Note-taking has evolved radically thanks to technology. Gone are the days when only a pen and paper were the indispensable tools in the classroom or at a meeting. Today, The best note-taking apps on Android allow you to organize, share, and customize the annotation process in a more efficient, visual, and accessible way from any device. In this extensive analysis, we review not only the most popular options, but also all the advanced and specialized alternatives that competitors point out as essential. The goal is that, regardless of your profile, you can find the perfect app for taking digital notes from your Android mobile or tablet.
In addition to the options that every Android user should know, in this article we explore advanced functionalities, key advantages of each app, its limitations y new actors Trendsetting apps, including free, paid, collaborative, and organizational, security, and visual customization apps. We also include detailed information on lesser-known apps that are highly valued by certain profiles.
Why use apps to take digital notes?
Note-taking apps for Android They provide advantages that go far beyond simple digitalization from our notes. They allow:
- Synchronize notes between devices (mobile, tablet, computer, web).
- Organize content with labels, colors, folders, and checklists.
- To collaborate in real time with other people, share information and work in groups.
- Improve accessibility through search, handwritten text recognition and audio recordings.
- Increase productivity with templates, reminders, task systems, and smart features.
The ability to attach images, record audio, add files, draw or create sketches, and the integration with other services, such as cloud storage, make these apps truly personal and academic knowledge management centers.
Evernote
Evernote It stands out for being one of the most complete and versatile note-taking apps on Android. Its intuitive interface allows you to create text notes, organize information in notebooks, add images, links, to-do lists, and all kinds of attachments.
Main advantages:
- Cross-platform sync: Your notes are stored in the cloud and can be accessed from any device.
- Tag system to classify notes, powerful search engine and the ability to pin important notes.
- Supports audio recordings, reminders, web clippings, and document scanning.
- Customizable templates for different types of notes: class, meetings, projects, personal planner, etc.
Evernote has a free version that's sufficient for most students and users. For those who need more capabilities (more cloud storage, advanced features, and a larger number of connected devices), there's a subscription model.
Limitations: The free version limits the number of devices and file upload space. More advanced features require a paid plan.
Microsoft OneNote
OneNote It's Microsoft's solution for taking and managing notes in a professional and collaborative manner. It integrates seamlessly with the Office ecosystem, making it ideal for those who already use Word, Excel, or Outlook.
Main advantages:
- Full compatibility with Office files and the ability to embed Excel tables, images and links.
- Supports handwriting with stylus, includes drawing options and allows you to scan documents easily.
- Synchronization with OneDrive and multiplatform access (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, web).
- It allows you to create complex structures of notebooks, sections and pages to organize knowledge hierarchically.
- Real-time editing and collaboration, ideal for group work or class projects.
OneNote is completely free, although some premium features are tied to a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Limitations: All notes are synced via OneDrive, which can be a minor drawback if you prefer other cloud services. Its interface may seem complex at first for those looking for something simpler.
Google Keep
Google Keep It is Google's official notes tool and a favorite for those looking for simplicity, speed and efficiencyIts biggest advantage is its seamless integration with the entire Google ecosystem, which makes it easy to manage information across Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and other tools.
Main advantages:
- Instant access to your notes from any device connected to your Google account, even from the web.
- Sticky notes, to-do lists with checkboxes, priority note pinning, and customizable colors.
- It allows you to add images, freehand drawings, audio (recognizing the content and transcribing it automatically).
- Share and collaborate on notes with other Google users.
- Reminders and notifications linked to location and date.
Google Keep's minimalist interface is one of the fastest and easiest to use. It's free, with no in-app purchases or ads.
Limitations: Compared to other options, it has fewer advanced formatting and organization options (no folders, just tags), and its functionality is geared more toward everyday needs than complex academic ones.
Notebook (Zoho Notebook)
Zoho Notebook It is one of the most complete and aesthetically pleasing note-taking applications on Android. Its design inspired by physical notebooks It is perfect for those who enjoy visual organization and customization.
Main advantages:
- Text notes, checklists, audio notes, images, drawings, document notes, and scanning capabilities.
- Free and unlimited synchronization between devices, without ads or interruptions.
- Advanced organization options: virtual notebooks with designer covers, categories, and font and color customization.
- Password protection in confidential notes and access blocking.
- Templates, widgets, and basic collaboration capabilities.
Zoho Notebook is free and has no paid plan that limits features.
Limitations: Some advanced integrations (such as web access) may require registration. It doesn't have as many collaborative options as other apps.
