Discover the best note-taking app for iPad enthusiasts
If you’re familiar with the world of note-taking, you will know it’s a serious business. Notes are not just for students, although they do make up a large proportion of the user base. Professors, journalists, and avid writers all use their iPads to jot down lesson outlines, story ideas, and to-do lists.
To make the most of your notes, you need to consider a few factors. Some apps are better than others, and things like fonts, space, and graphics can transform a bland page into a stylish study session aid. Then there’s the user interface, collaboration features, and visual appeal.
Let’s explore our 11 best note-taking apps for iPads.
⚡️Our top picks at a glance:
- MarginNote 4 for creating revision materials
- GoodNotes for the most realistic notebook experience
- Apple Notes for the best native app
- Nebo for the best handwriting experience
- LiquidText for the best annotating features for PDFs
- Notability for the best audio features
- Freeform for the best infinite canvas
- Evernote for the best productivity features in a note-taking app
- Noteful for the best layers feature
- Microsoft OneNote for the best Microsoft note-taking app
- Penbook for the best customization options
GoodNotes
Best note-taking app for iPads for: a realistic notebook experience
Pricing: Free to download and use, but the cross-platform subscription costs $9.99 per year or a one-and-done purchase of $29.99
Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 stars (107.2K ratings in the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS
Links: App Store | Official Site
When people talk about the best note-taking app for iPads, they often mention GoodNotes. One of the most impressive features is the notebook style that organizes the pages one after the other, like a real notebook. If you want to avoid swiping, you can bookmark pages and add important pages to the outline of the book. And in Goodnotes 6, you can link between notebooks, adding a digital benefit to an otherwise pen-on-paper experience.
On top of that, you can enjoy a seamless audio feature that allows you to type while recording, a split screen that enables you to simultaneously write on two separate documents, and a system that stores digital stickers as reusable elements. GoodNotes also has lots of templates, including textured paper templates.
💡 Good to know: We’ve compiled a list of the best note-taking templates for iPad users in 2025.
AI note-taking was also introduced in GoodNotes 6. It automatically corrects spellings in your own handwriting, which is ideal for students and professionals who take handwritten notes. AI also helps with maths, converting handwritten maths equations into the written version and offering step-by-step solutions.
We also love the Split Screen feature, which lets us put two separate notes side by side. This is great for college students who want to revise and improve hastily scribbled notes. Once you’ve finished with the body of the text, you can combine shapes, highlighters, and text into Elements to create your own stickers.
All in all, GoodNotes is the best note-taking app for iPad users who prefer digital tools but don’t want to forget about good old-fashioned pen and paper entirely.
Despite the positives, there are a few niggling disappointments. Users can only pre-save their three favorite colors for the Pen and Highlighter tools, and although the Search tool is functional, it tends to struggle with complex requests.
Another downside is the price. The developers behind GoodNotes clearly know that their app stands out from the crowd, and the price tag reflects that. For some, paying $29.99 for a note-taking app is ludicrous. For others, it’s a worthy investment to improve their personal development and boost their career progression.
Pros:
- Audio recording: Recent updates have given GoodNotes a much-awaited audio recording feature. When you replay an audio clip, GoodNotes will show you what you wrote while recording.
- Combine handwriting and text: When you use GoodNotes, you can switch between handwritten and typed text on the same page.
- Syncs across Apple devices: Instant iCloud syncing ensures your notes are always at your fingertips.
Cons:
- Searchability: The notebook setup is novel, but many users prefer the immediate searchability that comes with other apps.
- Price: The one-off purchase price might seem steep, but you could always opt for the $9.99 per year price.
Apple Notes
Best note-taking app for iPads for: Apple natives who want to jump straight into note-taking
Pricing: Free, forever!
Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 stars (455.5K ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and Apple Vision Pro
Links: App Store | Official Site
Notes is preinstalled on Apple devices, meaning it often gets overlooked in articles about the best note-taking apps for iPads. This app supports typed text, Apple Pencil, links, photos, videos, and a few simple formatting options such as headings, checklists, and bullet lists. In short, Notes comes with all the basics notetakers need, and it’s completely free!
