Seven iPhone note-taking apps icons

Note taking hacks

top 7 note taking apps for iphones

By Evelyn Reed

Published: 10 May 2025

My iPhone's Note-Taking Chaos (and How I Fixed It)

Let's be honest, my iPhone used to be a digital disaster. Notes scattered everywhere! Shopping lists buried under old meeting minutes. Recipes mixed with random to-do's. It was a nightmare. Finding anything was a Herculean task, more like an archaeological dig than a simple search. Then, I discovered the power of dedicated note-taking apps. And my digital life? Totally transformed! I'm sharing my top seven finds—the apps that brought order to my chaotic iPhone note-taking.

woman overwhelmed by many sticky notes on her desk

woman overwhelmed by many sticky notes on her desk | Image: Supplied

1. Apple Notes: The Built-In Contender

Apple Notes is the default, and for good reason! It's simple, accessible, and syncs seamlessly across all your Apple devices. It's great for quick notes, lists, and even sketching. Plus, it's already on your phone, so no downloads needed! But, it lacks some of the advanced features of other apps. I mostly use it for simple to-do lists now, nothing too complex.

apple notes app interface on iphone

apple notes app interface on iphone | Image: Supplied

2. Bear: For the Minimalist Note-Taker

Bear is stunningly beautiful. Seriously, the interface is gorgeous. It's minimalist, clean, and focuses on making note-taking a pleasure. It's perfect for those who appreciate a distraction-free workspace. Plus, its tagging system is really helpful for organization. I adore the customizable themes. It's my go-to for journaling.

bear notes app interface

bear notes app interface | Image: Supplied

3. Notability: The Powerhouse

Notability is a beast. A powerful, feature-packed beast. It allows audio recording alongside your notes, perfect for lectures or meetings. You can even annotate PDFs! The handwriting recognition is amazing (though sometimes it gets a little... creative). It's a bit pricier than some of the others, but if you need a truly robust app, it's worth it. I use it for important meetings and project planning.

notability app interface

notability app interface | Image: Supplied

4. Evernote: The Veteran

Evernote has been around for ages, and for good reason. It's a super reliable option known for its robust syncing across multiple devices and platforms. I love how you can organize your notes into notebooks and stacks. But the interface feels a little dated to me, so it's not my everyday choice.

evernote app interface

evernote app interface | Image: Supplied

5. OneNote: Microsoft's Mighty Offering

OneNote integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft apps, making it ideal if you're already part of the Microsoft ecosystem. I appreciate the flexibility of using it across different devices and the collaborative features for teamwork. It's got tons of features; sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming though.

onenote app interface

onenote app interface | Image: Supplied

6. Google Keep: For the Super-Organized

Google Keep is all about simplicity and organization. Color-coded notes, reminders, and collaboration features make it great for sharing lists or brainstorming. I find its simplicity a bit limiting for complex notes, but it's ace for quick ideas and reminders.

google keep app interface

google keep app interface | Image: Supplied

7. Obsidian: For the Serious Note-Taker (And Techies)

Obsidian is different. It's a powerful knowledge management system that uses a folder system. It's really great for connecting ideas and building your personal 'wiki'. But it has a steep learning curve and its more suitable for complex note-taking and research projects. It's not for the faint of heart, but truly powerful stuff if you master it. I'm slowly working my way through its potential...

obsidian app interface

obsidian app interface | Image: Supplied

Finding Your Perfect Note-Taking App

So there you have it! My top seven note-taking apps for iPhones. The best one for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Experiment with a few, see which one flows best with your workflow, and then conquer that digital chaos! What are your favorite note taking apps? Let me know in the comments!

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