I’m starting college soon and feel overwhelmed by all the note-taking apps out there. I’ve heard of Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, Notion, but I’m not sure which one is best for organizing class notes. Does anyone have recommendations or experiences to share?
I’ve tried all three—Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, and Notion—so maybe I can help you decide. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Microsoft OneNote:
It’s fantastic for a more traditional note-taking experience. The interface is akin to a digital notebook with tabs and sections. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft apps, which is great if you’re deep into the Office ecosystem. Also, it handles handwritten notes well if you’re using a stylus. Syncing across devices is generally smooth, but can sometimes be slow.
Evernote:
Evernote shines in its ability to clip web content and organize notes with tags. It’s like Google for your notes because of its robust search capabilities. However, the free tier is quite limited and I found the interface a bit outdated. If you’re collecting a lot of research and external content, it’s solid; otherwise, might not justify the cost of the premium version.
Notion:
Notion is like the Swiss Army knife of note-taking tools. It’s highly customizable, and you can use it to create databases, tables, calendars, and lists. The flexibility is unmatched, but there’s a learning curve. If you’re someone who loves customizing your workspace and don’t mind the setup time, Notion is incredible. I particularly like how you can link notes together.
Ultimately, if you want something straightforward and familiar, Microsoft OneNote might be your best bet. For heavy web clippers, Evernote excels. For the customize-everything aficionado, go with Notion.
Hope that helps!
I’d like to add another perspective to what @nachtschatten mentioned since their breakdown was fantastic.
GoodNotes: Not as commonly mentioned, but if you have an iPad, GoodNotes is a game changer. Its handwriting recognition is top-notch, and you can import PDFs to annotate directly on them, which is super useful for lecture slides. It’s a bit less about organizing ideas in a database like Notion and more about replicating a real notebook’s feel with digital benefits. However, you miss out on some of the advanced search and web clipping of Evernote.
Anyway, hope this aids in your note-taking quest! Don’t stress too much; find what feels right for you.
While @nachtschatten and @suenodelbosque have shared some excellent insights, I’d like to throw in a few more contenders and thoughts that might help you refine your choice.
Google Keep:
If you prioritize simplicity and speed, Google Keep is worth considering. It’s not as feature-rich as OneNote or Notion but works excellently for quick notes and reminders. The interface is straightforward, enabling you to start typing immediately. Pros include robust syncing with Google services and being completely free. Cons: it’s not ideal for complex note-taking or organizing large volumes of info.
Bear:
An often overlooked gem for Mac and iOS users. Bear combines simplicity with powerful organization tools like tags and link note connections. Markdown support makes formatting a breeze. Pros: Beautiful, minimal design, solid export options. Cons: No Windows or Android support, and its full potential is unlocked only with a subscription.
Roam Research:
For a completely different approach, consider Roam Research. It’s a tool for networked thought, allowing you to link notes bidirectionally, which can be a game-changer for in-depth research or journaling. Pros include its ability to map complex ideas and its cult following among productivity enthusiasts. Cons: It’s costly and has a steep learning curve.
On another note, the importance of ease of use and personal comfort shouldn’t be underestimated. For instance, some people love the minimalist interfaces of Notion and Bear, while others prefer the more traditional and robust framework of Microsoft OneNote.
One final thought—consider combining apps. For instance, you could use Google Keep for quick on-the-go notes and Notion or OneNote for more detailed organization and storage. This dual approach can cater to varying needs without stressing over one app doing everything perfectly.
Hope this adds more clarity for you!