That being said, Notes is a relatively simple app, especially when compared with GoodNotes or Notability. There are a few drawbacks that might make avid notetakers turn away.
Users can combine typed and handwritten content in the same note, but the process isn’t as streamlined as it could be. There is a dedicated section for handwritten notes, and although there’s an option to add multiple sections, it just doesn’t flow seamlessly.
Then again, this minor disruption might be worth it in exchange for the instant syncing between Mac, iPad, and iPhone. You can also use the Quick Note function, which you can activate by swiping up from the bottom right-hand corner of your iPad, to type (or write) your thoughts without opening the app. The note will appear in your Notes files, allowing you to capture thoughts before they disappear completely.
All in all, Apple Notes is a good native iPadOS note-taking app. But it’s not made for long-form or aesthetic notes, limiting its real-life use cases. Sure, it’s great for quick notes, but it can’t compete with the customization and integration options available on other note-taking apps.
Pros:
- Default: Apple Notes is preinstalled on all iPads, meaning you don’t have to spend hours researching the best note-taking apps for iPads. You can start taking notes straight away — ideal for people who have fast-paced careers or studies.
- iCloud syncing: Users don’t have to worry about syncing across devices; it happens instantly.
- Handwriting: Notes supports handwriting, and it recognizes all sorts of data inputs, including cursive, diagrams, and maths formulas.
Cons:
- No templates: Unlike a lot of popular note-taking apps, Notes does not offer pre-built templates. However, you can create your own basic templates and save them for later use.
- Limited storage: Apple Notes uses whatever storage you have available in your iCloud — an important consideration for people who want to take lots of notes. Still, Apple gives everyone 5 GB of iCloud storage as standard, so this might not be a problem.
- Interrupts flow: The handwriting/text integration isn’t as seamless as it could be, which disrupts creative flow.
- No web version: Apple Notes isn’t available on the web, which limits its accessibility to only Apple devices.
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Nebo
Best note-taking app for iPads for: handwriting recognition
Pricing: Free to download and use, but a one-off purchase of $14.99 to unlock the full version
Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars (36.1K ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, or macOS
Links: App Store | Official Site
Nebo is a shining star for people who want to take handwritten notes. This app can not only handle handwritten paragraphs, but it also uses MyScript’s Interactive Ink technology to convert handwritten math formulas into equations.
It markets itself as a note-taking app for students, but don’t let that deter you. It’s known as one of the best note-taking apps for iPad users who prefer handwritten notes, whether text or math formulas. Plus, the interface is extremely intuitive — a big positive for your workflow.
Unlike its competitors, this app doesn’t have templates. However, it does have two options, a Nebo Document and a Nebo Note. A Nebo Document looks like a typical lined sheet of paper. You can add note areas, sketch areas, images, and more, and even combine handwriting and typing in the same sentence.
A Nebo Note offers much more flexibility. There are no lines or guides, so you can use the infinite canvas however you like. Need a bit more structure? Just tap the “more” button and choose from a gridded, lined, dotted, or blank background.
The Highlighter tool has six line thicknesses and the same color presets and test window as the Pen tool. We love the Highlighter because it automatically snaps into a straight line behind the text, which is a pretty unique feature in the note-taking world.
Of course, the lack of templates is a massive disadvantage for students, professionals, and professors who want to speed up the note-taking process with guided study logs, brainstorms, and journal entries. Then again, we’re sure that maths students will appreciate the handwritten math formula feature.
Believe it or not, Nebo is free, with the only exception being the multi-device syncing feature. All three note formats are free to use, so even if this app doesn’t become your favorite, it’s still worth a try!
Pros:
- Affordable: Nebo is free to download and use, and, as long as you don’t need the features in Nebo Pro, you won’t have to pay a penny.
- Highlighter tool: Notetakers love that the Highlighter tool transforms to look uniform throughout Notes and Documents.
- No subscription: Even if you’re willing to pay extra for Nebo, you (thankfully) don’t have to sign up for a subscription. It’s just a one-off purchase of $14.99.
