While Apple Notes checks off most of the boxes, it may not fit into everyone’s needs. This is where the best Notes app alternatives for Mac come into play. Aside from making the task of note-taking pretty straightforward, these third-party apps also double up as a super handy annotation and writing tool. Besides, they allow creating projects in many formats like text, audio, video, and whatnot. Though the App Store has several good options, only a few have walked into our list of the top note-taking apps for Mac.
1. Evernote
Despite the cut-throat competition, “Evernote” remains one of the most appreciable note-taking apps both for macOS and iOS. The highlight of this app is the wide range of tools that provide more flexibility.
The best productivity app for academics who: can resist everything but checking their messages. (Freedom only works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows computers. So if you’re an Android user, check out AppBlock – Stay Focused) 9. Note-taking app: Evernote. Evernote is a digital filing cabinet to help you organise your notes and improve. Whether you're keeping a dream journal, a gratitude journal, a work journal, or any other type of journal, Journey is simply one of the best apps out there. Its crisp, clean layout is a pleasure to use for crafting your journal entries so they suit your personal journaling style.
The option to make notes in several formats like video, audio, web clippings, sketch ensure you are able to give your thoughts the right shape. With easy-to-format word processor at your disposal, you can write your thoughts elegantly.
You can create an agenda to be discussed in a meeting, write a quick memo and transfer your Evernote notes to Apple notes.
Often forget to do some important tasks? Make a checklist of all the things you have to do. Besides, you will also create presentations to express your thoughts with the desired impact.
Price: Free
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2. Microsoft OneNote
“OneNote” is a complete package. The app lets you capture your ideas in a variety of formats and offer you the needed freedom to keep everything in the perfect sync.
You can tag your notes to find them quickly. Make a list of to-dos and keep track of them so that you are able to do your tasks in time.
The collaboration features works immaculately, allowing you to work with your colleagues. For more security, you will also add an extra shield to your projects to keep them private.
Better still, OneNote for Mac is compatible with a ton of international languages including French, German, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Spanish and more. So, a language should never become a roadblock to your note-taking.
Price: Free
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3. Notebook
Zoho Corporation is well-known for producing powerful apps. And Notebook does have all the qualities to be highly efficient.
While there is a lot to like in this app, I find “Smart Cards” very adorable. What it basically does is automatically format the contents into specific cards like the recipe, video, and link.
The app provides several predefined note covers to let you design your stories elegantly. If you don’t like the readymade options, you can create a custom cover. Moreover, there is also an option to make public notes using shareable links so that anyone can view them.
With the dark-themed night mode, you will enjoy working till late at night. Plus, the reminders won’t let any of your tasks go out of your notice.
Price: Free
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4. Bear
Should you want to have a top-notch writing-cum note-taking app for your Mac, give a close look to Bear. I’ve used this app for long and always found pretty neat.
The best thing about it is the simple interface coupled with the easy-to-use tools. Therefore, you can write amazing stories and give your wildest thoughts the ideal shape.
Bear has a good library of more than a dozen themes that make it a lot easier to design stories. Features like tagging, archiving and adding tasks to notes enable to take control of your stuff. Furthermore, you can export your projects in multiple formats such as HTML, PDF, DOCX, MD, JPG, and EPUB.
Lastly, after a free trial of one week, you will have to upgrade to Bear premium’s $1.49 monthly or $14.99 annually plan.
Best App For Journaling On Mac Laptop
Price: Free
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5. Agenda
If you want to streamline all of your projects and get them ready before the deadline, pick out “Agenda.” One of the notable features of this app is the advanced text editor.
Depending on the specific theme, you can give a befitting look to your notes. It allows you to convert your text into multiple formats like Markdown and HTML. Segregate your files into different categories so that will access them instantly.
The app lets you connect your sticky notes to the events in your personal calendar. As a result, you can plan your meeting perfectly.
Better still, you don’t have to pay any bucks to use all the features of Agenda.
Price: Free
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6. Notion
Notion is a comprehensive notes and productivity app that can help you get things done. It boasts 200 app integrations to streamline multiple aspects of your life, whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, student, etc.
I especially love it for the clean and intuitive user interface that works like a charm across multiple devices. You can also add its extensions to Chrome and Firefox to sync your work in real-time. Use it not just for notes but to organize almost anything you can think of!
Price: Free ($4.00 per month for Personal Pro plan)
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7. Simplenote
There are very few note apps for Mac that look as familiar as Simplenote. Its user interface is pretty clean, and you hardly have to spend any time to master the tools.
One of my favorite feature of this app is focus mode. Times when you want to write with maximum concentration, this feature comes into play really well.
You can use pins and tags to organize your notes. And with Markdown, you will ideally format your projects. To ensure your eyes don’t burn while working in the night, the app comes with the dark mode.
Price: Free
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8. GoodNotes
I have picked out GoodNotes for a couple of main reasons. First, it makes annotating docs really fun. And if you are fond of giving your docs a creative look, this one can be your thing.
