Best Note-Taking Apps in 2026 — page 4

Carnet

HackMD

Choose HackMD for collaborative Markdown notes, publishing, and workflows that use its GitHub integrations, API, or CLI.

LiquidText

LiquidText focuses on document reading, annotation, contextual search, and links between notes and source material.

CollaNote

CollaNote combines study, handwriting, document markup, and collaboration tools across iOS and macOS.

HedgeDoc

HedgeDoc combines collaborative Markdown editing with presentation, revision and permission features.

Agenda

Agenda centers planning on a dated note timeline, with rich formatting, reminders, collaboration, exports, and Apple integrations.

Notes Writer

Notes Writer combines varied document, study, audio, and coding tools in one Apple-focused workspace.

Drafts

Drafts centers on immediate text capture, then adds organization and action-based sharing.

Phrase

Phrase combines Apple-device recording with multilingual transcription and editable notes. Its free plan is limited, and call audio must be imported rather than captured inside meeting apps.

CherryTree

CherryTree offers flexible, offline note organization with support for code, rich content, imports, and exports.

Beaver Notes

Beaver Notes combines offline, open-source note-taking with extensive Markdown features, sharing, encryption, and optional synchronization.

Nover

Nover focuses on local-first note writing with strong linking and import/export support. Its free plan is useful for offline personal notes, while cloud features and sharing are limited to Pro.

Zim

Choose Zim for a free desktop notebook built around linked pages, offline use, and plain-text storage.

Xournal++

Xournal++ provides a capable local workspace for handwritten journals and PDF markup, with plugin and audio options.

MindForger

MindForger combines offline Markdown notes, visual relationships, organizers, and optional AI connections. Its early project status and user-managed encryption are important context for adoption.

Microsoft Sticky Notes

Microsoft Sticky Notes covers quick note capture with broad Microsoft app and device access at no cost. Check the account, mailbox, and Windows limitations before relying on it for synchronized notes.

GitJournal

GitJournal centers note-taking on Markdown files and Git synchronization, with offline apps across four platforms.

Saber

Saber combines handwritten note organization, cross-device sync, optional hosting, and client-side encryption.

Disorganized

Disorganized combines broad note formats, synchronization, offline access, and an open-source project.

Stylus Labs Write

Write provides handwriting-focused editing with broad platform coverage, SVG files, and collaboration tools.

Kilonotes

Kilonotes brings handwritten notes, PDF annotation, audio transcription, and AI study tools together in one app.

Penbook

Penbook offers broad stationery, handwriting tools, planner pages, and Apple integrations across Apple platforms.

Defter Notes

Defter Notes focuses on spatial handwriting, PDF work, and Apple ecosystem integration. Its free option and trial lower the entry barrier, while iCloud is central to synchronization and backup.

Org mode

Pick Org mode if you want free, plain-text task, document, and code workflows centered on GNU Emacs.

Noted

Noted combines audio capture, timestamped notes, transcription, and sharing for Apple users.