- Supports cursive handwriting: Nebo easily understands everything from individual letters to cursive words.
Cons:
- Full version isn’t included: For a one-off purchase of $14.99, you can access all of Nebo’s features.
- No real-time collaboration: If you’re in the market for a note-taking app to collaborate with your friends, colleagues, and peers in real-time, you’re in the wrong place. You can “publish” your notes and send them to others to download and view, but there’s no way for friends to add feedback in the app.
- No templates: Nebo flies in the face of convention by not including templates, something that’s unusual for a note-taking app.
LiquidText
Best note-taking app for iPads for: annotating PDFs
Pricing: Free to download and use, but LiquidText Pro costs $3.99 per month
Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1.3K ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and Mac
Links: App Store | Official Site
As the name suggests, LiquidText creates a truly flexible note-taking experience. It doesn’t just allow you to write handwritten notes on PDFs: you can create an excerpt by circling anything on your PDF, automatically transforming it into a movable object that you can drag and drop to any other page in the document. Some notetakers find this feature clunky, but we’ve had no problems with it.
LiquidText calls itself a “PDF editor with superpowers”, and we’re inclined to agree. You can use the Live Connections feature to link notes and ideas, creating a visual cue for later revision sessions or meetings. Your colleagues, friends, and peers can also add notes in real time, a handy collaboration feature that we love to see.
This note-taking app is known for its ability to create detailed mind maps, offering a new way for notetakers to visualize information. You can also work offline, a small yet often overlooked feature that ensures your work schedule stays flexible. Another string in LiquidText’s bow is the Audio feature, which allows you to record audio notes or insert existing audio files and sync them with text.
But of course, there are a few downsides you need to consider. LiquidText almost exclusively focuses on PDFs and webpages and doesn’t support EPUB files. This is a popular eBook format, so this might pose problems for readers, literature students, and professors.
LiquidText’s search function doesn’t scan handwritten notes— a strange sticking point for an app designed for handwritten annotations. Regardless, the app is relatively affordable, clocking in at just $3.99 per month. The free version doesn’t include the full range of annotation tools, and it doesn’t even allow you to back up your work. All in all, we think that a subscription is essential for LiquidText.
Pros:
- Comprehensive workspace: LiquidText brings all your documents, notes, and annotations into a single workspace.
- Real-time collaboration: Keep your finger on the pulse by encouraging real-time collaboration with colleagues.
- Infinite canvas: There’s no end to the amount of notes you can take, ideal for people who want to explore their ideas fully.
Cons:
- Limited compatibility: Ultimately, LiquidText is designed for PDFs. It does support a few other formats, but it doesn’t support EPUBs.
- Search function: The search function is limited, excluding handwritten notes. For many, this means they won’t be able to search through their notes at all.
Notability
Best note-taking app for iPads for: audio features
Pricing: Free to download and use, but $7.99 per month or $19.99 annually for the Pro version.
Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars (55.1K ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPad, and macOS
Links: App Store | Official Site
Notability launched in 2010, and since then, it has made its way to the top of the iPad note-taking charts. Don’t let the minimalist design fool you; this app can help you create, organize, and manage all kinds of notes.
True to its name, Notability has some pretty notable features. Audio recording, Sync audio playback, PDF annotation, Handwriting conversion, and GIFs are just a few of the tools you can use. In short, it’s a one-stop shop for all your note-taking needs.
It’s worth going a bit more in-depth about the audio features. After all, Notability shot to fame because of its Simultaneous Audio Recording feature. Basically, audio recordings are linked to your annotations. While playing audio, you can tap your notes to jump to that point in the recording. And to top things off, any annotations you make while playing audio are instantly synced to it, creating a comprehensive revision process for students and professionals alike.
You can collaborate with others via shared documents, which is perfect for meeting deadlines within their teams. Just go to the Note you want to share, copy the link, and send it to your colleague. Anytime you do this, the Note will automatically appear in the Shared Notes section, a handy feature that helps you keep track of your tasks.