You can highlight or strikeout the text in your PDF documents. Easily move, scale and ideally customize the object color. There is also an option to add the bookmarks to your docs.
Courtesy the fast iCloud sync, you will find your notes on all of your devices. You can share your notes with others and also print them. The compatibility with a number of languages like English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese and more make it an evergreen tool.
Price: $7.99
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9. Quip
“Quip” is a lot more than just a simple note app for macOS. To be more precise, this is what you should use to collaborate with your teammates. Thanks to the chat and messaging integration, it helps you work with your colleagues in a fun way.
You can use the app to note down your thoughts faster, create to-do lists, and edit your docs. It also lets you make comprehensive spreadsheets.
Another notable feature of this app is that it allows you to import your address book from several services like Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Microsoft Outlook, Google, and iCloud.
You will create insightful charts by using the data from spreadsheets and Salesforce records. The smart slides would not just make your presentation more impressive but also save your time.
Price: Free
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10. BoostNote
If you are a developer, “BoostNote” should be your preferred option. The reason why I say it because the app has the support for code syntax highlighting in over a hundred languages such as Javascript, Python, HTML, CSS and more.
This open source markdown editor offers several tools that allow devs to take notes faster. The formatting features have semi-live previews so that you can quickly check your writing.
Besides, the text is automatically formatted as you type, which speeds up your task and also saves plenty of time. That’s not all, BoostNote works offline as well so that you can work anytime and anywhere.
Price: Free
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11. Unclutter
“Unclutter” is really smart! It’s designed to be a multitasker and lets you organize your clipboard data, files, and notes. If you aren’t able to take control of them, give it a chance to sort out the mess.
You can keep an eye on your clipboard history and manage it with ease. Store all of your files at once place and access them quickly. And yes, make sticky notes to never forget to do essential things.
The easy editing tools allow you to make changes conveniently. Due mainly to the quick search feature, you will instantly find a list. Besides, the app can be set up with Dropbox to sync data across the devices.
Price: $13.99
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That’s pretty much it! So, this sums up our roundup of the top note apps for Mac.
What’s your favorite?
Now that you have known our favorite note apps, tell us about the ones that can walk into your personal roundup. We’d really appreciate your collection and the valuable feedback.
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Keeping a journal is considered the best way to keep track of the important things in your life. It is believed that maintaining a private journal is a great way to spill out your thoughts, desires, and even your worries. Journal and diary entries have a long, rich history.
You can also preserve those crucial moments as cherished photo albums. It’s no surprise why these journaling apps fall within the category of some must-have apps at any time or situation of the day. Besides, with the emergence of software developers, there is a wide assortment of rich apps that inspire you to write down your memories and daily activities.
It is said that if you have a written account to look back on, it can keep all the great times of your life clear. There is nothing wrong with saying that now, with journaling apps on your smartphone, you have an easy option of keeping a journal.
Best Journaling Apps for Android and iOS
Journaling online can be a game-changer in your life. Here’s a list of the top journaling apps for Android and iOS:
1. Journey - Online Journal App
It is the best journal app for Android that allows you to write entries and geotag your entries etc. Moreover, while making entries, you can use this best personal diary app to log the weather and other variety of media. Such applications pave the way for convenient writing, which can be easily edited also. This best journaling app uses Material Design to provide wonderful navigation through the app.
The journey best journaling app also has a premium model that gives you access to several features such as access to Markdown and further aesthetic customization. With the help of this app, you can see your journal from any location and you can get access to a calendar, allowing you to easily scroll and see the date when you have an updated journal. Hence, it is a complete package.
Notable features of Journey, one of the best journal apps for Android:
- Protection with passcode and fingerprint
- Step by step guide for beginners
- Compose your journals by email
Download this best journal app for Android
2. Day One Journal - Best Journal App
This journaling app for Android gives you an unbeatable journaling experience. It is because when you are writing an entry, you'll get features like word count, options to customize your entries in which some of them are tagging, detecting local weather, and location tags.
There is a feature of attaching photos also, and it is said that when you add photos or audio to a specific entry, you can relive the memories of that moment.
Notable features of the Day One Journal, the online journal app:
- Easy managing feature to manage your calendar
- Timely reminders so that you don’t miss out on recording your mood or travels
- No limit on storage so that you store as much as you want
Download this best diary writing app for Android and iOS
3. Penzu - The Digital Journal App
Penzu is known for giving a stress-free journaling experience as it allows you to write entries, make some tweaks to the format, and add photos. The security lock is the golden feature of this digital journal app. It makes sure that your journal is stored at a place where your most private thoughts are stored, and without giving its access to anyone, no one can see your entries.
Also, with Penzu Pro, you can access unlimited journals, custom journal covers, 256-bit encryption security, and custom fonts, to name a few.
