of macOS users, elevating the traditional note-taking experience.


5. SideNotes – Thoughts & Tasks

Your quick notes with you

SideNotes
Author:
Apptorium
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2023-12-30

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.7(39 Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

$19.99

Language:

English

SideNotes - Thoughts & Tasks

SideNotes, acclaimed as the best note-taking app for Mac and iPad, offers a unique blend of convenience and efficiency for users seeking to jot down their thoughts and tasks. Its intuitive interface allows for seamless switching between notes, making it ideal for quick idea capture and task management. The app’s sleek design and synchronization capabilities between Mac and iPad enhance the user experience, making it a top choice for those who value organization and accessibility in their digital note-taking.

Read also: Best Calendar Apps for MAC


6. Microsoft OneNote

Capture Notes, Ideas and Memos

Microsoft OneNote
Author:
Microsoft Corporation
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2024-01-15

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.4(39.7K Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free Offers In-App Purchases

Language:

English, Arabic, Catalan, Croatian

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote, often hailed as the best note-taking app for Mac, is a versatile digital notebook that offers a unique blend of writing, drawing, and clipping features. This application excels in organizing information across notebooks, sections, and pages, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. Its seamless synchronization across devices ensures that your notes are always accessible and up to date. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, OneNote stands out as a top choice for Mac users seeking an efficient and comprehensive note-taking solution.


7. Bear – Markdown Notes

Write naturally

Bear - Markdown Notes
Author:
Shiny Frog Ltd.
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2024-01-19

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.3(1.2K Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free Offers In-App Purchases

Language:

English, French, German, Italian

Bear - Markdown Notes

Bear is a sleek and versatile note-taking app designed for devices running Apple’s macOS and macOS. With its focus on simplicity and ease of use, Bear appeals to a wide range of users, from students to professionals. Its markdown editor supports rich text formatting, while its organization system employs a combination of hashtags and a nested tagging structure. Bear stands out for its clean interface, which enhances user experience and makes note-taking efficient and enjoyable.

You may also like to read: Best Coloring Apps for iPad


8. Simplenote – Notes and Memos

Simple notes, todos and memos

Simplenote
Author:
Automattic
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2023-05-01

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
4.2(245 Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free Offers In-App Purchases

Language:

English, Arabic, Dutch, French

Simplenote - Notes and Memos

Simplenote, often regarded as one of the best Mac note-taking apps, stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. This application offers a streamlined interface for jotting down notes and memos, making it ideal for users seeking a clutter-free and intuitive experience. Its synchronization capabilities ensure your notes are accessible across various devices, enhancing its appeal for those who value accessibility and simplicity in their digital note-keeping.


9. Evernote – Notes Organizer

Note pad, to-do list, planner

Evernote - Notes Organizer
Author:
Evernote Corporation
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2024-01-23

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
3.6(2.9K Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free Offers In-App Purchases

Language:

English, Arabic, Czech, Danish

Evernote - Notes Organizer

Evernote stands out among note-taking apps for Mac, offering a versatile and user-friendly platform for organizing information. Its intuitive interface allows users to seamlessly capture ideas, create to-do lists, and store documents. Ideal for both personal and professional use, Evernote integrates across multiple devices, ensuring your notes are always accessible. With its robust search capabilities and note-sharing features, it has become a favored tool for Mac users seeking a reliable digital notebook.


10. Quip

Quip - Docs, Chat, Sheets
Author:
Quip
Platforms:
Last Updated:

2023-11-13

Rating:apple-icon
rating-icon
2.7(137 Ratings)
Content:
4+
Plan:

Free

Language:

English, Dutch, French, German,

Quip

Quip, recognized as one of the best note-taking apps, stands out for its seamless integration of notes, documents, and spreadsheets in a single platform. This app enables real-time collaboration, making it ideal for team projects and group brainstorming sessions. With Quip, users can easily create and share documents, enhancing productivity and communication within teams. Its user-friendly interface and compatibility with various devices make it a top choice for both personal and professional use.

Must read: Best ChatGPT Apps for iPhone


Why are Note-Taking Apps Essential for Mac Users?

Note-taking apps are more than just digital notebooks, packed with features designed to make life easier. For Mac users, these apps offer seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, allowing you to sync your notes across your Mac, iPhone, iCloud, and iPad. Whether you’re a student or a professional, a good note-taking app is a must-have tool on your Mac.

What Makes a Great Note-Taking App?

A great note-taking app should be easy to use, offer powerful features, and have a clean, intuitive interface. It should allow you to create, organize, and search your notes quickly. Advanced features such as the ability to add images, tags, and files, as well as the option to access your notes across multiple devices, can greatly enhance your note-taking experience.

Comparison of the Best Note-Taking Apps for Mac

Each of these apps has its strengths and weaknesses. While Apple Notes and Simplenote are great for simplicity, apps like Evernote and OneNote offer more advanced features. Bear and Obsidian are excellent for those who prefer Markdown, while Notion and Joplin offer unique features that set them apart.

How to Choose the Best Note-Taking App for Your Needs

Choosing the best note-taking app depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what features are most important to you, whether it’s simplicity, advanced features, Markdown support, or local storage. Try out a few different apps to see which one suits you best.

FAQs

Does Mac have a note-taking app?

Yes, Mac comes with a built-in note-taking app called Apple Notes. It's a simple and straightforward app that syncs across all your Apple devices.

What is the best way for college students to take notes on a Mac?

The best way to take notes on a Mac for college students depends on personal preference. Some students may prefer the simplicity of Apple Notes, while others may need the advanced features of apps like OneNote or Evernote.

Is there a Mac equivalent to OneNote?

While OneNote is available on Mac, some Mac users prefer apps like Apple Notes or Bear, which offer a more native Mac experience.

How do you take notes effectively on a MacBook?

Taking notes effectively on a MacBook involves choosing the right app that suits your needs, organizing your notes with tags or folders, and making use of features like search and sync.

Conclusion

With a plethora of note-taking apps available for Mac, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. However, by understanding your specific needs and preferences, you can find an app that best suits your workflow. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who just likes to stay organized, there’s a note-taking app for you among these 15 best note-taking apps for Mac. Remember, the best app for you is the one that fits seamlessly into your workflow and enhances your productivity.

Hamza Sarfraz

About the Author: Hamza Sarfraz

Hamza Sarfraz is a professional SEO and digital marketing expert based in Pakistan with 4 years of experience. Specializing in technology and health, he has a knack for simplifying complex topics into compelling narratives. Leveraging deep SEO insights, Hamza consistently delivers high-quality content that resonates with audiences and adds value to businesses.