When Notability first hit the market, some users were not pleased with the handwriting support. Now, Notability’s Ink Rendering Engine has been rewritten, making the whole process smooth and flawless. We had no problems creating legible handwritten notes with Notability, which goes to show that the developers listen to customer concerns.
Pros:
- Audio syncing: The audio features are impressive, allowing you to seamlessly combine handwritten or typed notes with your own words.
- Handwriting and math conversion: The Ink Rendering Engine has massively improved the handwriting process, allowing you to create notes that truly replicate your personal handwriting style.
- Intuitive UX: The minimalist, intuitive user interface means that Notability has a low learning curve.
- Collaborative: The collaborative element is perfect for students and colleagues who want to work with their peers.
Cons:
- Not entirely free: To unlock the full Notability experience, you have to pay $7.99 per month or an annual subscription of $19.99.
- Storage: The audio feature is a massive plus, but it takes up a lot of space. If you have limited iCloud storage and don’t want to buy more, this is something to think about.
Freeform
Best note-taking app for iPads for: an infinite canvas
Pricing: Free to download and use
Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars (297.9K ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and Mac
Links: App Store
Freeform is a little different but no less deserving of the title of one of the best note-taking apps for iPad. Students, creatives, and professionals from all over the globe use this app to make well-structured mind maps. In essence, Freeform operates a lot like an infinite whiteboard, but with all the benefits of digital tools.
That’s right, Freeform has an infinite canvas. This feature does exactly what it says on the tin — the canvas expands as you add content, allowing you a level of flexibility that very few other note-taking apps offer. It’s great for people who have an idea they haven’t fully realized.
You can write or type your notes, insert media anywhere, and add sticky notes to make your points stand out. Auto-snapping arrows enable you to connect ideas across the infinite canvas, and you can even attach files and share URLs straight from your browser.
Freeform has plenty of sketching options, including pens, crayons, and markers with adjustable line thickness, color, and opacity. You can make aesthetically pleasing notes with diagrams and doodles in your own art style. If you are a visual learner, this could be the answer to your prayers.
There’s also a bunch of integration options that are great for visual learners. You can add photos, videos, audio, documents, PDFs, web links, and stickers to make your notes more eye-catching.
Pros:
- Content integration: Easily integrate all types of content into your notes, including videos, PDFs, and stickers.
- Free: This app is entirely free, so you don’t have to splash the cash.
- Infinite canvas: The infinite canvas is a brilliant selling point, allowing you to eke out every bit of information from your chosen topic.
- Visually appealing: Freeform allows you to leverage the power of visual information, something that many people find more effective than written information.
Cons:
- No folders: The lack of folders is our biggest gripe with this note-taking app because it makes organization unnecessarily difficult.
- Manual syncing: Freeform should automatically sync with iCloud, but some notetakers have problems with this. You might need to enable and disable syncing manually, which can be tricky.
- Prone to crashes: Freeform has crashed on us a few times, especially when we take full advantage of the infinite canvas.
evernote
Best note-taking app for iPads for: productivity while note-taking
Pricing: Free to download and use, but some of the most enticing features are hidden behind a paywall, costing $14.99 per month or $129.99 per year.
Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars (69.4K reviews on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS and iPadOS
Links: App Store | Official Site
Any blog about the best note-taking apps for iPad fans would be incomplete without mentioning Evernote. In its heyday, Evernote was one of the most popular note-taking apps, offering a range of features notetakers couldn’t find anywhere else. Now, it’s still a worthy option, but its highlight leans more toward the productivity feature.
Evernote doesn’t just have tasks and reminders, it also has a dedicated Home dashboard that offers an overview of your most pressing tasks and content. You can add a full webpage or excerpt, a photograph, a voice memo, or tasks to a dedicated to-do list section. Even better, you can use the Reminder feature to keep you on track.
It combines productivity and note-taking in a way that few other note-taking apps do and also caters to visual, auditory, and textural learners.