Squid (formerly Papyrus)
Squid It's positioned as the best option if you're looking for handwritten notes, freehand drawing, and editing PDF documents. It's preferred by those who appreciate writing with a stylus directly on the screen, simulating the traditional paper experience.
Main advantages:
- Vector graphics engine which ensures fluid strokes and scalability when exporting notes or drawings.
- You can handwrite, draw, underline, and highlight on both blank sheets and imported PDF files (Pro version).
- Easy export to PDF and other applications.
- Allows you to organize into notebooks and sections, as well as copy, paste, and move content between pages.
- Stylus compatible with pressure recognition and palm rejection.
The basic version is free, but the Pro version offers additional features such as importing and annotating PDFs.
Limitations: The organization system is less advanced than that of apps like OneNote or Evernote. It doesn't include handwriting recognition (OCR) or advanced collaboration features.
ColorNote Notepad
Colornote It is a notes app well known for its extremely simple and effective interface. Aimed at those looking to quickly and easily jot down information and organize it by color to distinguish different contexts (classes, ideas, purchases, reminders, etc.).
Main advantages:
- No login required, although registering an account allows you to sync and back up online.
- Organize by calendar, lock notes with a password, and schedule reminders.
- Colored notes, three different visual themes, and Autolink to detect links or numbers in your notes.
- Ability to pin notes or lists to the status bar for quick access.
- Completely free and without intrusive ads.
Limitations: It doesn't allow you to embed images, audio, or add attachments. Its organization system is very simple, more appropriate for short notes or lists than for complex projects or long classes.
Lecture Notes
Lecture Notes It's designed for students who take notes the traditional way, but digitally. It was one of the first Android apps to offer full stylus and handwriting support, which is why it remains highly valued among university and teaching audiences.
Main advantages:
- Creating freehand digital notebooks (simulating a physical notebook) with support for multiple layers.
- Support for attaching linked audio and video to notebook pages.
- Import and annotate PDF documents, basic integration with Evernote and OneNote.
- Customize templates, paper types, and page styles.
- Ideal for disciplines that require diagrams, schemes, formulas or free drawing (science, mathematics, art, architecture...).
LectureNotes offers a free trial version and a full paid version.
Limitations: It doesn't have cross-platform sync or advanced cloud integration.
GoodNotes
For a long time, GoodNotes was exclusive to iOS, but it recently arrived on Android, positioning itself as one of the most comprehensive apps for taking handwritten notes on tablets and mobile phones.
Main advantages:
- It allows you to use different pens, thicknesses, colors, highlighters and backgrounds of different types of paper (squared, dotted, blank, etc.).
- Advanced organization into folders, subfolders, and tabs. Create custom notebooks.
- Add PDFs, images, stickers, and visuals with ease.
- Handwriting recognition to convert it into editable text.
- Very intuitive interface, ideal for students looking for structure and order.
GoodNotes offers several free features and more in its premium version.
Limitations: Some advanced features and unlimited export require a paid version. It's heavier than simple apps like Google Keep or ColorNote.
Noteshelf
Noteshelf is another highly rated app among handwriting enthusiasts and is now available on Android. It offers a creative and visual approach for those who want to take handwritten notes, underline, draw, and organize documents.
Main advantages:
- Wide variety of brushes and highlighters, ability to save favorite fonts.
- Ability to record audio notes and integrate them into your notes.
- Handwritten text searching and editing on PDF documents.
- You can create lists, align text, and organize notes into various folders.
Noteshelf is paid, but its comprehensive range of options makes it one of the most recommended for students and creative professionals.
Limitations: It doesn't allow you to create subfolders like GoodNotes. Advanced export also requires the full version.
Notability
Notability It's very popular in the Apple world, but there are also versions for Android and Windows, with an intuitive and fast interface. It's especially useful for those who want to combine handwritten notes, audio, images, scans, and PDF annotations.
Main advantages:
- Organized into sections and dividers, ideal for keeping notes structured by subject or project.
- Recording voice notes synchronized with your written notes.
- Ability to move around the page while typing with the keyboard or stylus.
Notability is free but some advanced features require payment.
Or
Or It is one of the most advanced applications for convert handwriting into digital text thanks to its powerful OCR recognition. Very useful for both academic and professional use.
Main advantages:
- Immediate handwriting recognition and conversion to editable text.
- Supports gestures to erase, highlight, or split sections in notes.
- Dark mode to reduce eye strain and advanced display customization.
- Allows the creation of handwritten diagrams, equations, lists and tables that are instantly digitized.
Nebo is a paid service, but it's an excellent investment for those seeking maximum productivity and digital organization from handwritten notes.
