7 Best Note-Taking Apps for Students

Taking notes is essential for students, but it can be time-consuming and inefficient if not done right. Luckily, there are numerous note-taking apps available that offer innovative features to enhance your note-taking experience. In this article, we will explore the best note-taking apps for students that can help you maximize your productivity and efficiency.

Where Do Students Take Notes?

Nowadays, note-taking can be done on any device with a screen and a modern operating system. Whether you prefer using a laptop, Chromebook, iPad, or smartphone, there is an app suitable for you. Below, we have curated a list of note-taking apps that excel in different areas, making it easier for you to find the perfect tool for your needs.

1. Standard Notes | Customizable Note Editor

If you are tired of using Apple Notes on your MacBook and want a more versatile note-taking app, then Standard Notes is a great choice. This cross-platform app offers a simple yet feature-rich note editor with various extensions, such as markdown, code editor, spreadsheets editor, and more. These custom editors allow you to tailor the app to your specific requirements, and you can also change the user interface with different themes.

Standard Notes provides end-to-end encryption, cloud backups, heightened security, and unlimited device access. While it is primarily designed for macOS, you can also find versions for Android, iOS, and Windows. The basic features are available for free, but subscribing to the premium plan unlocks additional benefits like 10 different editors, custom themes, and automated backups.

Key Features:

• E2E encryption
• Custom Editors
• Customizable Themes
• Automatic Backup

Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

2. Bear Notes | Markdown-based Notes App

If you are looking for a simple and effective note-taking app that gets the job done, Bear is an excellent choice. This beautiful app is powered by markdown, allowing you to create detailed notes using lists, headings, strikethrough, links, quotes, and more. Bear also provides useful information like word count, read time, and modification date. You can export your notes as PDF, Word documents, or HTML files, making it easy to share your work.

Bear offers a free version with a subscription plan available for additional features like themes, sync across all devices, and advanced export options.

Key Features:

• Markdown-based editor
• Custom themes
• Export as PDF
• Sync between devices

Platforms: macOS and iOS.

3. Typora | Minimalist Note-Taking App

Typora is the perfect note-taking app for those who prefer a minimalist writing environment. Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, Typora offers a distraction-free note-taking experience with comprehensive markdown features. It also includes a focus mode and typewriter mode to enhance concentration and productivity. With five different themes, an outline panel, export options, and a file organizer, Typora provides everything you need for efficient note-taking.

Typora is currently free but will require a license once it goes out of beta.

Key Features:

• Focus Mode
• Typewriter Mode
• Themes
• Markdown Editor

Platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS.

4. Google Docs | Real-Time Collaboration

While Google Docs is primarily known as a word processor, it is also an excellent note-taking app for students. With Google Docs, you can create documents and collaborate with others in real-time. This makes it perfect for group projects and efficient teamwork. Google Docs offers a wide range of text formatting options, including a focus mode. You can also highlight segments and leave comments, making it easy to review and discuss notes.

Google Docs is free to use, with most features available at no extra cost.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration
• Rich text editing tools
• Comments and revision history

Platforms: Web, Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

5. Evernote | Multi-Purpose Note-Taking App

Evernote is a popular note-taking app that allows you to take notes in various formats, including text, audio, image, and handwriting. It offers templates that can help streamline your note-taking process, and the web clipper extension allows you to capture important information directly from your web browser. Additionally, Evernote enables you to scan entire documents, search the contents, and annotate PDFs.

Integrations with other apps further enhance the capabilities of Evernote. The free version provides 25MB note size, 60MB monthly upload limit, and syncs to two devices. Upgrading to a paid subscription offers unlimited devices, 10GB monthly upload limit, and 200MB note size.

Key Features:

• Templates for notes
• PDF annotation
• Web clipper
• App integrations

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, and Chrome OS.

6. Roam Research | Organize Your Research

Roam Research takes a unique approach to note-taking by offering networked documents. It is used by professionals across various industries for journaling, long-form writing, research, task management, project management, and studying. Roam Research utilizes bidirectional links, allowing you to navigate through a series of documents in any direction. The app also offers rich text formatting options, including bold, italics, lists, checkboxes, and headings.

Roam Research is a paid tool with a 30-day free trial and costs $15 per month. It is accessible through a web browser.

Key Features:

• Bi-directional linking
• Advanced text formatting
• Comprehensive keyboard shortcuts
• Graph view
• Templates

Platform: Web.

7. Notion | All-in-One Workspace

Notion is more than just a note-taking app; it is an all-in-one workspace. With Notion, you can take notes, create documents, manage projects, make Kanban boards, and track tasks. The markdown editor allows you to add images, links, and text to your notes effortlessly. You can collaborate with others in real-time and take advantage of existing templates to speed up your work. Notion offers a free version for personal use, with paid subscriptions starting at $4 per month.

Key Features:

• Powerful project management tools
• Intuitive notes editor
• Web clipper
• Templates
• Third-party widgets

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Web.

What's Your Pick: Best Note-Taking Apps for Students

These are some of the best note-taking apps for students, each with its own unique strengths. Typora, Bear, and Standard Notes are ideal for individual note-taking, while Google Docs, Evernote, Notion, and Roam Research cater to specific use cases. If you are looking for an all-in-one workspace, Notion offers the functionality of multiple apps in a single platform. Ultimately, the best note-taking app for students depends on your preferences and requirements. Give them a try and see which one suits you best!

Also Read: Google Keep vs Apple Notes: Best App to Take Notes on iPhone