The Offline Notes feature is another nice touch, allowing you to continue working on your to-do list (and writing your notes) on the go. That said, this feature is only available on Evernote Pro, which costs $14.99 per month or $129.99 per year. This number has massively shot up in recent years, with some wondering whether the tools justify the price point.
The templates are great time savers, but are on the basic side compared to the other apps on our list.
It’s fair to say that Evernote supports a wide range of external tools, including Gmail, Notion, Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. And the user interface makes integrating other apps super easy, so you don’t have to worry about the learning curve.
Despite the positives, Evernote falls behind its peers when it comes to digital handwriting. Unlike a lot of note-taking apps, it doesn’t directly support handwriting input. However, there are a few ways around this problem. You can use the Sketch feature on Evernote or use the handwriting features in other note-taking apps (like GoodNotes), screenshot your notes, and import them into Evernote. All in all, it’s a disappointing development for what is otherwise an effective productivity/note-taking app.
Pros:
- Templates: More than 50 templates are included at no extra cost. There’s something for everyone, including templates for the Cornell note-taking method, school studies, and personal growth. Alternatively, you can use the tools in the app to make your own templates.
- Productivity tools: Evernote isn’t just for note-taking; it also has plenty of productivity cornerstones, creating an all-in-one management tool.
- Integrated to-do lists: The integrated to-do list sections allow you to stay focused on your goals, and the Reminder feature will give you a nudge in the right direction.
Cons:
- Expensive: We’ve never seen a note-taking app with an annual fee as expensive as Evernote. And considering that Evernote Pro still contains fewer note-taking features than some of the other (far cheaper) apps on our list, it’s difficult to justify the yearly purchase.
- No dedicated handwriting tool: You can only take handwritten notes in Sketch Mode, which might put a hitch in your workflow. And even if you do, you may notice that your notes aren’t as impressive as they could be in, say, a note-taking app with dedicated handwriting technology.
- Limited features: The free version of EverNote leaves a lot to be desired; you only get 60 MB of storage per month, it doesn’t work offline, and you can’t connect to Calendar and add reminders, among other things.
noteful
Best note-taking app for iPads for: layers
Pricing: Free to download and use, but the full version is a one-time cost of $4.99
Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars (16.7K ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple Vision devices
Links: App Store | Official Site
Noteful caught our eye because of one distinctive feature – it has layers! This app really takes advantage of the digital realm to offer something that the traditional note-taking experience just can’t replicate. You can type or handwrite notes on multiple layers and hide them whenever it suits you.
Students can use the Layers feature to quiz themselves on important information, and professionals can keep confidential information in the right place while only sending neat, relevant information to clients. And once you’ve activated Noteful’s Presentation Mode, you can use Layers to create a click-to-reveal slideshow.
One of Noteful’s biggest selling points is the fact that it allows you to take notes on PDFs. Unfortunately, many of its competitors offer the same feature. And because Noteful can’t search through handwritten notes, it feels more like a burst bubble than a big benefit.
We have to mention the Pen tool, which some say is one of the best of its kind. You can fine-tune the motion smoothness, pressure sensitivity, and more. The other writing and drawing tools aren’t as advanced, but you can still customize them. For example, the Highlighter tool has five thicknesses.
Beyond the standard stuff, there are loads more features to explore. Add images from your Photos, snap pictures with your camera, resize and rotate images and text boxes, and add audio notes that sync to handwritten text… the world is your oyster!
Multi-device syncing and a handful of other features are hidden behind a paywall, but compared to the other subscriptions on our list, Noteful is pretty affordable. For a one-off purchase of $4.99, you can access all the features, and you don’t have to sign up for a subscription.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing notes: With all the image import, resizing, and element features, you can easily create eye-catching notes.
- Affordable: For the cost of a coffee, you can integrate this note-taking app into your personal and professional life.
- Customizable writing tools: You can customize the Pen tool to truly represent your personal handwriting style.
- Layers: There’s a way to use the Layer feature for almost everything. You can leverage the power of Layers to create drafts, test yourself, or make slideshows!
