If you’ve been shelling out for a note-taking app, it might be time to let go. These free alternatives aren’t just “good enough”—they’re better. Cleaner, faster, less annoying. And best of all, they don’t charge you to think.
1Apple Notes
Apple Notes is the ultimate free note-taking appif you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can use the tool to journal, write your shopping list, and quickly jot down thoughts that pop into your mind throughout the day. It’s incredibly versatile and one of the best free Apple apps.
While Apple Notes used to feel disjointed and archaic, its interface has improved significantly in the past decade (even thoughApple Notes still misses some key features). The search feature will find any note you need, meaning you don’t need to worry about keeping everything organized. Moreover, you can pin important notes you want to access quickly later.
Accessing other notes quickly is seamless via linking and the Recent Notes expandable tab, which allows you to jump back into anything you’ve recently edited. If you need to make tables, you can do it with the Lines & Grids feature.
Apple Notes is installed by default on your device. Your notes will automatically sync across everywhere you use the same Apple account.
2Google Keep
Google Keepis a simple Apple Notes alternative available on all operating systems. On the homepage, you can type into the text box to automatically create a new note. Once you’ve done this, you can expand the note to go into more detail.
Like Apple Notes, Google Keep lets you pin important notes. When you create something new, you can choose whether you want to make an ordinary note, a to-do list, or a note with images. Moreover, you can customize the background with illustrations or colors.
For more comprehensive notes, Google Keep lets you copy everything into Google Docs. You can access all of your previous changes via the Version history option, and you can organize your notes via labels.
Google Keep has a Reminders feature, too. In essence, it’s a combination of Apple Notes and Apple Reminders.
Download:Google Keep foriOS|Android(Free)
3Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper is a fantastic note-taking tool if you already useDropboxfor your file management. you’re able to directly insert files and folders, making the tool ideal for brainstorming, studying, and working on your big hobbies and creative projects.
With Dropbox Paper, you can add code blocks if needed as well. The app works well if you need to share it with others, thanks to its slideshow feature—and for topics needing a lot of planning, you can use theTimelinetool.
Other helpful features in Dropbox Paper include the ability to add tables and buttons that let you choose between ordinary and numbered bullet points. To save important documents, you may tap the star icon.
Dropbox Paper is included in all free and paid accounts. Your storage limitations will depend on how much your plan allows. You can use Dropbox Paper in the Dropbox app by going to+ > Create file > Paper.
Download:Dropbox foriOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
OneNoteis Microsoft’s answer to Google Keep and Apple Notes.OneNote has lots of little-known useful features. For example, you can translate entire pages and add custom tags.
In OneNote, you’re able to make multiple notebooks to keep everything organized. This works similarly to Evernote, though the interface is more intuitive.
If you use Outlook, you can sync your emails with OneNote. And even if you don’t, you can synchronize all of your notebooks in OneNote.
Besides note-taking, you canuse OneNote as a to-do list. The app is available to everyone with a Microsoft account, even if you don’t have a 365 subscription. You can use the tool with Copilot, but not without a paid plan.
Download:OneNote foriOS|Android(Free, in-app purchases available)
5Simplenote
Simplenotedoes exactly what the name suggests. It’s a no-frills app with a simple interface, and you’ll have access to a few user-friendly features. For example, you can copy and paste internal links and easily refer to your other notes when necessary.
If you need to create checklists, Simplenote has an icon for this. Otherwise, you can type your notes as you normally would.
The app lets you collaborate with others if needed, and you can toggle thePin to Topfeature on for particularly important notes.
Unlike most apps, you may’t use your socials to sign in to Simplenote. Instead, you’ll have to make your own account. While a bit more time-consuming than other apps, Simplenote at least has good levels of security.
Download:Simplenote foriOS|Android(Free)
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I used to think you had to pay for a good note-taking app. Turns out, the best ones are free. No endless popups, no feature gating—just smooth, reliable note-taking.
