Best note taking tools
Apps for notes, knowledge bases, wikis, and personal organization.
Note-taking tools span a wide range, from simple personal notebooks to full-featured knowledge management platforms used by entire organizations. The category includes everything from markdown editors and digital notebooks to wikis, documentation platforms, and tools built around networked thought and linked notes.
A significant trend in recent years is the convergence of notes and productivity. Tools increasingly combine documents, databases, task management, and even light project management into unified workspaces. This can be powerful, but it also means some tools try to do everything and end up doing nothing exceptionally well. Understanding whether you need a focused writing tool or an all-in-one workspace is the first decision to make.
Consider how you will retrieve information, not just capture it. A tool with excellent search, good organizational structures, and the ability to link related ideas will serve you far better over time than one that is merely pleasant to type in. For team use, pay attention to permissions, collaboration features, and how the tool handles the difference between draft content and published documentation.
All note taking tools
Local-first markdown note-taking app with bidirectional linking and a plugin ecosystem.
Open-source, local-first outliner for knowledge management with bidirectional linking.
Networked note-taking tool with bidirectional links and graph-based knowledge management.
All-in-one doc platform combining documents, spreadsheets, and app-like functionality.
Native document editor for Mac and iOS with beautiful formatting and real-time collaboration.
AI-powered note-taking that automatically organizes and surfaces relevant information.
Built-in note-taking app for Apple devices with iCloud sync, folders, and basic formatting.
Elegant markdown writing app for Apple devices with tags, themes, and export options.
Local-first, end-to-end encrypted workspace for notes, tasks, and knowledge management.
Open-source note-taking with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, and sync via any cloud.
Note-taking app built around objects and types instead of pages and folders.
Minimalist note-taking app with instant sync, tags, and Markdown support.
End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with extensible editors and self-hosting option.
Popular note taking comparisons
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a note-taking app and a wiki?
Should I store notes locally or in the cloud?
Are linked/networked note tools actually useful?
Can a note-taking tool replace our team documentation?
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New note taking tools, price changes, and honest takes — weekly.