Cons:
- Audio recordings: You can only add audio recordings to handwritten notes, an odd distinction for a note-taking app. However, syncing playback with notes is useful, giving you an insight into exactly what you were thinking when jotting ideas weeks ago.
- Search tool: The search function can’t scan through your handwriting, which lots of note-takers find frustrating. But, to be fair, only a few note-taking apps offer this feature, so Noteful isn’t necessarily behind the curve.
microsoft onenote
Best note-taking app for iPads for: existing Microsoft users
Pricing: Free to download and use, but $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year for a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription*
Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars (1 million ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro
Links: App Store | Official Site
*Some Microsoft plans include OneNote as standard, like Microsoft 365 Personal and Family accounts.
OneNote is very organized, complete with two folder sections on the left, a big drawing and writing area on the right, and all the customization tools at the top. Jumping from one note to another is super easy so, if everything else goes according to plan, there shouldn’t be any hitches in your workflow.
But for all its plus points, OneNote falls short in some areas. The customization tools aren’t the most exciting we’ve seen. You can expect the standard Highlighter, Pen, Pencil, and Eraser, but that’s about it.
This app supports handwriting via Apple Pencil, but this is a relatively new development, so don’t be surprised if you notice a few niggling problems and bugs. However, you can easily switch between text mode and Pencil mode to combine handwritten notes and text in the same document. Better yet, your Notes sync to your device, so you can view and edit them when you’re offline.
OneNote might be one of the best note-taking apps for iPad users, but it’s also available on Windows, Android, and the web! So, if you’re searching for a cross-platform note-taking app that you can use on multiple devices, you’re in the right place.
Just to be clear, you don’t need a Microsoft subscription to use OneNote on your iPad. You can use the free version, but you’ll only be able to access the full battery of features with a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. At $6.99 per month, it’s not too expensive, and it includes the premium versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, as well as 1 TB of OneDrive storage and extra security features to safeguard your work.
Pros:
- Cross-Apple platforms: If you’re a notetaker who likes to mix their operating systems, OneNote is perfect for you!
- Free version is impressive: The free version of OneNote includes all the features necessary to create notes, like handwriting, creating notebooks, sharing and collaborating with others, and embedding content from other apps.
- Range of apps: When you subscribe to OneNote, you also subscribe to a bunch of other Microsoft apps, opening new avenues for exploration. Who knows, you might find your new favorite app.
Cons:
- User interface feels cluttered: OneNote allows you to see all your notes and folders on one screen, which some people might find cluttered and unappealing.
- Paywall: Advanced features are hidden behind the paywall. If you don’t shell out for a subscription, you won’t be able to access the AI Math Assistant, increased storage capacity, and Office app integrations.
penbook
Best note-taking app for iPads for: customization options
Pricing: Free to download and use, but Penbook Pro costs $14.99 per year or a one-time purchase of $49.99
Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars (40K reviews on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Links: App Store | Official Site
Penbook is one of the most customizable note-taking apps out there. It features over 1,000 different templates, including specific options for musicians, developers, and more. From the get-go, you can create a notebook that caters to your exact needs, like a notebook for chemistry class, a monthly calendar to track your mood, or a storyboard style for more creative workflows.
Users can also customize background colors, accent colors, fonts, and the number of pages in their notebooks. You can even mix and match templates in the same notebook, making Penbook the best note-taking app for iPad fanatics who like being as creative as possible. And the interface is simple and easy to navigate, so you don’t have to worry about a big learning curve.
It also has a feature called Live Paper, which combines calendar events with handwritten notes and sketches. You can create dashboards that keep track of key areas in your life and personalize them with eye-catching stickers, PDFs, and templates.
The biggest downside is the free version, which only includes one notebook. To really unlock the power of Penbook, you have to invest in a yearly or lifetime plan. Granted, the yearly cost is only $14.99, a relatively affordable option when compared to the cost of multiple real-life notebooks, pens, highlighters, and other customization tools.
The lack of collaboration is another big disappointment. You can still share notebooks and pages, but there’s no chance of real-time feedback.
