Best Notes App for Windows to Boost Your Productivity

Old school methods can be effective, but when it comes to productivity, going digital is the way to go. While pen and paper may have their simplicity, they fall short in a digital world. Luckily, there are several notes apps for Windows that can not only boost your productivity but also help you stay organized.

Sticky Notes App

The Sticky Notes app is the closest you can get to the pen and paper arrangement. It comes built-in with Windows 10, making it easily accessible. With Sticky Notes, you can create multiple notes and type away. It even supports hyperlinks and comes in different colors. Plus, it works offline, so your thoughts don't have to reside in the cloud.

Verdict: Sticky Notes is free, brain-dead simple, and fast. It's perfect for quick post-it notes on your Windows desktop. However, too many notes can clutter your screen.

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Modern Notepad

Modern Notepad is the fusion of Sticky Notes and Notepad. While the default Notepad app on Windows is simple, it lacks format support. Modern Notepad solves this issue by providing a colorful layout, built-in dictionary, tabs, and recent files list. It's simple, uncluttered, and easy to use.

Verdict: Modern Notepad is a quick and hassle-free notes app that works right out of the box. It's ideal for Windows 10 users.

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OneNote

OneNote is a powerful app that integrates with Microsoft OneDrive cloud support, OCR, and even solves simple math equations. It's a cross-platform app, allowing you to access your notes from any device. Think of it as a digital version of a physical book, where you can write, add images, links, docs, and files. You can also collaborate with others on a single note or notebook.

Verdict: OneNote is excellent for those working on different projects and need organized and descriptive notes. It's the most popular notes app for Windows.

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Evernote

Evernote is more like a filing cabinet. It allows you to organize your files, receipts, documents, images, and notes in different cabinets with drawers. You can create notebooks, tag notes, and search for them easily. Evernote has a dedicated app for all popular platforms, making it convenient for users.

Verdict: Evernote is perfect for those who need a filing cabinet to store and file important tasks, files, and documents. It offers additional features with their plus and premium plans.

Visit Evernote (Freemium)

Simple Note

Simple Note is a cross-platform note-taking app that retains the simplicity of the classic Windows notes app. It allows you to take quick notes that sync across all platforms. Simple Note is free to use and has no support for attachments, making it ideal for those who want a straightforward note-taking experience.

Verdict: Simple Note is perfect for those who need a cross-platform enabled note-taking app with a simple interface.

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Scrble

Scrble is a handwriting app designed for Surface Pro tablet users. It allows you to write, draw, edit, and delete on your screen, just like you would on paper. You can even annotate and highlight images and PDF files. Scrble is ideal for drawing and sketch artists.

Verdict: Scrble is a creative app that mimics writing on paper. It's perfect for students and individuals who prefer handwriting over typing.

Visit Scrble ($3.99)

Nebo

Nebo is similar to Scrble but with more features. It's a notes app targeted towards students and teachers. Nebo supports handwriting and offers rich text formats, even when you're typing in handwriting. It's cross-platform enabled and compatible with various stylus pens.

Verdict: Nebo is perfect for students and teachers working on projects. It's a powerful app that delivers results.

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Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is an excellent way to organize your thoughts. MindMeister and XMind are two popular mind mapping tools. MindMeister is ideal for collaboration and brainstorming with your team, while XMind is a powerful and free tool for individual use. Both tools support rich text and file attachments.

Verdict: Mind mapping tools are perfect for translating thoughts into ideas. They help connect the dots and organize your thinking process.

Visit MindMeister | XMind

Boostnote

Boostnote is a note-taking app specifically designed for developers. It supports syntax, markdown, and allows you to export notes in .txt and .md formats. You can create folders, tag notes, and make them easily searchable.

Verdict: Boostnote is the go-to note-taking app for developers, offering syntax and markup support. It's still in development, so more features are expected.

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There's a notes app for everyone, depending on your work profile and requirements. Personally, I use XMind for generating ideas and planning, Evernote for filing important documents, and Sticky Notes for quick temporary notes. Choose the app that suits your needs and start boosting your productivity now!