Side by side
Microsoft OneNote vs NoteGen
Both stand on ai note-taking apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2
OneNote combines note organization with sharing, collaboration, digital ink, and transcription across a broad set of platforms. Its free plan is an option, while Microsoft 365 plans add cloud storage and paid features.
Visit Microsoft OneNote
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+4
Choose NoteGen if you want a free Markdown workspace that combines capture, AI organization, and connected canvases. Consider its beta mobile availability and unsigned macOS status when choosing where to install it; online features can send relevant data to configured services.
Visit NoteGenThe facts
| Microsoft OneNote | NoteGen | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | microsoft.com | notegen.top |
| On ai note-taking apps | #12 of 42 | #16 of 42 |
Microsoft OneNote: what it does well
- Available on five listed platforms.
- Supports note sharing and real-time collaboration.
- Digital ink and voice transcription aid note capture.
- Free plan available.
What to know first
- Internet is required for installation and activation.
- After 31 offline days, editing and creation stop.
- Features may vary by device and platform.
NoteGen: what it does well
- Core features are free.
- Collects text, audio, images, links, files, and tasks in one stream.
- Markdown editor supports tables, math, diagrams, and Mermaid.
- Offers AI chat and multi-step Agent workflows requiring approval.
- Notes and related data are stored locally by default.
What to know first
- Android and iOS installers are identified as beta.
- NoteGen is not yet signed for macOS, and the download page provides quarantine bypass steps.
- Self-hosted NoteGen Server is described as experimental.
- Enabled online features may send relevant data to configured services.
Alternatives to Microsoft OneNote Alternatives to NoteGen The whole list