Pros:
- Customizable: Penbook is the top of the class when it comes to customization, giving you all the stickers, integration tools, and highlighters you need to create engaging notes.
- Shortcuts: You can add six custom tools to your toolbar for a more streamlined workflow.
- Virtually no learning curve: We found Penbook very intuitive and easy to use, so you can start taking notes almost straight away.
Cons:
- Free version: Unlike other note-taking apps on our list, Penbook has a limited free version.
- No real-time collaboration: There is no way to share virtual notebooks that allows someone else to edit in-app, making collaboration difficult.
MarginNote 4
Best note-taking app for iPads for: creating revision materials
Pricing: Free to download and use, but you have to pay a one-off cost of $12.99 for the full version
Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars (282 ratings on the App Store)
Apple platforms: iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Links: App Store | Official Site
The most recent version of MarginNote (MarginNote 4) came out in 2024. It combines note-taking, reading, annotating, and studying, creating a comprehensive tool that appeals to avid learners.
MarginNote 4’s annotation abilities are similar to those of LiquidText, allowing you to easily make notes on PDFs, create excerpts, and link between different bits of information. But it exceeds LiquidText in a few key ways, most notably the ability to transform text into flashcards, mindmaps, and study outlines. You can also create notes from multiple sources and make all-in-one resources instead of spreading your notes across multiple notebooks.
The handwriting functionality is decent, but it lacks the sophistication of other apps like Notability. Handwriting recognition isn’t 100% accurate, but the features are enticing enough to almost make this a non-issue.
If you like mind maps, you’re in the right place. Once you’re in Study Mode, you can create a Mind map Notebook and link it to existing documents in your Library. MarginNote 4 has a clean, concise way of creating mind maps that’s sure to make your notes pop. However, you have to fill in a table of contents before the mind map populates, so it requires a bit of forethought and planning.
Good to know: Another way to make your notes pop is to find and use a note-taking method that appeals to you. There’s the Cornell method, mind maps, Oxford notes, and many more methods to choose from. For a more in-depth analysis, check out our article on the best note-taking methods for college students.
Pros:
- Annotations: Directly record your ideas on PDFs, ensuring you don’t forget a single thought.
- Comprehensive notes: When you choose MarginNote 4, you can put everything in the same spot. It simplifies the problem of information overload, so you can focus on the key concepts that matter.
- Create excerpts: Like LiquidText, MarginNote 4 allows you to create excerpts from anything on the page.
Cons:
- Handwriting feature is lacking: MarginNote 4 doesn’t claim to have the best handwriting feature on the market, and unfortunately, it’s true that it doesn’t live up to the handwriting abilities of other apps.
- Learning curve: We can’t deny that this note-taking app has a bunch of interesting features, but they might not be that accessible for someone who wants to jump straight into note-taking.
Final thoughts
There you have it, our picks for the top 11 best note-taking apps for iPads. Whether you want the ability to create comprehensive documents for collaboration, excerpts for slideshows, or flashcards for revision, there’s a note-taking app for you.
Remember, most of these apps are free to download and use. So, before you dip into your pocket, consider taking these apps for a spin and finding one that works for you.
For a realistic pen-on-paper experience, try Rock Paper Pencil!
You’ve finally found the best note-taking app for iPad — now what? Plenty of digital notetakers struggle with the transition from analog to digital notes, in part because of the lack of friction between their stylus and screen.
To solve this problem, you need a matte screen protector. Rock Paper Pencil is the only iPad accessory with both a matte screen protector and ballpoint Apple Pencil tips. The two meticulously engineered components work together to create a realistic pen-on-paper experience.
- Nano-texture screen protector: Infused with microscopic textured nodes to replicate the “tooth” of fine-grain paper, and made with NanoCling technology that seamlessly sticks to your iPad.
- Precision-engineered Apple Pencil tip: The 1mm ballpoint tip is the optimal size for accuracy and control, mirroring the familiar feel of a ballpoint pen.
Check out our comparison of Apple Pencil tips vs. Rock Paper Pencil tips to see why you should make the switch.