Notable features of Penzu, the best journaling app:
- The app provides unlimited storage so you can create as many entries
- Lock your entries or personal information that you write with a lock
- The app offers end-to-end encryption so that you don’t face any troubles
Download this best journaling app for Android and iOS
4. Momento - Best Online Journal App
If you want to organize everything in your digital journal, then this is the perfect app. Whenever you add an entry, you can select a folder and tags for it. With the option of full-screen mode, concentrating while writing is much easier. The Pro version of the app gives you the ability to export entries to PDF along with cloud sync using your Dropbox account.
The Dropbox sync option stores your journal on Dropbox and syncs effectively and quickly. This means that if you switch off your phone, then you will also be able to access your journal from a new device. The Pro version also gives you a chance to backup and export journal entries for better security.
Notable features of Momento, free online journal app:
- You get to secure your entries with a pin
- Multiple colors and themes for your varied moods and needs
- Never lose your data with a backup or restore feature
Download this best journaling app for Android and iOS
5. Daybook - Travel Blog and Journal
The Daybook online journal app is especially for those who take pleasure in the travel blogging they do. With this app, you can unleash the blogger residing in you as you go about recording your travels or you can also record your diary by speaking. This app offers to record your travels through photos, notes, and even location tags.
The best part? You can use this best journaling app offline as well with its offline feature and share it with your friends.
Notable features of Daybook, one of the best journal apps for Android:
- No internet connection? This best diary app even works in offline mode
- The option to sync across all your devices
- Easily print your journal
- Full protection and password protected
Download this online journal app for Android and iOS
6. Daylio - Journaling Apps
One of the best journal apps when it comes to tracking your mood, the Daylio best diary app will help you understand your mood with the help of statistics. All you need to do is pick your mood, write it and the app saves it for you. Your moods are stored as a statistic and that helps you understand your overall habits in a better way.
Notable features of Daylio, the online journal app:
- Backup and restore via Google Drive
- Understand your habits
- Pin lock
Download this best diary app for Android and iOS
7. Grid Diary - Best Online Journal App
Another best online journal app for Android that not only lets you maintain a diary but offers a lot more than that. The app boasts a unique grid format and lets you share your memories, plan your events, edit your notes, and even keep a track of your events. What else? The app offers unlimited storage along with a free markdown toolkit. So you get to format your journals with headers, photos, and even quotes.
Notable features of Grid Diary, one of the best online journal apps:
- Unique grid format
- Guided writing
- The app offers a free markdown toolkit so you can create headers or footers the way you want
- No limit on storage so get to store as much data as you want
- Support multiple categories of entries so you have your options open
Best App For Journaling On Mac Computer
Download the best daily journal app for Android and iOS
8. Diary - Best Journal App for Android
One of the good journal apps for Android, the Diary app is another of those apps which allows you multiple features. Users can write their journals, memoirs, mood, and other types of notes. Users get features like password protection for everything they write on the app along with multiple themes and font styles for you to pick from.
Notable features of the Diary, one of the best journal apps:
- Protect what you write with a password
- Multiple themes and fonts
- Mood tracker
Download this best journal app for Android
9. Life - Best Journaling Apps
For a few of those who love daily journaling, the life journal diary could be a treat. The app allows users to write about their feelings and moods along with a couple of other features. Not only you can write about your mood but also make a note of your daily activities and plans. What’s more? Protect your diary with a fingerprint as well.
Notable features of Life, one of the best daily journal apps:
Best App For Journaling On Mac Desktop
- Fingerprint protection
- Night theme
- Daily reminder
Download good journal apps for Android
10. Lucy - Best Journaling Apps
For a few of those who have problems with sleep talking, dreaming, and snoring, Lucy is the best online diary app for you. The app allows users to record their sleep cycle, track sleep and also use filters to record their sleeping activities. The app also comes with lucid dreaming, which helps you in tracking your dreams.
A bit unconventional, but Lucy is surely useful for those who want to record their sleeping habits and behaviors.
Notable features of Lucy, one of the best daily journal apps:
- Protected with password
- Record audio while sleeping
- Lucid dreaming tracks your dreams
- Intelligent audio filters
Download this best online diary app for Android
EndNote
Best App For Journaling On Microsoft
Journaling is the way by which you share your thoughts and feelings with the world. Some prefer sharing it while others prefer keeping their entries safe. All these journaling apps for Android and iOS allow you to maintain a digital diary in a hassle-free manner with unique features that allow you to either share the entries with your friends or protect them with a lock. So try these apps and make your journalism easy.
We hope you have found the perfect diary app fr your use. In case you are still not sure about installing the above-mentioned apps, you can always go ahead and take a look at in-depth app reviews explaining the advanced functionalities that are being offered by these applications. If you are an app owner and want to get your app reviewed, get in touch with MobileAppDaily.
Written ByShe is an avid writer of technology and trending mobile apps. When she is not busy updating you about the tech world, she spends time reading books and playing guitar.
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