When it comes to staying organized, having the right tools for note-taking can make all the difference. Whether you’re a student juggling multiple classes, a software engineer managing project details, or a business owner brainstorming ideas, a good note-taking app can simplify your life. The right app will not only help you capture thoughts and tasks but also ensure they’re accessible, searchable, and shareable whenever needed.
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In 2025, the market for Mac note-taking apps is rich with options catering to diverse needs. From minimalistic apps for quick memos to robust platforms powered by artificial intelligence, there’s something for everyone. This guide explores the ten best note-taking apps for Mac, transitioning from beginner-friendly tools to advanced apps designed for technical users.
Quick Overview: Best Mac Note-Taking Apps for 2025
- Apple Notes – Simple and built into macOS.
- Notion – Versatile and highly customizable for teams and individuals.
- Bear – Clean interface, markdown support, and ideal for writers.
- GoodNotes – Great for handwritten notes and students.
- Obsidian – Advanced linking for personal knowledge management.
- Evernote – Classic for organization and cross-device sync.
- Roam Research – A favorite for networked thought processes.
- OneNote – Perfect for students and Microsoft users.
- Ulysses – Ideal for long-form writing and project management.
- Craft – Beautiful and collaborative note-taking.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these apps to understand their features, best use cases, and who they’re best suited for.
1. Apple Notes
Category: Built-in Simplicity
Apple Notes is the default note-taking app for macOS users, and it’s evolved significantly over the years. With features like folders, tags, and Quick Notes, it’s an excellent option for casual users.
Key Features:
- Native integration with macOS and iOS.
- Supports attachments, sketches, and tables.
- Quick Notes for instant access.
Best For: Mac and iPhone users looking for a simple, no-fuss solution.
2. Notion
Category: All-in-One Workspace
Notion stands out as a versatile platform combining note-taking, task management, and collaboration. Its customization options make it a favorite among teams and individuals.
Key Features:
- Highly customizable templates.
- Collaborative tools for teams.
- Cross-platform access.
Best For: Teams, project managers, and power users who need flexibility.
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3. Bear
Category: Writer-Friendly Notes
Bear is a favorite among writers for its markdown support and distraction-free interface. It’s designed for both quick memos and detailed notes.
Key Features:
- Markdown formatting.
- Themes and focus mode.
- Cross-device sync with a subscription.
Best For: Writers and those who prefer a clean, aesthetic note-taking environment.
4. GoodNotes
Category: Handwriting and PDFs
GoodNotes is ideal for students and anyone who likes handwritten notes. With Apple Pencil support, it’s perfect for annotating PDFs and taking notes on diagrams.
Key Features:
- Handwriting recognition.
- Excellent for PDF annotation.
- Notebook organization.
Best For: Students and professionals who prefer handwriting.
Is GoodNotes free? Yes, but some features require a paid plan.
5. Obsidian
Category: Personal Knowledge Management
Obsidian is a powerful tool for those who like to interconnect their notes. Its graph view allows you to visualize relationships between ideas.
Key Features:
- Markdown-based note-taking.
- Graph view for interconnected notes.
- Plugins for added functionality.
Best For: Researchers, developers, and knowledge enthusiasts.
6. Evernote
Category: The Classic
Evernote remains a reliable option for organizing everything in one place. It’s known for its robust search and tagging features.
Key Features:
- Web clipping for saving content.
- Optical character recognition (OCR) for images and PDFs.
- Sync across devices.
Best For: Professionals managing extensive notes and documents.
7. Roam Research
Category: Networked Thought
Roam Research is designed for creating a network of ideas. Its bi-directional linking makes it a standout tool for in-depth research.
Key Features:
- Bi-directional links.
- Daily notes feature.
- Graph-based visualization.
Best For: Researchers and thinkers exploring complex topics.
8. OneNote
Category: Student-Friendly
Microsoft OneNote is a free, powerful option that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft Office suite. Its notebook system is intuitive and flexible.
Key Features:
- Notebook and section organization.
- Audio recording.
- Multi-platform compatibility.
Best For: Students and professionals in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Which is better than OneNote? It depends on your needs. For collaboration, Notion might be better; for handwriting, GoodNotes is superior.
9. Ulysses
Category: Writing Projects
Ulysses is a writing-focused app perfect for long-form content like essays, reports, or novels. It combines distraction-free writing with organizational tools.
Key Features:
- Markdown editor.
- Goal setting for projects.
- Sync with iCloud.
Best For: Writers and authors managing large writing projects.
10. Craft
Category: Beautiful Collaboration
Craft combines aesthetics with functionality. It’s great for creating visually appealing notes that can be shared with others.
Key Features:
- Stunning templates.
- Collaboration features.
- Export to various formats.
Best For: Teams and individuals who value design and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free AI note-taking app?
Apps like Notion and Evernote offer free plans with AI features, making them excellent choices for cost-conscious users.
Can ChatGPT take notes?
Yes, ChatGPT can assist in summarizing content and creating structured notes based on your input.
Is Fireflies AI safe?
Fireflies AI uses secure methods for transcription and note storage, but always check privacy policies before sharing sensitive data.
How do you make notes on a laptop screen?
Use built-in apps like Apple Notes or third-party apps like Notion or Evernote for seamless note creation and management.
Conclusion
The right note-taking app can transform your productivity, whether you’re a student, developer, or business owner. Apps like Notion, Apple Notes, and Obsidian cater to diverse needs, making it easy to find a perfect match. Plus, tools like FocusBox allow you to customize your workspace with templates, AI assistance, and ambient features to enhance your focus and creativity.