Simplenotote
Simplenotote It's the perfect option for those who want Fast, cross-platform syncing, and a distraction-free experienceTrue to its name, it strips away all the extras and focuses on the text.
Main advantages:
- Real-time synchronization between Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and the web.
- Support for tags, advanced search, and the option to share public notes via link.
- Compatible with Markdown for distraction-free rich text formatting.
- Free and without ads.
Limitations: It doesn't support images, audio, or drawings. It's ideal for text notes and quick lists.
Additional recommended notes
Below are other applications recommended especially for advanced users, professionals, or those who need even more specific note management:
- Google Docs and SlidesPerfect for those who work extensively in the cloud and require advanced collaborative editing, text formatting, or presentation creation. It allows for extensive annotations, inserting images and tables, and real-time collaboration.
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint: Ideal for long notes, academic papers, or projects where a traditional word processor or presentation creation is required.
- Bundle Notes: Great for Android users who want to organize notes into Kanban-style boards, grouped by topics and tags, and with advanced visual customization options.
- Nimbus Note: Offers an advanced multimedia approach with audio notes, video, interactive lists, spreadsheets, and web clippings. Very useful for those working on multidisciplinary projects.
- Standard NotesFocused on privacy and security, with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. Ideal for those who handle sensitive information in their notes.
- NoteDex: Allows you to create visual note cards, group them into projects, and organize multiple formats. It's useful for quick presentations and memorization.
Tips for choosing the best app for your notes
Choosing the right app depends on your specific needs:
- If you are looking for an simplicity and speed: ColorNote, Simplenote or applications to study.
- To handwritten notes and drawings: Squid, GoodNotes, Noteshelf, LectureNotes, Nebo or Notability.
- Si you collaborate in a group: Evernote, OneNote, Google Docs or Notion.
- If you prioritize visual organization and personalization: Zoho Notebook, Bundled Notes or NoteDex.
- To Privacy & Security: Standard Notes.
- If you would like to multimedia and attachments: Evernote, OneNote, Nimbus Note and Notability.
Advanced features that make a difference
The most advanced apps on the list also offer unique options:
- Handwriting recognition with conversion to digital text (Nebo, GoodNotes).
- Annotation on PDFs and export documents for sharing or printing (Squid, Noteshelf, GoodNotes).
- Recording audio linked to notes and synchronized with writing (Notability, LectureNotes, Evernote).
- Protect notes with password or biometric authentication (Zoho Notebook, ColorNote, Standard Notes).
- Widgets and shortcuts to take notes from the home screen.
In addition, most allow visual customization with backgrounds, dark themes, use of different types of paper or cover, and synchronization with other services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of your note-taking app, we recommend the article on How to take advantage of Google's NotebookLM.
Specialized applications and productivity
For those who use their notes not only as an academic record, but also as a productivity and project management tool, there are apps that integrate additional functions such as Artificial intelligence to summarize or convert notes into tasks (for example, apps to pass exams), Kanban knowledge organization (Bundled Notes) or management of multimedia supernotes (Nimbus Note).
Some apps even allow you to keep daily records, create personal diaries, logs, planners, ebooks, and combine text with advanced graphics or diagrams without relying on external software. If you're looking for an alternative to improve your study, you can also check out the recommendations on alternatives to IA Writer on Android.
The role of synchronization and collaboration
Most apps offer instant synchronization between devices and, in many cases, collaborative features. This allows you to share notes, work in real time, and maintain secure access from anywhere—essential in both educational and professional environments. To expand your tools, you can also explore related apps at all Google apps.
Real-time collaboration, simultaneous editing, and the ability to send public links or share protected notes are key factors to consider if you work in a team or on group projects.
General limitations and aspects to take into account
Not all apps are perfect or offer everything you might need. Among the most common limitations include:
- Restrictions on free storage space.
- Advanced features only available by subscription.
- More or less sophisticated organization systems depending on the application.
- Limited support for media files or exclusive synchronization with certain services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).
It's a good idea to explore different options and, if in doubt, take advantage of the trial or free versions offered by most premium apps. For advanced management, you can also consult resources on Benefits of using Windows apps on Android.
The best note-taking apps on Android They cover the entire spectrum of needs: from the most basic and minimalist to the most advanced and professional. There are options for those who want handwritten notes, for those who prioritize collaborative work, extreme organization, or maximum security. Trying out different alternatives is essential to find the one that best suits your learning, work, or creative style. Thanks to this comprehensive and detailed guide, you now have all the information to make the best decision and transform your note-taking experience.
